If you remember being a kid you might remember one of the most disappointing bits — a badly packed lunch. Soggy sandwiches, wrestling with packaging or anything involving last night's left overs wasn't fun then — it's not now.

Fortunately, the home packed lunch has come a long way over the decades meaning you can give your kids a packed lunch that really satisfies (just don't tell them it's healthy). Here's our pick of top ideas the kids will love...

1. Low fat yoghurt with berries or nuts
Those cute cups of yoghurt you see at the cafe every morning not only look good, they taste great too. Make these at home using a small Tupperware container filled with a healthy choice of yogurt and a handful of your child's favourite additives (nuts, fruit or berry pieces).

2. Pasta salad
To delight little mouths try a fun pasta salad made with crazy shaped pasta. Mix through a delicious, light sauce (try olive oil, olives and cherry tomatoes) or try a light ricotta with pesto and bacon pieces. Throw in a pack of wipes for clean up!

3. Cutesy cut out shaped sandwiches
If you're tired of sandwiches coming home uneaten, try using shape makers (cookie cutters) for added fun. Look for hearts, planes, cars and circles to keep it interesting but remember — anything wet like tomatoes means soggy bread (and that's a lunch box crime).

4. Mini pizzas
If your child loves pizza, make it a regular feature in their lunch box. You can use a load of healthy ingredients including wholemeal muffins as a base (lightly toasted is best). For days when you're in a rush, melted cheese and vegemite is an Aussie favourite.

5. French toast in finger pieces
This yummy snack is deceiving: it presents like a special treat but isn't awfully bad. To make it, dunk some whole meal bread in a bowl of egg and milk mixture, lightly grill or pan fry both sides and finish with a small shake of cinnamon and sugar. Cut into fingers for a yummy, fork-free snack.

6. Chocolate covered strawberries, nuts and dried fruit
For some real lunch time excitement consider chocolate dipped strawberries or nuts and dried fruit drizzled in white and dark chocolate. Your child won't see far past the chocolate but you'll have the pleasure of knowing that their little bodies are reaping all the benefits of nature's power foods.

7. Mini muffins
Most mums and dads know that muffins present infinite opportunity at lunch time. Baking with vegetables, fruits, nuts and cheeses are just a few ways to ensure a yummy healthy snack in a form that looks very much like a cake!

8. Sushi pieces
For something a little exotic try making sushi at home. You'll need some special ingredients (available at most supermarkets). Try to use use brown rice. These bite-sized portions can incorporate all kinds of healthy foods from fish to chicken, beef and vegetables.

9. Cheese and crackers
Prepacked or home packed — cheese and crackers are a favourite for little tummies. Make sure you know their favourite kind of cheese and choose low fat yoghurt.

10. Sliced meats
Freshly sliced meat can be more appealing than sandwiches. Package some chicken, ham off the bone, turkey or sausage and watch your little darling grow up big and strong!

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