Easy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bento Box Lunch for Kids

A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich never goes out of style, especially when it’s packed inside a colorful bento box! This easy lunch combines a fun butterfly-shaped PB&J with crunchy pretzels, fresh fruit, trail mix, Jello, and a homemade-style cookie for a balanced lunch that feels a little extra special.

One of the best things about packing bento lunches is that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Small touches, like cutting a sandwich into a fun shape, can make an everyday lunch much more exciting without adding much extra work.

Turn an Ordinary PB&J into Something Special

Today’s lunch starts with a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Instead of serving it whole, I used a butterfly-shaped sandwich cutter to transform an everyday PB&J into something fun. Kids love discovering creative shapes in their lunchbox, and it only takes a few extra seconds.

If you don’t have a butterfly cutter, try using:

Hearts
Stars
Flowers
Dinosaurs
Simple circles

Any cookie cutter can instantly make lunchtime more exciting.

Crunchy Pretzel Sticks

Pretzel sticks are one of those snacks that disappear quickly in our house.

They add a satisfying crunch and pair perfectly with a peanut butter sandwich.

Other crunchy sides include:

Pretzel twists
Veggie straws
Popcorn
Mini crackers
Goldfish crackers

Fresh Apricots

Fresh fruit helps balance out the sweeter foods in the lunch.

Today’s lunch includes sliced apricots, which are easier for little hands to eat than whole fruit.

Other fruit ideas include:

Strawberries
Grapes
Blueberries
Apple slices
Mandarin oranges
Peaches

Jello Makes an Easy Lunchbox Dessert

Jello is a simple dessert that packs beautifully inside a bento box.

If you’re short on time, store-bought Jello cups work perfectly. Simply scoop the Jello into your lunch container for a colorful addition.

Other easy desserts include:

Yogurt
Pudding
Applesauce
Fruit cups

Trail Mix

Trail mix adds healthy fats, protein, and a little sweetness to the lunch.

Ours was a simple blend of peanuts and raisins, but you can easily customize it using your family’s favorite mix-ins.

Try adding:

Cashews
Almonds
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Dried cranberries

Homemade Cookie Treat

Sometimes it’s fun to finish lunch with a small cookie.

A homemade chocolate chip cookie turns an ordinary lunch into something memorable without needing a large dessert.

Everything in moderation is what works best for our family.

Why We Love This PB&J Bento Box

This lunch is:

Ready in about 15 minutes
Great for school lunches
Perfect for camp and field trips
Easy to customize
Full of kid-friendly favorites
Balanced with protein, fruit, and snacks

Simple lunches don’t have to be boring. Adding one fun detail, like a shaped sandwich, can make a classic favorite feel brand new.

Build Your Own Peanut Butter & Jelly Bento Box

Main

Peanut butter & jelly
Almond butter & jelly
SunButter & jelly
Peanut butter & honey

Crunch

Pretzel sticks
Pretzels
Goldfish
Crackers

Fruit

Apricots
Grapes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Apple slices

Dessert

Jello
Yogurt
Pudding
Applesauce

Snack

Trail mix
Mixed nuts
Popcorn
Cheese cubes

Treat

Homemade cookie
Mini cookie
Graham crackers
Animal crackers

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I pack with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

Fresh fruit, vegetables, pretzels, yogurt, Jello, trail mix, cheese, crackers, and cookies all pair well with a PB&J sandwich.

How do I make a PB&J sandwich more fun?

Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like butterflies, hearts, stars, dinosaurs, or flowers. It’s an easy way to make lunch more exciting.

Can I make this lunch the night before?

Yes! Assemble the sandwich the evening before and store it in the refrigerator. Add crunchy snacks like pretzels the next morning for the best texture.

What if my child’s school is peanut-free?

Swap peanut butter for SunButter, WowButter, or another school-approved nut-free spread while keeping the rest of the lunch the same.

Be sure to check out our other Bento Box lunches for more fun lunch ideas!