The Lean Green Bean

Best Mac and Cheese (Boxed)

Lindsay — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:29:00 +0000

Looking for the best boxed mac and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy store bought mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus a kids taste test!

*Originally published August 2022. Updated September 2025*

These are some options for the best boxed mac and cheese options that can be found in most grocery stores. They are budget-friendly and busy moms can pair with fruits and vegetables for a quick meal.

Hi friends!

We are continuing our “Best of” series by talking about macaroni and cheese. So far, we’ve covered snacks from certain stores like:

We’ve also talked about specific types of snacks like:

So be sure to catch up on those posts if you missed them!

Best mac and cheese in a box

When it comes to boxed mac and cheese, my biggest concern is sodium. Some brands, especially the deluxe versions, have 1,000+ mg of sodium per serving, which is way more than necessary. While I don’t recommend packaged mac and cheese as an everyday food, it’s certainly something my kids have for dinner occasionally.

When I’m picking out which brand to buy, I look for the lowest sodium per serving that I can find, and I’d also love for there to be a decent amount of both protein and fiber.

The problem is that some of the brands that are higher in both protein and fiber are not always a hit with my kids.

Why You’ll Love This List of the Best Mac & Cheese

I compare the nutritional value of several brands
All of these choices are affordable and available
Kid-tested – I let my kids taste all of these and provide their honest review
I’m a Registered Dietitian and I’m telling you it’s ok to serve boxed mac and cheese as a busy mom

Mac and Cheese Kids’ Review

So after looking at a lot of mac and cheese boxes, I decided to do a taste test with my kids (Their ages at the time of the taste test: 7, 5 & 3) to see which ones they would actually eat.

I chose two classics: Kraft and Annie’s Original. I also chose two that were higher in fiber & protein: Banza and Goodle. Then I threw in an Annie’s Vegan option and Annie’s 25% reduced-sodium. Here’s the video of their taste test:

Best Healthy Boxed Mac and Cheese

Let’s look at these six options I chose for the taste test in a little more detail. Note- I’m sure there are other great options. I tried to stick to brands that were widely available in the two grocery stores by my house, not specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

9 grams of protein
2 grams of fiber
560 mg sodium
Kids liked it

Banza Mac & Cheese (Made w/ chickpea pasta)

15 grams protein
5 grams fiber
640 mg sodium
Kids didn’t like it

Goodles (found at Target)

14 grams protein
6 grams fiber
590 mg sodium
Kids didn’t like it

Annie’s Vegan Mac (Red Lentil Spirals)

11 grams protein
3 grams fiber
240 mg sodium
Kids didn’t like it

Annie’s 25% Less Sodium

10 grams protein
2 grams fiber
400 mg sodium
Kids liked it

Annie’s Original Macaroni & Classic Cheddar

9 grams protein
3 grams fiber
430 mg sodium
Kids liked it

Mom tip – Don’t be fooled by the marketing like I was! I thought the Annie’s 25% less sodium meant 25% less than their original but it actually says 25% less than the leading brand and it only has 30mg less than the original Annies!

What is the best boxed mac and cheese brand?

Of course this will vary based on personal preference. To choose which is best for your family, pick a few things that are most important to you and focus on those – protein? fiber? sodium level? taste?

Which boxed mac and cheese is best for kids?

As a Registered Dietitian, these are my top picks to serve to my kids:

Annie’s
Banza
Goodles

I found Annie’s to be the lowest in sodium and my kids like it. Both Banza and Goodles are higher in protein and fiber, but also higher in sodium…and my kids didn’t like them.

Mom tip – I love that Banza and Goodle are higher in both protein and fiber. Despite them also being higher in sodium, I still think they’re good options if your kids will eat them! I have heard from lot of people who really like Goodles specifically so I would try that one first.

Since this original post, they have also launched Annie’s Super! Mac, which is higher and protein and fiber. It’s also a bit higher in sodium but my kids love it.

Does boxed mac and cheese go bad?

