Easy Dolphin Bento Box Lunch Kids Will Love

Make lunchtime extra fun with this adorable dolphin bento box! A simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich becomes an ocean-themed adventure with the help of a dolphin-shaped sandwich cutter. Add fresh fruit, applesauce, cheese, and trail mix, and you’ve got a balanced lunch that’s both easy to pack and exciting for kids to open.

One of my favorite things about themed lunches is that they don’t require fancy ingredients. A simple cookie cutter can completely transform an everyday sandwich into something memorable.

Dolphin Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

The star of today’s lunch is a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich cut into playful dolphin shapes.

Simply prepare your sandwich as you normally would, then use a dolphin-shaped sandwich cutter to create two fun ocean animals. If you’re using jelly, spread it lightly so it doesn’t squeeze out when cutting the sandwich.

Don’t have a dolphin cutter? Try:

Sharks
Fish
Sea turtles
Whales
Starfish

Themed sandwiches are an easy way to make everyday lunches feel special.

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries add a naturally sweet side that pairs perfectly with a peanut butter sandwich.

They’re colorful, nutritious, and easy to pack in a bento box.

Other fruit options include:

Blueberries
Grapes
Mandarin oranges
Apple slices
Raspberries
Kiwi

Applesauce

Applesauce is one of the easiest lunchbox sides because it requires no preparation.

I simply squeezed a pouch into the bento compartment, but reusable containers work just as well if you’re packing homemade applesauce.

Other fruit sides include:

Yogurt
Fruit cups
Sliced peaches
Pears
Mixed berries

Babybel Cheese

A Babybel cheese adds extra protein and calcium while giving kids another fun food to unwrap at lunchtime.

Other cheese ideas include:

String cheese
Colby Jack cubes
Cheddar cubes
Mozzarella pearls

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great way to add healthy fats, protein, and a little crunch.

Try making your own with:

Peanuts
Almonds
Cashews
Raisins
Dried cranberries
Sunflower seeds

Customize it with your child’s favorite ingredients.

Why We Love This Dolphin Lunch

This ocean-themed lunch is:

Ready in about 10 minutes
Perfect for school lunches
Great for picky eaters
Easy to customize
Full of protein and fruit
A fun way to make PB&J exciting again

Sometimes one simple cookie cutter is all it takes to turn an everyday lunch into something kids remember.

Lunchbox Tips

Packing school lunches doesn’t have to be expensive.

A few of my favorite budget-friendly ideas include:

Buy colorful plastic forks and spoons from the dollar store so you don’t have to worry about silverware getting thrown away.
Watch for party napkins on clearance after holidays to add a fun surprise to every lunch.
Keep a small collection of cookie cutters on hand to quickly transform sandwiches into exciting shapes.
Stock up on applesauce pouches, yogurt cups, and fresh fruit to make packing lunches even faster.

Small details can make lunchtime feel like an adventure without adding much extra time to your morning routine.

Build Your Own Dolphin Bento Box

Main

Peanut butter & jelly
SunButter & jelly
Almond butter
Turkey sandwich
Ham sandwich

Fruit

Strawberries
Grapes
Blueberries
Mandarin oranges
Apples

Dairy

Babybel cheese
String cheese
Yogurt
Cheese cubes

Snack

Trail mix
Pretzels
Goldfish crackers
Veggie straws

Fruit Side

Applesauce
Fruit cup
Pudding
Yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dolphin sandwich cutters?

Dolphin sandwich cutters are widely available online and are a fun way to create ocean-themed lunches for kids.

Can I use something besides peanut butter?

Absolutely! Try SunButter, almond butter, WowButter, cream cheese, turkey, or ham depending on your child’s preferences and school policies.

What foods go well in an ocean-themed lunch?

Fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, yogurt, applesauce, trail mix, and vegetables all pair well with dolphin-shaped sandwiches.

Can I make this lunch ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sandwich the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and pack the remaining ingredients in the morning.

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