Feeding Holiday Gift Guide 2025
From Baby’s First Bites to Big-Kid Fun
Looking for unique holiday gifts for your child?
I’ve rounded up my favorite feeding-friendly tools and products that make mealtimes easier, more fun, and a little more magical — from baby’s first bites to big-kid kitchen helpers.
Whether you’re shopping for a curious infant, a picky toddler, or a budding little chef, these ideas will spark joy (and confidence!) at every stage of eating.
Skip Ahead by Age or Topic
Infant Feeding Essentials (0–12 Months)
Blissful Diary Baby Splat Mat (Retro Rainbow)
Why parents love it: Mealtime messes are a rite of passage—but cleanup doesn’t have to be. This waterproof, washable mat keeps food and spills contained so your floor (and your sanity) stay clean.
How it helps:
Placed under your baby’s high chair, it catches dropped food, milk splashes, and purees before they hit the floor—saving you time and frustration while encouraging your baby to explore textures freely without you hovering with a paper towel.
Pro tip:
Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining, and hang to dry after washing. It’s also perfect for messy playtime—painting, sensory bins, or even outdoor picnics—so you can relax while your little one learns through play.
Sensory Spoon (from the Makers of Chewy Tubes)
Why parents love it: Designed by feeding therapists, this spoon lets babies as young as 7 months safely explore self-feeding—without the overwhelm of a traditional spoon. It’s soft, flexible, and perfectly shaped for little mouths learning to coordinate lips, tongue, and jaw movements.
How it helps:
Unlike standard spoons, the Sensory Spoon doubles as both a feeding tool and a mouth-prep toy. The textured handle provides sensory input to help desensitize the gag reflex and improve oral awareness—key skills before solids become full meals.
Pro tip:
Offer the spoon empty first so your baby can explore biting, mouthing, and holding it independently. Once they’re comfortable, dip it in puree or yogurt for tiny tastes. This keeps the focus on fun and exploration rather than pressure to eat.
ezpz Baby-Led Weaning Food Cutters (2-Pack, Pewter)
Why parents love it: These clever cutters make baby-led weaning (BLW) prep actually easy. Designed by a pediatric feeding specialist, each cutter shapes food to match your baby’s developmental stage — long strips for early self-feeding, and bite-sized cubes for when your little one’s pincer grasp emerges.
How it helps:
The 6-month cutter encourages whole-hand (palmar) grasp practice, while the 9-month cutter supports fine motor development and safe chewing. By taking the guesswork out of portion sizes and shapes, these tools give parents confidence and babies independence.
Pro tip:
Use with soft foods like avocado, banana, steamed veggies, or cheese. Serve strips first, then transition to cubes as your baby’s oral motor control improves. Dishwasher-safe and durable, they’re a must-have for every BLW kitchen.
Chamos Oval Montessori Placemat (Clay)
Why parents love it: This simple silicone placemat turns mealtime into a life-skill lesson. Designed with Montessori principles in mind, it shows kids exactly where their plate, cup, and utensils belong—helping them build independence, predictability, and confidence at the table.
How it helps:
Structure and routine are key for toddlers learning to self-feed. The non-slip silicone keeps dishes in place while raised edges catch spills—reducing frustration and mess. The visual “place setting” supports sequencing (“first my plate, then my spoon”), a great pre-academic skill that also builds calm and order at mealtime.
Pro tip:
Let your child set their own place before meals—this small act signals ownership and readiness to eat. Roll it up with the included travel band for restaurants or family outings to keep the routine consistent anywhere.
Jollycub® Interactive Toddler Utensils – Dino Chomperware™ (Leafy Greens Set)
Why parents love it: These aren’t your average utensils—they chomp! With a fun, dino-themed design, each bite becomes an adventure. The T-Rex fork and Triceratops spoon invite curious eaters to engage with their food through play, turning picky eating moments into imaginative exploration.
How it helps:
Created by pediatric OTs and SLPs, this set blends sensory engagement with real skill-building. The chomping motion encourages hand-eye coordination, strengthens fine-motor skills, and gives kids a sense of control at the table—key for children who resist feeding pressure.