Since it’s a shelf-stable food, it will generally last for several years. Remember that the expiration date is speaking to the quality, not the safety so in general it’s fine to eat it 1-2 years past the expiration date. It’s likely the packets of cheese that will go bad before the noodles.

How to make boxed mac and cheese better?

What’s the healthiest boxed mac and cheese option?

Choose one with 500mg sodium or less per serving
Try not using the whole packet of cheese
Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter for extra protein
Look for whole wheat, whole grain or alternative noodle options for more fiber

Boxed mac and cheese food prep ideas:

Mac and cheese reheats well so it can be a great option for food prep. Try prepping a batch and using during the week:

Reheat and mix in some leftover taco meat or chicken
Stir in a bag of steamed vegetables and serve as a side dish with a lean protein. Broccoli and peas are often a great choice!
Turn into Macaroni and Cheese Mufffins
Food prep some pulled pork as well and pair with a salad for a quick and easy dinner!

Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

To make it creamier, try using Greek yogurt. You can either add it right along with the milk instead of butter, or you can skip the milk and try just adding Greek yogurt. Adding less milk also makes it thicker and creamier.
To turn it into a full meal, try adding leftover cooked chicken or some chicken sausage. You can also add cooked vegetables. One easy hack is to add some frozen peas to the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
For a different cheese flavor, try using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your own.
Try putting your own spin on it! Want pizza mac? Grab some white cheddar boxed mac, put it in a pan, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple minutes.
Add some spices. Try mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika when you add the cheese.

Boxed Mac & Cheese Baked

Mom tip – Want to fool a crowd? Make boxed mac and cheese as directed, add any mix-ins you want, then put it in a baking pan, top with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees Faherenheit for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

How To Make Mac & Cheese From A Box

If you’ve never made boxed mac and cheese, you can follow the directions on the box, which involves boiling water, adding the noodles and then draining them before adding cheese milk and sometimes butter.

Recently I’ve started making it a different way that involves adding the cheese, butter and noodles right at the very beginning before you even boil the water and I think it turns out much better. You can find directions for the TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe here.

Boxed Mac and Cheese in the Microwave

While I haven’t tried this myself beyond eating the Kraft microwavable cups in college, here are directions for how to make boxed mac and cheese in the microwave. The microwave gets the water hot enough to boil so it can cook the noodles, you just have to remember to stir frequently and there won’t be water to drain out at the end.

Instant Pot Box Mac and Cheese

If you have an instant pot, you can also use that to cook a box of mac and cheese. Add one cup water to the instant pot with butter and pasta. Cook 4 minutes, quick release and stir in cheese and milk. Here’s a whole post about how to cook instant pot box mac and cheese.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese without milk?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use milk, try saving 1/4 cup of the water you cooked the pasta in. You can also mix in cream, plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese or sour cream instead of milk.

How to make box mac and cheese with ground beef?

This is a great way to use up leftover ground beef or turkey, taco meat, etc. Just cook the beef and stir it into the macaroni once you’ve mixed in the milk and cheese. Try adding a little taco seasoning for taco mac or just salt and pepper for some cheesy hamburger mac.

Boxed Mac and Cheese FAQs

Are there gluten-free mac and cheese brands?

Yes! Over the past few years, more and more brands have come out with gluten-free noodle options, made from things like brown rice, chickpeas and lentils and this has also increased the number of gluten-free mac and cheese options. Check out this post for some of the best gluten-free mac and cheese.

Which boxed mac and cheese has the most protein?

There are several brands out there with a decent amount of protein. Muscle Mac has 20g per serving. Banza has 16g per serving. Goodles has 14g per serving. And Annie’s SuperMac has 16g per serving.

What’s the best vegan boxed mac and cheese?

I’ve only tried one of the vegan options but there are plenty out there. Here are some of the Best Boxed Vegan Mac and Cheese options.

Can I add vegetables or protein to boxed mac and cheese?

Absolutely – it’s a great vehicle for transforming leftover chicken, steak or other protein into a new meal and an easy way to add vegetables would be to mix in some steamed or roasted vegetables at the end, or drop some frozen vegetables into the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.

