Cute Butterfly Bento Box Lunch for Kids
Packing school lunches doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun. Sometimes all it takes is a simple cookie cutter and a few favorite foods to turn an ordinary lunch into something your child can’t wait to open.
This butterfly-themed bento box combines bite-sized peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with fresh fruit, applesauce, crunchy cheese balls, and a small sweet treat. It’s colorful, easy to pack, and perfect for busy school mornings.
Whether you’re looking for back-to-school lunch inspiration or simply want to make lunchtime a little more exciting, this easy bento box is sure to bring a smile.
Mini Butterfly Peanut Butter Sandwiches
The highlight of today’s lunch is a collection of mini butterfly-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Kids naturally gravitate toward finger foods, and using a small butterfly cookie cutter instantly makes a familiar sandwich feel new again. Because the sandwiches are smaller, they’re also easy for younger children to hold and eat.
If your child’s school is nut-free, simply substitute sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly spread.
Cheese Balls
Every once in a while it’s fun to include a snack that’s just for fun.
A handful of cheese balls adds a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft sandwich and fruit. Portioning them into a bento compartment also helps keep serving sizes reasonable while still making lunch feel like a special treat.
Other crunchy substitutes include:
- Goldfish crackers
- Veggie straws
- Pretzels
- Cheese crackers
- Mini popcorn
Fresh Kiwi
Kiwi adds a bright pop of color along with plenty of vitamin C. Slice it into rounds or fun shapes for an even more colorful lunch.
If your child isn’t a kiwi fan, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, or mandarin oranges all work well.
Cinnamon Applesauce
Applesauce is always an easy lunchbox favorite.
Using cinnamon applesauce gives this lunch a little extra flavor while adding another serving of fruit. Pack it in a reusable silicone cup or small leak-proof container for easy cleanup.
Sweet Treat
To finish the lunch, I tucked in a few peanut M&M’s for a fun surprise.
You can easily swap these for another favorite candy, yogurt-covered raisins, chocolate chips, or another small dessert depending on your family’s preferences.
Why This Bento Box Works
This lunch is:
- Ready in just a few minutes
- Perfect for picky eaters
- Easy to customize
- Great for elementary school lunches
- Filled with familiar kid-approved foods
- Fun without requiring a lot of extra work
Sometimes changing the shape of a sandwich is all it takes to make lunchtime feel extra special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make butterfly sandwiches?
Use a small butterfly-shaped cookie cutter to cut peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into fun bite-sized pieces. Mini cookie cutters work especially well for younger children.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sandwiches the night before and store them in an airtight container or lunchbox in the refrigerator until morning.
What fruits go well in butterfly lunches?
Some colorful choices include:
- Kiwi
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apple slices
- Mandarin oranges
How do I keep applesauce from leaking?
Reusable silicone cups with leak-resistant lids or tightly sealed reusable containers work well inside most bento lunch boxes.
Here’s a few links to some of the items I used to make Peyton’s lunch today –
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