It’s always fun for a young child to find something cool and tasty inside their lunchbox. Add some seasonal flavor to your child’s meals with these Thanksgiving lunch recipes. Many use ingredients that you’ll likely already have in the fridge and cupboards, and most require minimal preparation. Quick and easy, these ideas are great for parents who want to add some festive fun at mealtimes.
Turkey-Shaped Sandwich
This cute turkey-shaped sandwich from Arts and Crackers is a perfect way to include some Thanksgiving symbolism to a lunchbox … even for kids who don’t like a turkey! You can use any filling to suit your child’s tastes, and you just need a sharp knife to create the turkey shape. Make a face out of cheese, olives, and red pepper, and you’ve made a cool lunchtime turkey!
Pilgrim Bento
One of our favorite Thanksgiving lunch recipes, this Pilgrim Bento from Adventures in Bentomaking is sure to make any kid smile in delight. Plus, it’s tasty and healthy and you’ve made the whole lunch in one easy go. You can customize the ingredients to suit your child’s tastes or omit the meat to make it veggie-friendly.
Cornucopia Snack
The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is another typical symbol of Thanksgiving. It’s easy to create this delicious cornucopia snack from B-Inspired Mama, and the abundance of fresh fruit also helps to make sure your child gets their five a day. The colorful pieces of fruit combined with the sweet waffle are sure to be a hit.
Mayflower Cupcakes
We love this thanksgiving lunch idea from Fork and Beans because it’s so easy to adapt. You can, of course, bake the cupcakes from scratch if you have the time, or you could decorate store-bought cupcakes and add a sail. How about popping a sail in a muffin? A bread roll? Perhaps even an orange. With a little creativity, you can easily make a lunchtime representation of The Mayflower, the boat that carried the Pilgrims to the New World.
Pumpkin Hummus
A tasty dip that can be enjoyed with healthy veggie strips, pita bread, chips, etc., it’s quick and easy to whizz up a batch of this flavorful pumpkin hummus from Sugar Spice and Glitter. And, there are few tastes that say Thanksgiving and fall more than pumpkin.
Scarecrow Snack Pack
If you’re feeling creative and have a little time to spare, these delightful scarecrow snack packs, courtesy of Fork and Beans, are a fabulous lunchbox addition. It’s a terrific Thanksgiving lunch recipe if you want to make your kid’s drink a main part of the fun.
Beautiful Autumn Bento
Load up your child’s lunchbox with a fresh and healthy salad. You can combine colors, shapes, textures, and flavors for an irresistible midday meal. Find inspiration from Lian Mama Bento, grab a sharp knife, and tailor the ingredients to be tempting for your child. They’re sure to gobble up this harvest bounty!
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Super quick and easy to make, these pilgrim hats from Like Mother Like Daughter is a cool snack idea for a thanksgiving lunch. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up a Thanksgiving-themed sweet treat for your child’s lunchbox!