You can also mix in pureed vegetables like pumpkin or stir in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese with non-dairy milk?

Yes. You can replace cow’s milk with a milk alternative like soy milk, almond milk, etc.

How do I make boxed mac and cheese taste better?

A few ways to amp up the taste of boxed mac and cheese include adding additional seasonings – paprika, cayenne pepper, etc. You can also mix in some freshly grated cheese. Many people say not to skip the butter because it really helps with the flavor and also not to add too much milk.

Are there low-sodium boxed mac and cheese options?

Annie’s has a lower-sodium variety. It comes in a red box.

Which boxed mac and cheese option reheats best?

Most boxed mac and cheese varieties will become less creamy once they have been cooled and are then reheated. Often adding a splash of milk after reheating can help restore some of the creaminess.

Best Mac and Cheese From A Box

These are some of the best choices for boxed mac and cheese. They’re widely available, affordable and great for a quick, easy dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay—

Best Photo Books For Kids

Lindsay — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Looking for the best photo books for kids? After years of trial and error, I’ve found a simple, stress-free system (using Mixbook!) that helps me stay organized and create custom photo books my kids will treasure forever.

*Thanks to Mixbook for sponsoring this post. This post contains affiliate links. If used, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you*

Hi friends!

About 6 years ago, I decided to start making yearly photo books for my kids. My oldest was already five years old and I had a three year old and a one year old as well, so I was a bit behind and it felt very overwhelming. I spent a long time going back and making photo books from previous years and when I was done I was exhausted.

I knew going forward I needed to develop a way to stay on top of making the books so that I didn’t fall behind again. I tried a few different ways, finally found one that worked and I’m proud to say that for the past 6 years I’ve used and stuck to this approach with great success!

How To Make A Custom Photo Book with Mixbook

We all know there are several photo book companies out there and my absolute favorite is Mixbook. Both their app and website are so user-friendly and the books are beautiful and high-quality. If you want to design your own books, there are tons of different layouts to choose from for each page with borders, no borders, multiple photos per page, text etc. And if you need a starting point, there are endless options of pre-designed layouts for every occasion.

Each year, I make a photo book for each kid and myself. For the kids’ books, I chose to make them softcover so they don’t take up much space and they’ll be easy for them to take with them when they move out someday. For my own book, I chose the hardcover option.

Best Photo Books For Kids: My 5-Step System

Over the years, I’ve refined my approach to making photo books and have discovered that the absolute best way for me to stay on top of things is to start a draft of each book and add to it every single month.

If you’re already ready to order, from 9/2/25 – 12/31/25, you can use this affiliate link and the code “MIXLEAN50” for up to 50% off and free shipping on orders over $79!

If you need more detailed instructions about my 5-step system, here’s exactly what I do:

Screenshot

Step 1: Schedule a reminder

I’ve added a monthly reminder to work on my photo books on the first of every month. The calendar reminder also triggers an email that sits in my inbox until I get it done. You could even set it up to trigger a secondary reminder the next day if you find you need another push to get it done.

Step 2: Add to individual albums

On my phone, I have an album in my photos for each kid, plus one for my yearly photo book. For the kid books, I go from birthday to birthday so there’s a book for each full year of their lives. For my own family book, I go by calendar year from January – December.

At the end of each month, I scroll back to the beginning of the month in my photos and select photos for each kid from the month and add to the appropriate album. You can add as many or as few photos as you like. I typically add 20-30 per kid to each album and 50-60 to my yearly album for the family book.

Step 3: Upload photos via the app

On the Mixbook website, I start a draft of a photo book. These drafts can live in your account on the website for as long as you want. You can easily save your progress and come back to them each month to add more.

I use the Mixbook app to add all the photos I just put into each kids’ photo album into the Mixbook draft of their photo book and click save.

Step 4: Add photos to photo book drafts

At this point, you can continue to use the app but I find it easier to switch over to my computer. Once all the photos are uploaded to each book, I go to the Mixbook website and drop the photos into the page layouts I’ve chosen for each book.

