Are your burnt out trying to find fun, but useful Christmas gifts for the favorite children in your life? Let me make this easy for you. I spent some time curating this Kids Cooking Gift Guide for gifts you can pick up online to make your life that much easier. I love finding gifts that won’t be used once, then never touched again. Gifts that teach kids something. Gifts that my nieces and nephews will remember – “Oh, yeah, Aunt Cherie got that for me.” You ready?
Cooking and food related gifts are my fave. Getting my kids in the kitchen since they were 2 was one of the best things I have done for them to get them to be open to trying new foods, to be creative and make up their own recipes, and to learn math. Better yet, I’m preparing them for a life skill.
This Kids Cooking Gift Guide has something for everyone from toddlers to teens. Start by browsing this image, then let’s go in more detail.
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COOKING TOOLS
Here’s a list of tools in kid-sized versions. Most are actually quality enough that you will want to also use them. I tried to find tools made of silicone, metal or stainless steel when possible to avoid using plastic. If you can only find a plastic version, look for ones that are BPA free.
- Spatulas – cute rainbow colors
- Wooden spoons – This link is for a cute personalized set.
- Whisk – Get the 8 inch version for kids. This is a good quality whisk you will use yourself. Great for whisking small volumes such as salad dressing.
- Tongs –
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Kid knife (*DISCLAIMER: Kids MUST be watched at all times when using a knife or any cutting implement. Even a kid-safe plastic knife.) Look for ones without a sharp tip on the end. For younger kids, there is the crinkle cutter knife or the wooden knife that can be pressed down into softer fruits and veggies. Don’t expect beautiful cuts but it will do the trick.
- Cut resistant gloves – I have my kids wear these when using the grater or a knife to prevent cutting themselves. In fact, I use them too when I use the grater.
- Cake pan – I saw this adorable unicorn cake pan and had to include it. Can you imagine making some carrot cupcakes in this?
- The Learning Tower – This piece of furniture was CRUCIAL in getting my kids in the kitchen at a young age. I started them in this thing at 2 and they used it until they were about 6. It kept the two of them corralled when I was bustling around the kitchen while they helped me cook. (OK, truth. At this age they were no help. In fact, it was more work. BUT, it kept them occupied and they were more apt to try new foods when in their learning tower than at the table.) This thing is sturdy so I wasn’t scared that it might tip over.
- Apron – Personalized aprons are so fun. Look for one on Etsy – so many choices. Maybe even pick up a matching one for yourself. If you type in the search term “mommy and me aprons” there are a bunch, including some for dads.
COOKBOOKS
My kids will tell you that one of the perks of making plant-based dishes is that they get to lick the batter when we bake since I’m not worrying about food poisoning the way I did when I used to include eggs in baking. I’ve included links to specifically plant-based cookbooks because exposure to a variety of plant-based foods through cooking increases the likelihood of a child accepting them and therefore including them in their diet. Increasing plant-based foods in our diets is a benefit to both our health and to planetary health.
- Vegucated Family Table – This book is one of the few cookbooks out there written especially for parents of plant-based kids. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy from one of the authors Marisa Miller Wolfson and have loved everything I have tried so far. The recipes range from baby purees to food that would work for older kids and adults. The authors are mindful of children with food allergies and sensitivities and most recipes do not include wheat or nuts. There is tofu (soy) in some of the recipes. I love the section about dips and sauces since so many little ones will eat anything that can be dipped. The recipes are simple and flavorful and easy enough that my kids can make a lot of them.
- The Forest Feast for Kids – This book has lots of photos and is easy for kids to follow. My kids really like the black bean and kale tacos from this book.
- The Vegan Cookbook for Kids – This is a cookbook for kids 8-12 and has 50 recipes. I have not read this book but it has great reviews.
Honestly, the things on this Kids Cooking Gift Guide are all just for fun. You don’t have to get fancy to get kids in the kitchen. You can use takeout plastic cutlery knives for cutting, whatever cooking tools you already have at home and look up recipes online. The point of this post was to inspire you to get your kids in the kitchen. With that, I challenge you to cook with your kids once this week. It might get a little messy, but don’t forget, they grow up quick and messes are temporary.
