Bento 101 for Mommies

Bento boxes are a super easy and fun way to pack a lunch.  It inspires creativity!  The food doesn't have to be Japanese or look like characters from Hello Kitty.  In fact, this mommy prefers bright colors, delicious food, and minimal prep time. (Oh, and chocolate.)  (Sometimes I share.)

So, here's a quick li'l list of tips that will help you start packing adorable, delicious bento lunches for kids in no time!

1. Make it Fast.  Yes, there are some moms who like to take their time making elaborate bento box lunches for their children.  I guess I'm not one of them.  I like to do lots of freeze-ahead stuff, easy veggies and pre-planned menus.  It saves time, which you can then spend with your adorable children.
2. Make it Cheap.  You don't need to shop all organic or provide odd trendy fruits that are definitely out of season.  Shop in season, make stuff from scratch in big batches, and buy a stack of cheap plastic reusable divided lunch containers.  We made the mistake of buying a $25 bento lunch box for each kid.  Yeah, I did the math.  That's $75 (plus shipping!) This year we bought the cheapy-cheap Ziploc Divided containers at Ye Olde Big Boxe Store.  Like, $5 for 2.  Niiice.
3. Make it Fun!  If you find a cool cookie cutter (to cut sammiches!), tiny umbrella toothpicks (for grape kebabs!), or other fun cheap stuff, buy it!  I have a collection of little finger skateboards that I like to put in the kids' lunches.  Not edible, but very cool to see a skateboarding granola bar.  Awesome.  This is the time to think creatively, and think like a kid!  Ask for their help...because kids know how to have fun.  Some of us adults, well, it's a wee bit harder, but you can do it!

Now let's make lunch!