I start with a blank book and usually just alternate between two page layouts that hold 12-13 photos per page. You can easily change the layout for each page, add more pages and crop or center each photo to your liking. Simply choose the layout you want and drag and drop the photos where you want them to go.

To make it even easier, you can use their auto-fill option and it will randomly place photos to fill in the layout you select.

Step 5: Save the drafts

That’s it! Just hit save, repeat the process for each book and you’re done! This whole process takes me no more than 20 minutes total each month to update 4 photo book drafts.

Best Photo Books Online: Why I Chose Mixbook

If you stick with this process and spend just a couple of minutes each month on your photo books, by the time the end of the year rolls around, it’s so easy to just fill in the last month’s worth of photos and order your books!

I have tried multiple online photo book companies like Shutterfly, Chatbooks and Snapfish and I find Mixbook to be best for:

Page layouts – they have so many to choose from, there’s sure to be one to fit your needs
Ease of use – both their app and website are so easy to use and make creating photo books super easy
High quality but budget-friendly

The quality of the Mixbook photo books is so good. Every page is crisp and clear and the layouts always come looking exactly how you placed them. And they frequently have great sales.

Photo Books By Year FAQs

Any tips for designing photo books kids will love?

My kids absolutely love looking through their photo books. We usually pull them out once a year, especially when their new ones come – they love looking at the ones from when they were little. They’re also great for inspiration and often remind us of fun activities that we haven’t done in a while.

You can keep the layouts simple like mine, or choose books with a theme (perhaps to recap a special trip or vacation) or choose layouts with text so you can add memories and other thoughts.

Why softcover vs hardcover for kids’ photo books?

I choose softcover for my kids simply because they take up less space. In theory, I’ll make one for them each year through high school graduation. When they move out, they can take them with them and the entire stack will take up only as much space as a large textbook.

For my own books, I display them on the bookshelf and I’m not really concerned about saving space so I choose hardcover for the durability.

Are custom photo books worth it vs pre-made albums?

I think it depends how many photos you want to use. For me, I am usually trying to cram in as many photos as possible. I’m not interested in adding text, so I choose to start with a blank book and add lots of photos on each page.

If you have a smaller number of pages, pre-made albums could be a great option for you to use and not have to add a lot of extra pages.

What’s the best way to catch up on photo books if you’re behind?

If you’re really behind, there’s probably not a huge reason that you need to get them done immediately. I would suggest doing my same 5-step process but do it for both the current year and the year previous at the same time. Just tackle one month at a time and simultaneously make books for both 2024 and 2025. Then, next year, you can do your 2026 books and a book for 2023. Eventually, you’ll be all caught up!

I highly recommend this practical 5-step process for creating the best photo books for kids using Mixbook.

If you want to try this system, head over to Mixbook and start your first custom photo book today. It’s the easiest way to stay organized and make sure your kids have the best photo books to look back on for years to come.

From 9/2/25 – 12/31/25, you can use this affiliate link and the code “MIXLEAN50” for up to 50% off and free shipping on orders over $79!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Packaged Snacks

Lindsay — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A list of 50+ healthy packaged snacks for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Healthy store bought snacks when homemade snacks aren’t an option.

*Originally published March 2018. Updated July 2025*

These are some of the best healthy packaged snacks for kids and adults. They are nutritious, affordable and kid-friendly. They can be packed in lunch boxes as well and are great options for families trying to make healthy food choices.

Hi Friends!

You guys know I’m a huge fan of making healthy homemade snacks, but there are times when store-bought, prepackaged options are both handy and necessary. We all know there are times when we need some individually wrapped snacks.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Packaged Snacks

Easy to find – most of these should be available at your local grocery store
Variety- It can be easy to fall into a snack rut so here are lots of options to try
Affordable – Lots of budget-friendly options
Nutritious – Plenty of nutrient-dense choices with protein and fiber
Kid-friendly – Snacks that are both healthy and tasty!

