If you are one of those parents who are always a tad bit serious about making sure your children bring boast-worthy lunchboxes to school, this Valentine’s season, why not jazz up your bento game with an adorable love theme?
Think heart-shaped, or red snack ideas that will make lunchtime extra special. Not only would this add a fun twist to their everyday snacks, but they also show your kids that love and care come in many forms even in the smallest details.
Perfect for adding a little extra sweetness to their day, these playful and delicious treats will have them grinning in pride and love for you.
Let’s make lunchtime a whole lot more heartwarming!
Pancakes Straight from the Heart
Let’s start with the simple, humble pancakes. The soft, fluffy texture of this treat makes it ideal for little hands to grasp and explore, while also introducing new shapes. A simple and nutritious pancake recipe can be used, topping it with the usuals, like chocolate or, for a little festive twist, add a touch of pureed strawberry
Create beautiful heart shapes effortlessly using a heart-shaped mould or a cookie cutter, ensuring perfectly formed hearts every time. Freehanding the hearts adds a touch of creativity and charm for those without a cookie cutter and all you ‘artists’ with impeccable balance. Whether crafted with precision or a personal artistic flair, these heart-shaped pancakes are sure to be delightful—because they are made with love!
Sweetheart Sandwiches
Any snack lover would agree that sandwiches are the easiest and the most versatile meal to have in a lunchbox. They can be as simple as classic peanut butter or butter and jam sandwiches or as gourmet as smoked salmon and cream cheese, making them perfect for every palate. Elevate your child’s lunchbox this love season into a delightful expression of love by crafting mini heart-shaped creations for them.
Use cookie cutters to shape bread into adorable hearts, then fill them with colourful and nutritious ingredients like strawberry cream cheese, tuna, sardines or even a playful mix of chocolate spread and bananas. Not only do these sandwiches make lunchtime more exciting, but they also add a personal and thoughtful touch that shows your little ones just how much they’re loved.
Pizza Your Heart Out!
Of all children’s favourite snacks, pizza is undeniably a favourite among children. Since it is Valentine’s Day, imagine your child beaming with love and all smiles when they see their favourite treat in their bento. And the best part? These are adorable mini pizzas, lovingly shaped into hearts!
The best part about this pizza? You can use just about any pizza dough to whip it up! A no-knead dough is a great choice, and it’s even better when prepped the night before for convenience. If convenience is what you always opt for, just get a ready-made dough at the stores. (Psst.. No one’s going to know.)
Shaping your dough into hearts is easier than you think—just make sure you cut them with a cookie cutter at room temperature. Cold dough can be tricky to handle, but once warmed up, it’s ready to transform into adorable heart shapes!
Red Velvet Valentine’s Cupcake
Surprise your little ones this Valentine’s Day by slipping a delightful red velvet cupcake into their lunchbox. It does not have to be the main dish of the lunchbox, but it would most definitely be the main star! These moist, crimson-hued treats, topped with swirls of sweet cream cheese and sprinkled with little red hearts, are a delicious way to say “I love you.”
Not only will they brighten up lunchtime with a special treat, but they’ll also make your child feel extra special and loved. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness and thoughtfulness, guaranteed to put a big smile on their face when they open their lunchbox!
Little Love Notes for Your Little Love Bugs
While this can be a sweet practice for your children’s everyday lunchbox, it feels even more special when done for Valentine’s Day! Naturally, your heartfelt notes should celebrate each child’s one-of-a-kind personality and the special connection you share!
It could be a sweet reminder of how proud you are, an inside joke, or a little encouragement for their day, these notes can turn an ordinary moment into something truly special.