Pro tip:
Let your child “feed” the dino first, then take a turn themselves! Pair it with new or non-preferred foods to lower anxiety and make trying new textures fun. Dishwasher-safe and made in the USA from BPA- and phthalate-free materials, these utensils are as safe as they are silly.
Preschool & Early Eaters (3–5 Years)
Kids Training Chopsticks (2-Pair Set)
Why parents love it: These colorful training chopsticks turn mealtime into a playful learning experience. With a non-slip grip and just-right length for small hands, they help kids strengthen coordination, build focus, and feel proud of their new skills.
How it helps:
Mastering chopsticks is more than a party trick—it strengthens hand-eye coordination, bilateral control, and fine motor planning, all of which support feeding and pre-writing skills. They also invite curiosity about new foods, textures, and cultures—perfect for the “curious eater” stage.
Pro tip:
Start with larger foods (like cubed fruit or cooked noodles) to build success, and celebrate the process, not perfection. Pair with themed meals like “noodle night” or “sushi snack trays” to make skill practice fun and natural.
Genuine Fred “Ms. Food Face” Ceramic Plate
Why parents love it: Dinner just got a creative upgrade! This playful ceramic plate invites kids to “style” Ms. Food Face with real foods — mashed-potato hair, carrot earrings, blueberry eyes, you name it. It’s mealtime meets art time, and it keeps even the pickiest eaters engaged and laughing.
How it helps:
Turning food into a design project gives kids control and curiosity—two of the most powerful motivators for selective eaters. Instead of “try a bite,” you’re inviting imagination and sensory exploration, helping children approach new foods without pressure.
Pro tip:
Serve a mix of familiar and new items and let your child decorate freely. When they start to eat pieces off their creation, celebrate that tiny step toward bravery! The plate is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, so cleanup is as easy as the fun is endless.
Cooking & Food Play Gifts (Ages 4+)
28-Piece Toddler Knife & Kitchen Tool Set (Montessori Kids Cooking Kit)
Why parents love it: When little hands want to “help,” this set gives them safe, real tools to join in. Designed for ages 2-10, it includes kid-safe knives, fruit cutters, crinkle slicers, mini cutting boards, and even gloves—everything your budding chef needs to explore the kitchen confidently.
How it helps:
Cooking together builds so much more than recipes. It strengthens fine-motor skills, coordination, and patience while giving children a sense of ownership over food. This kit supports Montessori principles of independence and hands-on learning—perfect for kids who are hesitant eaters or who light up when given a “helper” role.
Pro tip:
Start with softer foods like bananas or cucumbers, and progress to firmer textures as your child gains control. Use the fruit molds and crinkle cutter to make snack time visually fun (great for food explorers who need extra motivation). Always supervise—but let them lead!
Sandwich Cutter & Sealer Set (30-Piece Fun Food Kit)
Why parents love it: This all-in-one kit turns ordinary lunches into colorful, creative meals kids actually want to eat. With 30 pieces — including sandwich sealers, fruit and veggie cutters, and adorable animal food picks — it’s an easy way to make food fun, healthy, and mess-free.
How it helps:
Visual novelty and playful control are key for selective eaters. These cutters help kids engage with foods through shapes and creativity — which builds curiosity and confidence around eating. Plus, making their own “uncrustables” at home saves money and cuts down on processed snacks.
Pro tip:
Use the sandwich sealers for soft breads or tortillas, and let your child choose the filling or shape. Encourage them to help “decorate” plates using fruit cutters and picks. The more ownership they have, the more likely they are to explore new foods.
ZOKU Original Slush & Shake Maker
Why parents love it: This compact, countertop cup turns everyday ingredients into instant slushies, smoothies, or milkshakes — no bulky machine required! Just freeze the inner core, pour in your ingredients, and scrape as it transforms before your eyes. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly entertaining for kids and adults alike.
How it helps:
Smoothies and slushies are one of the best bridging tools for picky eaters — blending familiar flavors with new textures. Kids get to experiment safely with fruits, yogurt, and juices while practicing sensory tolerance to cold, flavor, and thickness. Plus, letting them “mix and scrape” gives them ownership in creating something they’ll actually want to taste.