Note- if you’re looking for store-specific snacks, I have you covered:

Healthy Packaged Snacks Notes:

This is not a sponsored post. None of these companies asked to be included or even knew I was putting this post together.
While I originally intended this round-up to be geared towards kids, there are a lot of things adults could enjoy as well.
We have not tried all of these. I repeat – I have not personally tried all of these, nor have my kids. I have no idea if my kids like them all and have no doubt there are some they would not eat.

This list is meant to provide inspiration. Everyone is free to make their own choices and have their own opinions

What Are The Healthiest Packaged Snacks For Adults and Kids?

RD mom tip – When I’m looking for snacks for my kids, I try to choose options that have at least 3 grams of protein and/or fiber and less than 5-6 grams of added sugar. Total sugar may be higher due to naturally occurring sugar.

Healthy Chips and Crackers

Everyone loves a crunchy snack! These options are kid-friendly, low in added sugar and can be paired with sliced cheese or a healthy dip for a more satisfying snack! Check out this post for more of my favorite Healthy Crackers For Kids and Adults. My personal favorite are Crunchmaster crackers but there are too many visible seeds for my kids to enjoy them.

Triscuits thin crisps – 3g of protein, 4g of fiber, 0g added sugar – easier for kids to chew than regular Triscuits
Sun chips- 2g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
Plentils -3g protein, 1g fiber, 0g added sugar
RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
Simple Mills Pop’Ems – 2g protein, 1g fiber, 0g added sugar
Simple Mills Crackers – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar

Keep in mind many of these come in different flavors and the nutrition info may vary!

Healthy Crunchy Snacks

Here are more snack ideas that can provide that satisfying crunch for both kids and adults.

Hippeas Pops – 3g protein, 2g fiber, <1g added sugar – They also make puffs and chips
Trail Mix – 5g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar -There are endless trail mix options so nutrition facts will vary but this is a great option because you can find one customized to your liking.
The Only Bean Edamame – 14g protein, 5g fiber, 0g added sugar
Whisps – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
Seaweed snacks – 1g protein, 1 g fiber, 0g added sugar – Similar to kale chips, these won’t be for everyone but can still be a good option for some added nutrients
Harvest Snaps Crunchy Loops – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – They have crisps, loops and puffs in a variety of flavors

RD Mom Tip- Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks and has a little protein and fiber. Try adding it to trail mix. If you have younger kids, popcorn cakes can be a good option to reduce choking risk.

Healthy Granola Bars for Kids

What are the healthiest granola bars for kids and adults?

These are some of my favorite kid-friendly granola bar options for kids when I don’t want to turn to a protein bar like would for an adult. These are all lower in added sugar and have some protein and fiber. Here are more of the Best Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars For Kids. For adults, one of my favorite options is Aloha Bars – I love that they don’t have stevia. 88 Acres and Go Macro also have some good options.

88 Acres Nut & Seed Bars -6g protein, 3g fiber, 5g added sugar
Clif Nut Butter Bars – 7g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar
Larabar Trail Mix Bars – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 4g added sugar. I also like their regular bars
Skout Organic – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – They have both kid snack bars and protein bars
Kind Soft Baked Squares – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 7g added sugar – Good for those who don’t want a super chewy or crunchy option. Kind also has some good chewy nut-based bars
Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars -4g protein, 2g fiber, 6g added sugar

Healthy Cereals

Cereal has always been one of my favorite snacks and doesn’t just have to be for breakfast. Pair with milk to add some extra protein or mix some into your favorite trail mix or yogurt. Here are more Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids.

Puffins – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar
Love Grown – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 8g added sugar – love that these are made with beans!
Cascadian Farms Purely O’s – 4g protein, 4g fiber, <1g added sugar
Wheat Chex – 6g protein, 8g fiber, 6g added sugar – There are also plain rice and corn options
Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes – 5g protein, 7g fiber, 5g added sugar
Kix -3g protein, 3g fiber, 4g added sugar

RD Mom tip – If you’re having trouble getting your kids to enjoy lower sugar cereals, mixing them with a little of their favorite cereal so it’s more half and half can be a good way to slowly cut back on added sugar.

