SAY BUH-BYE TO THOSE LITTLE PLASTIC BAGS
With just a few snips, you can create a set of cool, ecofriendly, reusable snack and sandwich containers from juice cartons and milk jugs.
TUCK IN SOME LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
In January, when all the "page-a-day" desk calendars with funny cartoons, puzzles, and trivia go on sale, Kim Hogan of Enumclaw, Washington, stocks up. Then, on random days throughout the year, Kim will tear off a page and tuck it into a lunch packed for Christopher, age 10, or Jennifer, 14. "They're conversation starters at the lunch table," says Kim. "My son and his elementary-school friends don't realize they're learning something with the 'Brain Quest' calendar. And Jennifer enjoys the 'Far Side' and Hidden Picture calendar pages I slip into her lunch every once in a while."
DOODLE ON A BAGEL
For a lunch box note that'll really make an impression, draw pictures and write messages directly on your kid's sandwich or piece of fruit with edible food markers. Use the markers (we like Wilton Food Writers, $8 for a pack of five colors) to send midday reminders ("Don't forget to bring home your baseball mitt!") or to make a funny face that adds "a-peel" to that otherwise ho-hum banana.