Pro tip:
Try frozen fruit + milk for a nutrient-rich smoothie, or let your child invent their own “flavor of the week.” Because it’s single-serve, everyone can make their own creation — and you can skip the cleanup battle that usually follows big blender projects.
DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper (Aqua)
Why parents love it: Nothing brings the family together like fresh, warm popcorn — especially when kids can make it themselves! The DASH Popcorn Popper uses hot air instead of oil, so you can whip up 16 cups of fluffy popcorn in just minutes. It’s quick, healthy, and surprisingly mesmerizing to watch.
How it helps:
Popcorn popping checks so many boxes for sensory exploration — sound, smell, and even gentle vibration as kernels pop. It builds patience, introduces cause and effect, and gives kids a safe way to participate in food prep from start to finish. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to microwave bags and helps kids learn how simple real food can be.
Pro tip:
Use the built-in butter tray to melt real butter or coconut oil while it pops. Then set out toppings like cinnamon, sea salt, or parmesan for a “popcorn bar” — perfect for picky eaters exploring flavor variety in a no-pressure, playful way.
DASH Mini Waffle Maker (Red, 4-Inch)
Why parents love it: This compact waffle maker turns ordinary mornings into memory-making moments. In just minutes, kids can help pour, watch, and flip their own perfectly sized 4” waffles. The nonstick surface means easy cleanup, and its small footprint makes it a fun, family-friendly kitchen staple.
How it helps:
Cooking together builds curiosity, fine-motor coordination, and confidence — three essential ingredients for kids learning to enjoy food. The sensory experience of pouring, sizzling, and smelling waffles cook helps children connect food with fun and success instead of pressure. Bonus: the single-serving size makes portions feel approachable for hesitant eaters.
Pro tip:
Let kids customize their batter — mashed banana, shredded zucchini, or even sweet potato puree are great ways to sneak in nutrients. Make extras, freeze them, and pop them in the toaster for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Silicone Popsicle Mold Set (2-Pack, Pink)
Why parents love it: These reusable silicone molds turn everyday ingredients into homemade frozen treats — from yogurt pops to fruit purées and even mini cakesicles! They’re BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and endlessly reusable, making them a fun, eco-friendly kitchen staple for kids.
How it helps:
Popsicles are a sensory goldmine for picky eaters — cold, colorful, and customizable. Kids can mix flavors, pour ingredients, and pop them out on their own, building confidence with temperature, texture, and taste exploration. Plus, they learn that “real” treats don’t have to come from a box.
Pro tip:
Use a small tray under the mold to keep it level in the freezer. Try blending fruit with yogurt for creamy smoothie pops or layering colors for a rainbow treat. You can even pour leftover smoothies into the molds for a quick snack the next day!
Parent Favorites
Mealtime Mindset Book
For parents who want to feel calm, confident, and equipped through every feeding stage, this book will change how you see mealtimes forever.
👉 Grab your copy of Mealtime Mindset here »
Food Explorer Log Book & Coloring Book
Pair every new food adventure with a page from the Food Explorer Log Book! Kids can color, draw, and celebrate progress—turning brave bites into art.
👉 Shop the Food Explorer Log Book here »
Bonus: Build Confidence Through Play & Storytime
Games That Make Food Fun
Looking for screen-free ways to build food confidence? Check out my blog post featuring our favorite food-themed games like There’s a Yeti in My Spaghetti and Burger Mania!”
👉 Explore the Best Food-Themed Games for Kids »
📚 Books That Build Food Confidence
Pair your gifts with story time! These food-themed books help kids engage all five senses and create positive associations with food.
👉 See My Favorite Food-Themed Books for Kids »
Sensory & Oral-Motor Tools
Tri-Color Smens – Gourmet Scented Pens (4-Pack)
Why parents love it:These aren’t just any pens—they smell amazing! Each tri-color Smen combines red, blue, and black ink with a lightly scented grip (grape, orange, watermelon, or sour apple) that releases a subtle, long-lasting aroma every time your child writes or draws.