Healthy Dairy and Refrigerated Snacks

Dairy can be a great source of protein for both kids and adults and you don’t have to eat it plain. There are some good lower-sugar flavor options out there.

Lifeway Kefir – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 8g added sugar – They have 8oz bottles and you can also check out Probugs pouches for kids
Babybel Cheese – 4g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – pair with crackers!
Stonyfield Yogurt Pouches – 5g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – look for the no added sugar options!
Breakstone Cottage Doubles – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 4g added sugar
String cheese – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
Chobani Less Sugar – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 5g added sugar – this is one of the best flavored yogurt options I’ve found. Siggi’s also has good options

How can I transition my kids to healthier packed snack options?

RD Mom tip- If you’re trying to adjust your kids to lower sugar options – start by mixing their favorite yogurt, milk, kefir with plain and slowly increase the amount of plain. Some with things like cereal – start with a mix of higher and lower sugar favorites.

High Fiber Snacks

Almost everyone could use more fiber in their diet and snacks can be a great time to add some to your day! Even a few grams here and there can help. Here are a few options:

Mama Chia Squeeze – 2g protein, 3g fiber, 5g added sugar
Mush – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar
KIND bars – 4g protein, 6g fiber, 7g added sugar – several of their nut-based bars are high in fiber
Biena Roasted Chickpeas – 6g protein, 6g fiber, 0g added sugar
Beanitos – 4g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar
Ground Flax – Add this to your yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, even sprinkle onto peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

Kid-Friendly Fruit Snacks

What are healthy fruit-based snacks that aren’t full of sugar?

While plain fresh, canned, dried frozen fruit is my favorite option, there are some packaged fruit snacks and alternatives that are good options. I’ve listed some below but check out this post as well for more Healthy Fruit Snacks and Alternatives.

Figgy Pops – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
That’s It Fruit Bars – 1g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar – pair with a protein source!
Freeze-dried fruit – 2g protein, 6g fiber, 0g added sugar- great to add to trail mix
Bear Fruit Rolls – 0g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar – the also have sour varieties
Peeled Snacks – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
Bare Apple Chips – 0g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar

RD mom tip – Fruit is a great snack and many options contain no added sugar, but fruit does naturally contain sugar and it’s best to pair fruit with a source of protein or healthy fats to give it more staying power!

High Protein Snacks

What high protein snacks help keep you full?

Protein is one component that should be included in almost all snacks – along with fiber and/or healthy fats. It helps with muscle-building, recovery and satiety – all good things! These are some of my favorite for kids. Look here for more of my favorite Healthy High Protein Snack Ideas for adults.

Hb eggs – 6g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
Chomps – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
Kodiak Power Waffles – 12g protein, 3g fiber, 4g added sugar
Aloha Protein Minis – 6g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar – can be a good snack option for elementary and older kids
Deli meat turkey – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – Look for a brand like Dietz and Watson that’s made with just turkey, salt and spices
Balanced Breaks – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – The raisin option is my favorite!

Snacks with Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are a great addition to daily snacks. For kids they are important for growth and development. For adults, they can be a good source of nutrients like omega-3’s and also help make snacks more satisfying.

Wholly Guacamole Minis – 1g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
Sabra Smart Snacks – 10g protein, 7g fiber, 0g added sugar
Cinnamon and sugar Superseedz – 7g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
Honey Smoked Salmon – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
Aussie Bites -2g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
Once Again Peanut Butter Packets – 8g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – great to pair with fruit or crackers

Healthy Packaged Snacks FAQs

What are the best nut-free snacks for schools and workplaces?

I know from experience that finding nut-free snacks for schools can be challenging. I put together the Ultimate List of Peanut-Free and Tree Nut-Free Packaged Snacks with lots of ideas for you.

What are some crunchy snacks that are actually good for you?

My favorite crunchy snacks to reccomend are raw veggies, nuts and seeds and trail mix. Kale chips, homemade crackers, roasted chickpeas and edamame are also great. Here are some more ideas for Healthy Crunchy Snacks.

