Festive and Fun Lunchbox Ideas for October with @lunchboxmafia

 October is the perfect time to add a little seasonal magic to your child’s (or big kid’s) lunchbox. With cozy fall flavors and Halloween-inspired touches, these easy snack and lunchbox ideas will not only fuel your kids through the day but also make lunchtime something they’ll look forward to!  

Here are some quick tips to adding some spooky fun to your kid’s lunch:

• Add black and orange sprinkles to applesauce or yogurt
• Use cream cheese to stick candy eyeballs to pretzels
• Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into spooky shapes
• Add seasonal flavor like pumpkin-spiced fig bars or apple cinnamon granola.

We all know someone with food allergies. Keep it safe and simple for them with some of these treats. Juice pouches or small bottled water are easy and always appreciated. You can also make goodie bags filled with some of these items, which can be found at Dollar Tree, Walmart or at OrientalTrading.com:

• Pencils, erasers, stickers, stamps and bookmarks
• Key chains, slap bracelets and glow sticks
• Hair scrunchies, temporary tattoos, slime, puzzles and vampire teeth

1. Spooky Snack Box

Lean into the Halloween colors with a mix of black and orange. Pack black corn chips with hummus, juicy mandarin oranges, blackberries and fun orange cheese bites. 

Parent Tip: Use a mini cookie cutter (available at Target or Amazon) to shape the cheese into pumpkins or bats for an instant festive touch.  

2. Apple Harvest Protein Box

Apples are at their peak in fall, and this box celebrates them! A creamy dip made from peanut butter and Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with red apple slices. Add a cheese stick and some beef jerky for a protein boost that keeps kids full longer. 

Parent Tip: Sprinkle cinnamon on the apple dip for extra fall flavor — and to make the lunchbox smell amazing when it’s opened. 

3. Jack-o’-Lantern Charcuterie Box

A playful spin on a snack board, this box features baby Brie wheels that become mini pumpkins with jack-o’-lantern faces drawn on with an edible food marker. Blackberries and mandarins add the necessary Halloween vibes! Round out the box with slices of peppered salami, mini toast, a sweet-and-spicy Calabrian chili orange spread and pumpkin spice candied almonds. 

Parent Tip: This one works great for older kids — or even for parents who want a fun, grown-up-inspired lunch. 

4. Caramel Crunch Fall Box

Simple yet satisfying, caramel rice cakes add a touch of sweetness with a cozy fall vibe. Pair them with apples and graham crackers with a pumpkin spice dip. Add some dried apricots, cranberries, nuts and a few dark chocolate chips for balance. 

Parent Tip: Break rice cakes into halves or quarters so they stay crisp and fit neatly in your lunch container.

These festive boxes bring the warm colors and cozy flavors of fall right into your child’s day. Whether it’s a Halloween-inspired snack or a protein-packed lunch, these ideas are easy to pull together and guaranteed to spread a little October joy. Come say hello at @LunchboxMafia on Instagram and Facebook. Have the best Halloween and a fabulous fall season!  

Xoxo, Jenny  

Originally Published in October 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

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