Create the Ultimate DIY Snack Packs for Kids

January 16, 2025

DIY kid fruit snack pack

Creating DIY snack packs for kids is a simple way to make snack time more personalized, more affordable, and a lot more fun. With a little planning and creativity, you can provide your kids with delicious and nutritious options they’ll look forward to every day!

Whether you’re assembling an everyday snack pack for your child or creating a DIY snack gift box for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered with these delicious and thoughtful DIY snack box ideas.

Benefits of DIY Snack Boxes

First, let’s take a look at why snack boxes are such a great idea. They are:

Cost-Effective: Buying snacks in bulk and portioning them out saves money
Customizable: You control the ingredients, so you can include your kid’s favorite snacks and avoid any allergens like nuts or dairy
Eco-Friendly: Reusable containers are better for the planet

How to Make DIY Snack Packs

Choose the Right Containers

How do you pack snacks for kids? Start by investing in reusable containers or snack-sized zip-top bags. Look for containers with:

A durable design to ensure yourtravel friendly snacks stay intact
Small compartments or dividers to keep snacks organized
Kid-friendly design elements, such as bright colors, favorite characters, or fun patterns

Pick a Balance of Nutrients

What are good snacks for a kids lunch box? When coming up with DIY snack packs for school, try to include a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Mixing and matching these categories ensures that your kids stay energized throughout the day. Some great ideas include:

Proteins: Cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs, turkey slices, or roasted chickpeas
Healthy Fats: Nut butter packets, avocado slices, or mini hummus cups
Carbohydrates: Whole-grain crackers, pretzels, or fruit like apple slices and berries

Try Popular Combos

Here are a few combinations to help you create easy DIY snack packs for any occasion:

Trail Mix is one of our favorite homemade snacks for kids. Simply combine almonds, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, popcorn, and Welch’s ^® Fruit Snacks
Make a fruit and cheese plate with grapes, apple slices, and cheddar cubes
Put together a mini veggie tray with baby carrots, cucumber sticks, and hummus
Provide an energy boost with whole-grain crackers, peanut butter, and a banana

Add a Fun Element

To keep snack time kid friendly fun, include a surprise or unexpected twist with DIY snack pack ideas like:

Dips: Add small containers of yogurt, guacamole, or ranch dressing
Mini Treats: A square of dark chocolate or a couple of gummy bears can make the snack feel special
Themed Packs: Create snack packs inspired by your kids’ favorite characters or holidays

Tips for Assembling Snack Packs

Get Kids Involved

Allow kids to help assemble their snack packs. Set up a “snack bar” with various options and let them choose what goes into their packs. This encourages independence and teaches them about balanced eating

Prep in Advance

Prep several snack packs at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge or pantry so you’ll always have on the go snacks on hand

Keep Things Organized

Make a designated snack box area and consider pre-labeling each snack box with your child’s name

Homemade Snack Gift Ideas

In addition to everyday snack packs, creating a DIY snack box gift is a thoughtful way to show you care. With a little planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can craft a snack box that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, grab your favorite snacks, and let the fun begin!

Pick a Theme

Every great giftable snack box starts with a theme. Consider the purpose of the box, then assemble homemade snack gift ideas that fit the theme. Here’s some inspiration:

Movie Night: Popcorn, candy, and Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks
Global Vibes: Treats from different cultures, like Japanese mochi, Mexican spicy chips, or French macarons
Better-for-You Snacking: Dried fruits, mixed nuts, granola bars, and dark chocolate
Childhood Favorites: Nostalgic snacks like gummy bears, cheese crackers, and chocolate milk
The Cozy Box: Hot chocolate packets, marshmallows, biscotti, and a mini candle
Workout Fuel: Protein bars, electrolyte packets, nuts, and a reusable water bottle
Kids’ Fun Box: Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks, crackers, small toys, and a fun drink

Understand Your Recipient

If the snack box is a gift, tailor it to the recipient’s tastes and dietary restrictions. For example:

Do they prefer sweet or savory snacks?
Are they gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free? Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks are a great allergen-friendly choice
Are they trying to reduce their sugar intake? Try Welch’s ^® Fruit Snacks Reduced Sugar, which have 25% less sugar than regular Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks and 100 percent of the mouthwatering taste

Choose the Snacks

Variety is the spice of life! Aim for a mix of flavors, textures, and categories with DIY snack pack ideas like:

Sweet: Chocolate bars, candies, cookies, or pudding cups
Savory: Chips, pretzels, popcorn, or jerky
Better-for-You Options: Trail mix, protein bars, packaged 100 calorie snack packs, or Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks Reduced Sugar
Drinks: Include beverages like tea bags, bottled cold brew coffee, or juice boxes for a well-rounded experience

Add Personal Touches

Make your DIY snack box gift box extra special and memorable by including:

Handwritten notes with a short message or a fun description of each snack
If you’re creating goodie bags or gift bags for events, include such as small toys, stickers, or trinkets that go with the overall theme
Put the snacks in a container that can be repurposed in other ways, such as a mini sand bucket, hatbox, or planter

Pack It Up

Presentation matters, especially if you’re creating birthday snack packs or another type of DIY snack box gift. Choose a sturdy box or basket and arrange the snacks neatly:

If you’re shipping the box, ensure the snacks are well-sealed and not perishable
Use crinkle paper or tissue to cushion the snacks
Layer items by size, with larger ones at the back and smaller treats at the front
Secure the box with a ribbon, bow, or decorative sticker