How it helps:
Scent is one of the most powerful sensory tools for emotional regulation. Pleasant, predictable scents can calm anxious kids and help them stay focused—whether during homework, art time, or before meals. They’re also a sneaky way to support sensory exploration and positive associations with smell (an important step in expanding food tolerance!).
Pro tip:
Keep one in your child’s art area, backpack, or mealtime calm-down corner. Encourage them to take a slow breath through their nose to “smell their scent” before meals—helping build mindful awareness and regulate their nervous system.
Special Supplies Buzz Buddy Oral Motor Stimulation Kit
Why parents love it: Designed by specialists for sensory and feeding support, this vibrating oral-motor kit helps calm, awaken, and strengthen the muscles kids use for eating and speaking. With six soft, textured silicone heads (including heart and puppy designs!), it turns therapy into a gentle, engaging sensory experience.
How it helps:
The Buzz Buddy provides both vibration and texture to stimulate the lips, gums, and tongue—helping children who are over- or under-responsive to oral input. It supports jaw mobility, feeding readiness, and speech sound development by giving the brain consistent, organized sensory feedback. This is especially helpful for children who gag easily, resist toothbrushing, or struggle with new food textures.
Pro tip:
Start slow and let your child explore the tool on their hands or cheeks first before bringing it near the mouth. Pair use with calm breathing or during play for regulation—not pressure. Keep it in the included zippered pouch for easy use at home, in therapy sessions, or while traveling.
TOP BRIGHT 3-in-1 Sensory Breath Training Toy
Why parents love it: This clever 3-in-1 toy combines a whistle, a ball-blowing game, and a floating blow pipe — transforming therapy into fun! It helps toddlers strengthen mouth muscles, breath control, and focus while giving them a playful way to explore cause and effect.
How it helps:
Blowing toys like this are incredible tools for feeding and speech development. Controlled exhalation builds the same muscles needed for drinking through a straw, managing saliva, and forming clear speech sounds. It also supports sensory regulation and self-calming — making it a quiet hero for kids who need a moment to reset during mealtime transitions.
Pro tip:
Use it for a few minutes before meals to “wake up” oral muscles, or after to practice gentle breathing and calm the nervous system. It’s also great for potty training routines or transitions when kids need to self-regulate. Made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials and easy to clean, it’s both safe and practical.
👉 Shop the TOP BRIGHT 3-in-1 Sensory Breath Training Toy here »
Vibrating Teether for Babies & Sensory Seekers
Why parents love it: This rechargeable teether does double duty — it soothes sore gums and provides calming sensory input through gentle vibrations. Designed for babies 6–18 months but helpful for children with oral sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors, it’s a thoughtful upgrade from traditional teethers.
How it helps:
The soft, food-grade silicone design delivers consistent vibration to reduce gum inflammation, ease teething pain, and promote oral awareness. For children with sensory needs or mild oral aversions, it introduces vibration in a positive way, helping normalize oral input that supports both self-feeding and speech development.
Pro tip:
Experiment with the three vibration settings to find what’s most soothing or engaging for your child. It’s USB-chargeable (no batteries needed!) and easy to clean — making it a fantastic travel essential for keeping little ones calm, focused, and comfortable on the go.
👉 Shop the Vibrating Teether for Babies & Sensory Seekers here »
PUSTEFIX Bubble Bear (6 oz. Magic Bubble Toy)
Why parents love it: Bubbles are pure childhood magic—and this adorable squeeze-to-blow bear makes them even easier. Simply remove the cap, squeeze the bear’s belly, and a bubble ring appears for clean, mess-free fun. The rainbow-bright bubbles and whimsical design captivate kids instantly.
How it helps:
Beyond the smiles, blowing bubbles is one of the best playful ways to build oral-motor strength, breath control, and coordination—all essential for speech and feeding. It also supports self-regulation: slow, steady breaths help calm the nervous system before or after meals.
Pro tip:
Use bubble play as part of a “mealtime warm-up.” Have your child take a deep breath in through their nose and blow gently to make bubbles—then carry that calm focus to the table. This bear is portable, durable, and refillable, making it a perfect stocking stuffer or therapy-bag favorite.