Gift Giving Ideas: Kids and Teens
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Parenting is kind of a live and learn type situation. The first kid is a little like the practice shot, where you probably won’t screw it up too much, but you will definitely change your technique as you go. This has been reflected in the gifts we gave the kids over the years. We started out with the newest and coolest, bright, light-up, noise-making type toys for Tristan and as we went, the thought process shifted more to, “What do they get from this?” Sure, the light-up, singing, dancing toy is cool for about 10 minutes, but will it become a core memory? Probably not. Play is so important, really for people of all ages in different variations, but if play can also be learned from, even better! This list is based on our experience over the years, with that philosophy in mind.
No. 1- Global Grub ARTisan Kits. These would make a great gift for any teen or young adult interested in cooking, or who is crafty! There are several options available, so something for everyone’s taste buds. I tried to also keep value in mind, and I feel you get the most bang for your buck with the two featured here. If you read my post from last week, it’s important to note, these kits use dyes derived from natural sources!
No. 2- Cooking Class: Global Feast. This cookbook is a great introduction to a verity of global foods. Some kid’s cookbooks tend to have some bland recipes, but this is a good balance of tasty and food that feels approachable for the younger crowd.
No. 3- The Science Chef. During the pandemic shut down, like many families, we spent more time cooking together and more time trying to incorporate learning with schools all being virtual. We started with sour dough, and learning the science behind it, which got Lucy on a kick for awhile of starting a YouTube science - cooking channel. I really wish she would have! Anyway, that is what brought us to this book. Pretty much great for any kid or pre-teen interested in either science or cooking.
No. 4- Universal Yums. Tristan has always been all about trying new things, weather that is a dish he has never heard of, meat from an animal that isn’t in your typical American dishes, or snacks from around the world. This is a subscription box of snacks from around the world that would be great for teens that are hard to shop for. They have several levels and price points. I also found a single box on Amazon if you're looking for more of a one and done type gift.
No. 5- Radish Kids. Lucy was fortunate enough to receive this as a gift a few years ago and it was a fantastic experience. It is a subscription box that comes monthly with recipe cards for a three course meal; typically a main dish, a side and a dessert and a new tool for making the recipes. Its a great way to get the kids in the kitchen and the recipes surpassed my expectations in terms of flavor. There are also single boxes available online if you want to gift just one, or have a lower budget. This is my number one recommendation for school-aged kids this Christmas.
No. 6- Dino taco holders. I don’t have much to write about these, but how fun are they?! Great for kids, teens, or adults who aren’t boring.
No. 7- Kids kitchen tools. Another great way to get kids interested in food and cooking is to get them their own tools. Lucy had a set similar to this when she was young and she always wanted to help out where she could in making dinner. I will caution everyone that these knives are not sharp, so they will be better for soft items. For cutting harder foods like carrots or potatoes, the crinkle cutter will be the best option!
No. 8- Burger stacking toy. This is a fun game for toddlers and younger kids. It teaches sequencing, works on concentration, and focuses on hand-eye coordination. It would also be fun for roll playing restaurant.
No. 9- Funny face plates. The reason I like these may be selfish, but when the kids were little, I can remember eating many cold meals, or eating as quickly as I could to be finished when they were. Allowing them to essentially play with their food, but in a good way, also will slow them down. It will teach them to eat more slowly, leading to less over-eating. Another possibility is the longer they look at a new food, the more likely they are to try it, where they may have rushed by it in other circumstances. Plus, these are just fun!
Note: There is another, less expensive variation, but I’m picky about materials. The linked version is ceramic, so it will be more like a normal dinner plate and higher quality over-all. The cheaper version is melamine, which I don’t care for for a verity of reasons.
No. 10- Last but certainly not least- Learning Resources play food. I love Learning Resources as a brand in general, but the quality of their play food is far better than any other brand we found. At one point when Lucy was young, I down sized her play kitchen toys and got rid of everything that was not this brand. They have countless fun and unique food kits. If we ever started over in the kid department, we would skip all other brands. Learn from our lessons. This would make a great gift for toddlers and pre-school aged kids.