Snack Bento Boxes for Kids

Summer is here, which in my house means a constant chorus of "Can I have a snack??"  It seems like every time I turn around my son is telling me he is hungry.  After awhile I run out of ideas to offer him.  I finally had an aha moment today and I think it may just save my sanity and his.

Ready-to-Eat Snack Bento Boxes

I made one "cold" box and one "hot" to be kept in the pantry and refrigerator.

I keep them low on a shelf where my son can help himself.

I explained that these are snacks he can choose from when he is hungry.

He can have 1 of anything in the box as long as he has asked permission.

This saves me from having to think up a snack on the spot and he is excited to be able to choose from a variety of foods.

Here is what I included in the "cold" box:

• plums (already washed)
• grapes (washed in individual bags)
• mozzarella cheese sticks
• cheddar cheese cubes
• yogurt

Here is what I included in the "hot" box:

• reduced fat Cheez-its (in individual bags)
• Honey Teddy Grahams (in individual bags)
• raisins (snack boxes)
• fruit leathers
• granola bars
• popcorn
• peanut butter crackers

Have you come up with any simple, sanity-saving, ideas lately??