droolicious : mealtime

Protect Your Kids’ Lunches

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:34:00 GMT

When I was a kid, force fed flavorless health food by well-meaning but misguided parents. Seeing the other kids with their sugar-laced peanut butter and preservative-rich jelly made me green with envy. Now that I’m the responsible one, I try to balance nutrition and flavor in my boy’s lunch, and to protect his brown bag bounty I prefer to make the other kids green with disgust ... food-safe, reusable and recyclable disgust as made possible by Anti-Theft Lunch Bags, LDPE sandwich bags printed with green mold splotches on both sides. Buy a pack of 25 for $9.99 and spoil lil’ thieves fun without actually spoiling any food.

Save an Apple!

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:35:00 GMT

Between trying to be earth-smart and penny-wise, I'm avoiding pre-washed, pre-cut and pre-packaged fruit and veggies and doing the work myself. Anyone else?

It's not a big to deal to put carrots and grapes in reusable containers so they're ready for lunches for the week. The apples, however, turn brown quickly after you cut them without the help of whatever the treatment is that gets put on pre-packaged slices. And for my not-so-fruit-loving kid, brown means it's "bad." Of course, it's not, but why even supply a loophole? If a whole apple is too much for your snacker, check out the Apple Saver by Evriholder Products ($3.99). Put the apple cut-side down, strap it in, and it's supposed to stay fresher (and not brown) longer.

Food Face – It’s Okay To Play With Your Food - UPDATE

SunnyChanel — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Who doesn’t like to play with their food? And to play with your breakfast, lunch and/or dinner in a style ala Willy Wooly, well then like turns to a great big love. The Food Face plate is coming soon to bring oodles of fun to mealtime. Peas, beans, noodles, and pert any other entrée can dress up this basic face.

This plate, which was originally spotted by our own Aaron Burgess here, is made from hotel quality high-fire ceramics and totally food safe and will go for $9.99. Want your own Food Face, yeah me too. But we'll have to wait. These plates, which were originally slated for a mid April release, will finally be available in mid May, like next week! You can go here and sign up for an email to be notified when it's ready to ship. Patience, it's a virtue.

Wupzey's HighChair Food Catcher

Lisa Estall — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:30:00 GMT

I’ve never seen a product like this before until I was asked to try it out by the Wupzey people. Wupzey’s Highchair Food Catchers are designed to help make your floors a little less messy. It's intended to catch flying food thrown from children ages 5-18 months. I unfolded the 100% nylon material to place on the highchair and found it was lightweight. Included are adhesive squares and at first I was reluctant to attach them to the... highchair because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get them off.

Wupzey claims that their product can catch heavier things like sippy cups. Since my baby is only 6-months-old, there wasn’t much crumbs to catch. Also, I’m not sure if this product is going to catch every cup, dish, spoon or sippy cup in the future. My daughter can toss a water bottle halfway across the kitchen.

In conclusion, it didn't really work for me. However, if you want to try out this product, buy it at Wupzey . It’s $14.95.

$14.95

Pizza Power Saw

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

I never thought about all the potential uses of a pizza cutter until I had kids. You can use it to easily cut almost any type of food. Waffles, chicken cutlets, and of course pizza don’t stand a chance with this heavy-duty blade.

I’ve seen cutesy animal shaped cutters before but this power tool inspired model is in a category of kitchen gear all its own. It’s like Bob Villa + Mario Batali. Maybe the Pizza Boss 3000, $14.99, will make dad want to feed the kids.

Neat Seat for On-the-Go Eating

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Taking little ones out to eat is always an adventure. Whether it’s a good or bad experience often depends on how you keep your kids corralled and happy at the table.

Restaurant highchairs leave much to be desired, and that’s not even talking about the germ factor. Here’s a handy solution that adjusts to almost any chair. The Totseat, $36.99, functions like a portable highchair but is really a cushion that keeps kids harnessed to the chair. It folds up, comes with a carrier backpack and is machine washable.

Your Kids Can Dilly Dally In This

Lisa Estall — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:59:00 GMT

I am definitely using my Dilly Dally Bibbie! It’s a reversible bib that looks cute and does its job of keeping unwanted "gook" off your child's clothes. It reminds me of a mini apron and I was looking for something like this for my 3-year-old son when I saw him use an apron at daycare at mealtime.

Your child can wear this at mealtime, playtime, and while doing crafts.I think it's a brilliant product! It's made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester and you just toss in the wash for cleaning. A plus is that it's made in the U.S.A.

The bibbies are $35 and come in sizes for babies to children up to 5 years. Check out Dilly Dally.

How to Build Their Fairytale Garden

JeanneSager — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Need to get your kids excited about their veggies? Let them grow them.

Even if you only have a teeny weeny balcony off your apartment building, it's easy to get kids excited about the spring season with the Fairytale Gardens line from Potting Shed Kids.

Jack's Magic Beans or Cinderella's Magic Pumpkin come packed in recycled steel cases with everything they need - seeds, garden stakes, activity book, pencil and recipes for the harvest day. The back of the tins sport instructions for all you black thumbs out there, right down to harvest time, so your little sprouts won't be disappointed.

