We've compiled a list of the best gifts for kids that relate to food, nutrition, and cooking. If you've got a budding Top Chef to buy for this year, we've got the information you need!
Recipes for Fun
Your own private teacher talks you through more than 245 recipes from more than 30 countries with video demonstrations on the Nintendo DS's "Personal Tainer: Cooking." (All ages; $19.99; available at GameStop and at www.amazon.com)
"Tutti a tavola a magiare!" James Beard award-winning chef (and everyone's favorite Nonna) Lidia Bastianich welcomes kids into her family home and shares the importance of holiday traditions in her first children's picture book, Nonna Tell Me a Story. (Ages 4-8; $15.95; Running Press Kids)
From Benny's Breakfast Burritos to Dora's Empanadas, the treats in Dora & Diego's Let's Cook from Nickelodeon will inspire young adventurers in your kitchen. The book includes safety and nutrition notes, tips for age-appropriate tasks, and lots of tidbits for teaching in addition to 50 healthy recipes. (Ages 4-8, $16.95; Wiley)
While your little girl is helping in the kitchen, why not let her spiff up her own lunch with this Mom Invented Puzzle Bites Sandwich Cutter? It cuts off the crust to satisfy the finicky, and adds a touch of whimsy to the usual lunchbox fare (plus, it's BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and child-safe). ($3.99; www.ginseystore.com)
Your soundtrack for cooking: Healthy Food for Thought: Good Enough to Eat is a double CD compilation that presents the importance of healthy eating through stories, poems, and songs. The CD includes a whopping 60 tracks, with contributions from award-winning artists like Julian Lennon, Russell Simmons, Moby, Trout Fishing in America, and Tom Chapin. All proceeds benefit the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food. ($10)
Pretend Play
With its adjustable height, the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me-Kitchen literally grows with your future Top Chef. Stimulating music and sounds, stackable cups, and shape-sorting will inspire your child's imagination for years to come. (Ages 1 ½-5; $70)
Trendy girls can blend food and fashion with the Girl Gourmet Chill TreatsTM Dessert Maker. Inspired by the frozen yogurt trend, the kit lets kids make their own frozen treats at home in a fun and creative way. (Ages 8 and up; $24.99; available at Target stores or at www.jakks.com)
The Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kit is an interactive way to learn about the science of cooking, how to plan a healthy meal, and shop for ingredients. Included are a kid's apron, illustrated original recipe cards with instructive lessons, and color-coded measuring cups and spoons. (Two sets available, for ages 3-5, and 6 and up; $40; available at Pottery Barn Kids, www.kitchenkapers.com, and www.amazon.com)
Inspire your toddler to surprise you one morning with Land of Nod's Breakfast in Bed Set with an adorable sunnyside-up egg, toast, and tray. (Ages 3 and up; $24.95 for set; toaster sold separately, $29)
Guess what the hungry monsters have eaten as you race to find the healthy food with Young Learners' Yummy Scrummy game. (Ages 3 and up; $14.99; www.creativetoyshop.com)
