Marie Kondo is famous for her helpful organization hacks, and now—just in time for back to school—she’s sharing how to expertly pack a school (or work) lunch in the form of a bento box on her blog, All Things Konmari’d. While yours might never be as perfectly packaged as Marie’s, these bento boxes will definitely make your morning routine a little less hectic.
Bentos—a casual meal (often lunch) that are packed up in a compartmentalized box (bento box)—is a staple in Japanese culture and cuisine, and makes for the perfect to-go meal because it’s easy to transport. The best thing about a bento box is it can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be; we’ve seen some super creative ones filled with cutesy animal-inspired bites, but you can also opt for a simpler, less time-consuming box that still looks and tastes great.
Read More: Pack These 6 Healthy DIY Juice Box Alternatives in Your Kid’s School Lunch
Photo courtesy of KonMari Media, Inc.
Marie Kondo prepares bento boxes for her two daughters every day, filling half the box with rice and then adding different proteins, fruits, and veggies. While some bento boxes come with built-in compartments, if yours doesn’t, Kondo suggests using cupcake wrappers to keep each ingredient separated and organized.
Check out Marie’s how-to video along with some of our favorite kid-friendly bento boxes and recipes below!
Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Bento Box
For lighter and healthier #meatballs without compromising flavor, use a mix of ground chicken and tofu. Once cooled, pack in your #bento #lunchbox! Check my #TeriyakiMeatballs recipe on my blog!
(@justonecookbook) on Your kids are sure to love these healthy teriyaki chicken meatballs that are packed with flavor. Get the Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Bento Box recipe.
AOOSY Wooden Bento Box for Kids, $33.98 on Amazon
Japanese 100% natural hemlock wooden handmade bento box set.
Chicken and Hummus Plate Bento Box
and one of my personal favorites! Mostly because it’s just so dang easy and delicious, but also because it’s perfect for hot days (like today) 
when you’re craving a cold lunch! . My version includes the following in each lunch box: ⭐️ 4 oz cooked chicken breast ⭐️ 1/4 cucumber sliced ⭐️ 1/4 red bell pepper sliced ⭐️ 1/4 large carrot sliced ⭐️ 2 oz Hope brand hummus ⭐️ 1 oz smoked gouda cheese ⭐️ a few red grapes some pretzel thins on the side . Make your version with your favorites! I call it the CHICKEN & HUMMUS PLATE LUNCH MEAL PREP and you can find the recipe and all the portioning instructions at the link in my profile (and the link for the containers!!). . ℹ️ OR: visit projectmealplan.com and search ‘hummus plate lunch’ . . . #projectmealplan #foodblogfeed #foodbloggerpro #mealprepping #mealprepmonday #mealprep #prepnaturals #mealprepdaily #goodeating #lunchideas #whatsforlunch #portioncontrol #mealprepideas #mealprepsunday #todayfood #heresmyfood #hummusplate #prepahead #mealplan #eatwelllivewell #mealpreponfleek #mealpreps #mealprepife #healthyfoods #mealprepping #fuelyourbody #coldlunch #eeeeats #summerfood #howisummerWe love this simple lunch which is both filling and nutritious. Chop up everything the night before to ensure an even easier lunch prep in the morning. Get the Chicken and Hummus Plate Bento Box recipe.
Reusable 3-Compartment Plastic Bento Lunch Box, Set of 7, $14.99 on Amazon
These cute, colorful bento boxes are also microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Related Reading: We Paired Thematic Lunch Boxes with the Most Appropriate (and Delicious!) Meals
Snack Style Bento Box
This snack-filled bento box is sure to make your kids smile! Include a dip, a crunchy element, some fruits and veggies, and top it off with a treat for a complete meal. Get the Snack Style Bento Box recipe.
Expanded Double Bento Box by Takenaka, $31.99 on Amazon
Available in a variety of pretty pastel colors!
Funky Monkey Bento Box
Your kids will go bananas for this adorable monkey-themed bento box lunch that is surprisingly easy to put together. Get the Funky Monkey Bento Box recipe.
Check out Marie Kondo’s blog, All Things Konmari’d, for more tips and tricks on how to spark joy, tidy up, and stay organized.
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