While they're growing, outwit the giant as you read your way through Jack and the Beanstalk and watch Cinderella's fairy godmother turn pumpkin to coach and back again.

Get them from Zola Goods.

Get Cubist on Your Baby Food

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:25:00 GMT

DIY baby food doesn’t require fancy tools, but a few well-chosen accessories make the process flow smoothly. The hardest part may be chosing the recipes, but then next two steps can be frustrating without prep. One: You need enough containers for the batch you made. Two: You need to be able to store the aforementioned batch. Baby Cubes ($9) tackle both challenges. Each set includes eight flip-top cubes that fit in a tray. The cubes hold two ounces, so you can probably skip measuring and still get even portions. When the divvy is done, individual containers or whole trays can stack on top of each other, which leaves room in the fridge for some adult food, too.

Charming Little Prince Plates

Lisa Estall — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:38:00 GMT

Popular children’s book The Little Prince is now made into plates!
Your kids can enjoy a meal and read the story in one sitting.

Imported from France, the plates are $11 each. I think they are very cute!

Sold at My Sweet Muffin.

Nikyoro Bento Bowl for Adorable Snacking

Heather Kuldell — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:04:00 GMT

Though a cute container doesn’t make the food taste better, it at least varies up the presentation. The Nikyoro bento bowl ($17.99) looks kinda like a delicious, shiny apple, while the interior has two separate areas for storage. The lid can be used as an additional bowl, if needed, and an elastic belt secures the whole thing together. The whole container is bout the size of a mug, so it’s best for snacks. Oh, and don’t toss it in the dishwasher or microwave.

Be Mess Free With This Child Apron

Lisa Estall — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:10:00 GMT

I never thought of getting an apron for my son until I saw him wear one at daycare. It was like a lightbulb went off. An apron will protect his clothes and make cleaning up less of a hassle for me.

My favorite Mimi the Sardine Child Apron is this colorful pattern ot chicks. There are no toxic finishes so it's definitely kid-friendly.

They're priced at $20 and sold at Giggle.

Games To Play With During Family Time

Lisa Estall — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:28:00 GMT

I received a sample of the Gather 'Round Restaurant Game recently to review. What you get is not a board game with pieces but cards with questions relating to mealtime. There are almost 100 games to play with while you wait for your meal at a restaurant or at home. There is a push-button light but it doesn't emit any sound. The light stops by itself at a question on each card.

Created by familyfuntime.com, this is recommended for ages 5 and up. I'm not sure how many people would want to bring a game to a restaurant but for home, it would probably be more fun for the older kids.

The price is $24.95 and sold at familyfuntime.com

Ikea Introduces a New High Chair — And It Folds!

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT

To buy a high chair or not to buy a high chair: This question depends on a complex matrix of space, aesthetics, function and of course, price. Blargh, the price. Even basic high chairs can be shockingly expensive with rare exceptions like long-time Droolicious favorite, the Ikea Antilop High Chair. Now, Ikea has come out with the Spoling High Chair for only $39.99. The frame of the chair is made of powder-coated steel, and the seat is a removable, machine-washable polyester. There isn’t a tray, but the chair does fold up for easy storage. So the answer to the question? To buy.

Dining Out with Kids: Chalkboard Placemat

elizabeth leach — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

With a chalkboard placemat, you can protect your kids from restaurant germs and occupy them so you can enjoy your meal. One side is erasable chalkboard and the other is a placemat that can be easily wiped clean. There's even a little pocket to hold the chalk.

Find this and many other chalkboard placemats at Bushel and Peck Baby on Etsy for $10 each. Pick up a matching bib ($7), too, to complete your dining out ensemble! Get your chalkboard placemat personalized for $5 more!

Kids Konserve Serves Up a Tiny Tiffin

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:26:00 GMT

Parents searching for ways to green their kids’ lunches may be familiar with Kids Konserve Waste Free Lunch Kits, but the company offers other a la carte options. The Child’s Tiffin, $20, offers an excellent option for those with smaller appetites or just want a snack to go. The two stainless steel containers measure 4 inches by 3 and a quarter inches and easily stack to carry foods you’d like to keep separate till lunch. It’s less for ham and burger than it is for granola and yogurt. Not only it is a green option — no trash — but the durable nature of steel and the discreet Kids Konserve logo extend the set’s life beyond childhood.

Milk and Munchies On-the-Go with ZoLi

Heather Kuldell — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:35:00 GMT

Diaper bags have limited real estate, so the less you have to toss into one, the better. The ZoLi On-the-Go Formula and Snack Dispenser can help get rid of a few containers. This bottle-shaped container is comprised of four brightly colored, interlocking dishes that are suitable for carrying dry formula, crackers, or your cereal O of choice. An easy pour spout can be attached to any of the containers to aid transferring the formula to a bottle. And just to be safe, the plastics are BPA and phthalate-free.

Available at Oompa for $14.99.