Are there healthy savory packaged snacks that aren’t chips?

Yes! Some of my favorites include roasted chickpeas, roasted edamame, kale chips, and harvest snaps. Crunchmasters multiseed crackers, raw veggies with a packaged dip, trail mix, popcorn and savory granola bars are also good choices.

What are good healthy snacks for travel and long commutes?

Eating in the car or while commuting is unavoidable at times. Here’s a list of Healthy Road Trip Snacks including things like fresh fruits and veggies, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs and yogurt in the cooler and crackers, trail mix, muffins, jerky, granola bars and more in the snack bag! And if you have younger kids, here’s a list of Low Mess Snacks For Kids.

Can toddlers and younger kids have packaged snacks safely?

Yes! But there are definitely choking hazards to be aware of including round foods like grapes and hot dogs, raw veggies, marshmallows, hard candy, popcorn and more. Here are some Healthy Snacks for Toddlers.

What snacks offer a good balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats?

A few of my favorites include apple with peanut butter and a cheese stick, crackers with guacamole and a beef stick, high fiber muffin and a yogurt, and homemade trail mix with low sugar cereal, popcorn, nuts and dried fruit.

What are the best store bought snacks for school lunches or work?

If you need ideas for school lunches, you’ll love my guide: A Month of Packed Lunches for Kids including full color pictures and tons of ideas for both lunches and snacks.

What are the best packaged snacks for busy professionals or parents?

I’ve got a whole list of snack ideas that are gerat for At Work and After-Work Snacks, including some non-perishable ideas like tuna pouches with crackers, beef sticks, protein bars, roasted nuts and more.

That’s it for now! I’ll keep adding as I find more! If you liked this post, be sure to share and pin it for later!

Healthy Pre Packaged Snacks

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

Lindsay — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Learn how to build a mud kitchen for kids that’s perfect for keeping them entertained outside. Here are step-by-step mud kitchen plans for making an outdoor DIY mud kitchen for under $100. They’ll be cooking up nature soup and mud pies in no time.

*Originally published 5/2020. Updated 6/2025*

Hi friends!

Ready to learn how to make a DIY mud kitchen for kids? Last week, I didn’t even know there was such a thing and now here we are! I saw someone mention one on Instagram and I knew immediately that my kids would love one!

What To Cook In A Mud Kitchen

Messy play is so important for kids (read more on The Value of Messy Play here). The mud kitchen is perfect for making things like nature soup, mud pies, rock soup, leaf stew etc out of leaves, grass, dandelions, etc. This is the perfect easy weekend project, especially when the weather is warm.

Mud kitchens are also great for sensory play! Use the sink as a water basin, put ingredients of different textures in various pots and pans, let them explore things that are wet, squishy, slimy etc!

Mud Kitchen DIY

This is one of those times (and there are a lot of them) when it’s so nice to have a handy husband! I spent a few minutes scrolling through mud kitchens on Pinterest, screenshotted a few pictures to show him and asked him if he could build us one and six hours later, voila!

This is obviously not the only way you can build one. You could easily make one with just a board and some cinder blocks or using whatever wood you have laying around, but I LOVE the way ours turned out! Several people asked for dimensions, materials etc so we put together a blueprint and directions for how my husband made ours.

Keep in mind we’re not a DIY blog AND we weren’t planning to turn this into a post so we didn’t do the best job taking photos. But my husband provided drawings for each step of assembly with measurements etc for a little outdoor kitchen plans PDF. Between those and the typed directions below, hopefully you’ll have a pretty good idea how to build one yourself!

Homemade DIY Outdoor Sink

Can you make a mud kitchen with a working sink?

Our plans include a sink but we don’t have it hooked up to water to make it running water. If that’s something you’re looking for you might like this Outdoor Pallet Kid’s Mud Kitchen with Working Sink!

Mud Kitchen with Pallets

How do I build a mud kitchen using pallets?

Speaking of pallets, we didn’t use them but you could definitely make a DIY pallet mud kitchen. Check out this tutorial for an Easy DIY Pallet Mud Kitchen (using scrap wood and pallets).