Zoo Pops Tame Heat or Sore Throats

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:32:00 GMT

I know, I know: It’s winter. Why am I posting about frozen treats? First of all, my family occasionally likes to eat freezy cold treats even when it’s freezy cold outside. Second, freezy cold treats are an excellent way to soothe sore throats associated with sneezy colds.

These Zoo Pops are an excellent DIY frozen treat option. Pour the liquid (and sugar content) of your choice into each 3D mold, freeze for six hours and remove your lion, polar bear, elephant or monkey. The set comes with eight recipes or you can experiment with your own flavor creations.

Available at Perpetual Kid for $14.99.

Compost Your Green Sprouts

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:13:00 GMT

Plastic that can be composted? Those wacky scientists come up with the darndest things. iPlay’s Green Sprouts Baby Dish Set is made of cornstarch-based plastic that you can toss on your compost pile. It’s a good idea: You’ll probably only be using the baby stuff for a few years (maybe). The plastic is free of BPA, PVC, phthalate and petroleum-free and all those other things that may have ill consequences. Of course, compostable plastic has trade offs, such as the fact it must be hand-washed and shouldn’t be soaked. The dish set comes with one divided plate, one bowl, one fork, one spoon and one Aqua Straw Bottle. The set can be purchased at the Soft Landing for $39, or pieces can be bought individually.

The Head Chef Spatula Adds a Helping Hand in the Kitchen

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:26:00 GMT

Till the world outside thaws a bit, we’re still trying to fill the days with indoor activities. So far video games win, but cooking holds a good bit of attention too. Adding a few fun pieces can help kids feel more welcome in the kitchen. The Head Chef Cooking Spatula is like most spatulas -- made of food-safe silicone and dishwasher safe -- but features bendy arms and legs, and suction-cup feet.

Available at Cooking for $9.95.

New Babycook Accessories

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:28:00 GMT

You first saw the Beaba Babycook here back in April. This is the gadget that allows you to steam, puree, as well as reheat homemade baby food. Now there are some new accessories to help store and serve that wholesome goodness.

An alternative to the ice cube tray method, Beaba has released a Tubberware of sorts to corral and freeze your homemade baby food. The BPA-free silicone container, $19.95, is designed with 2-oz. cups for freezing seven servings. At dinnertime, the individual frozen portions slip out, ready for reheating in the Beaba Babycook or a microwave oven. In addition, Beaba also has a great set of French-designed spoons, $19.95 for a set of four, that you can pick up at Williams-Sonoma.

What is This?

SunnyChanel — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Is it a sculpture? Is it a toy? Is it a party hat? Nope, this is actually a stackable dining set. By European toy master Haba, this set includes a cup, bowl and always popular eggcup. It’s made of a shatterproof melamine and has all sorts of critters pictured playing on the surface like monkeys, crocodiles and bugs. And, like everything thing else these days, it’s on sale! The set was originally $27.99 but now it is priced at $23.79. Get yours here.

Five Reasons Boon Makes Us Swoon

Cathy Hale — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Boon is a brand that puts the "oooooh" in baby products. When it comes to mealtime fun, it's hard to beat the one-of-a-kind modern design Boon brings to the table. If you're looking for fun and functional goodies under $10, Boon will make you swoon.

#1 - The Fluid No-Spill Toddler Cup - This is possibly the coolest sippy cup on the planet. The unique shape makes it easy to grasp, even for little hands and fingers. It's BPA-free too. $6.00

#2 - The Snack Ball - How can a little orb with treats inside be so darn cute? I don't know, but it is. See how I used them as party favors! Orange and pink. $6.50

#3 - Squirt Food Dispensing Spoon - It may look a bit crazy, but most moms think it works like a charm. Two words come to mind, "less mess!" $8.00

#4 - ModWare Toddler Utensils - Have you ever seen such a funky fork & spoon? Do they make a set that serves 12? Comfort-grip handles, dishwasher safe and PVC free. $5.00

#5 - Catch Bowl - It's like this bowl has a built-in mommy - a spill catcher. The special piece extends towards the child to make sure potentially runaway spills find their way back into the bowl. $7.00

Green Alert! According to the Boon website, all of the above items are BPA-free and PVC-free.

Etsy Alert! The Dining Out Travel Bib Set

SunnyChanel — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:30:00 GMT

I wish I had this when my kid was still bib worthy. This very handy bid unfolds (it snaps closed) to revel different pockets for a child size fork and spoon as well as a pack of travel size wipes. I can’t tell you the amount of times we forget one of those four elements. Here, it’s all in one and totally convenient. To find out more or to get one so you’ll never forget any of these items again, click here.

Bento Lunch Box

Lisa Mulcahy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Befitting of kid-o lunches that usually require multiple Ziplocs and/or Tupperware, the Bento Lunch Box is an ingenious idea.
Rooted in Japanese culture, but modified to meet the needs of kids on the go, the Bento Lunch Box, $25, includes a snap-top outer container with a sturdy utensil set and four removable inner containers that can accommodate a variety of foods. Now the PB&J won’t get squashed and fruit won’t leak into a soupy mess.