Mud Kitchen Accessories + Creative Add-ons For Your Mud Kitchen

Want to accessorize your kitchen? Here are a few ideas:

Skip the stain and let your kids paint it
Add hooks for utensils
Add open shelves to store dishes
Build a spice rack
Hook up a working sink
Attach a chalkboard or paint part of it with chalkboard paint
Extend the mud kitchen by adding extra storage shelves for pots and pans

Mud kitchen knobs + cooker rings

Stove burners and knobs are one of most fun additions. You can make the burners different sizes for different pots and give them knobs to turn them on and off.

What mud kitchen tools and utensils do kids need?

Stock your mud kitchen with all sorts of fun tools and equipment. Keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift stores and dollar stores for things like:

Pots
Pans
Muffin tins
Plates and cups
Spoons
Ladles
Spice jars
Pitchers

and more!

How To Build A Mud Kitchen For Kids

Materials For Outdoor Play Kitchen

(7) cedar 2x4s
(8) 6′ cedar fence boards
1.25-inch deck screws (approx 54) and 2.5-inch deck screws (approx 50)
exterior stain (a great way to use some up if you have it laying around! We used what we had leftover after staining our screened porch)
sharpie
Rubbermaid 10 gallon plastic tub

Dimensions:

Frame: 2 feet tall x 4 feet long (depth is dependent on the container you’re using for your “sink”)
Tub: We used a 10-gallon plastic Rubbermaid tub. Measuring just under the lip, it was 14.5″ wide x 20.75″ long. (We had to cut off the handles to make it fit down in the frame which was a pain so we recommend looking for one without handles.

Directions For How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

**Scroll down for a link to a free PDF blueprint and printable directions**

Step 1: Assemble the frame for the cooktop using 2x4s.

Cut one 2×4 in half for the long sides, which will be almost exactly 48″.
Measure just below the lip of the tub you’re using to get measurements for the opening for your sink. Ours was 14.5″ wide x 20.75″ long.
Cut the 4 shorter pieces of your frame to the length of your tub.
Drill pilot holes and then use 2.5-inch deck screws to build your rectangular frame with two pieces in the middle to hold the tub between them.

Step 2: Add legs.

Front legs are 24 inches, back legs are 48 inches to extend up and make the backsplash.
Front legs go inside the frame and the back legs go outside the frame.
Attach the front legs, then have someone hold it level while attaching the back legs.

Step 3: Make the lower shelf frame.

Cut two 45″ pieces of 2×4 for the front and back.
Cut three pieces that are three inches shorter than your side pieces for the cooktop. Ours were 17.75 inches since the sides to our cooktop were 20.75 inches. You can also just measure the distance between the front and back legs and subtract 3 inches.
Drill pilot holes and use 2.5 inch deck screws.

Step 4: Attach the lower shelf frame.

Attach lower shelf frame to the back of the front legs and the front of the back legs about 6 inches from the ground using 2.5 inch deck screws.

Step 5: Add cedar top, shelf top, and backsplash with fence boards

Do the bottom shelf first. Measure from the outer edge to outer edge sides of the shelf frame. Cut 3 cedar fence boards to that length. Evenly space boards and attach with 1.25-inch deck screws to make a shelf.
Do cooktop next. Cut 3 cedar fence boards after measuring from backsplash to front edge of 2×4. Start closest to tub on both sides and work out. There may be a little overhang on the outer pieces.
For backsplash: Use fence board as a spacer when installing. We did 3 cedar fence boards and then a 2×4 level with the top

Step 6: Add 2×4 topper on the backsplash

We added another 2×4 across the top, connecting it to the 2×4 running horizontally across the top of the backsplash and the top of the back legs.

Step 7: Sand the cooktop

The cedar fence boards are rough sawn so we sanded them until smooth with 120 grit paper and a power sander.
Hubby also rounded the edges and corners. Smooth surfaces are easier to keep clean and allowed us to draw “burners”.

Step 8: Draw the “burners”

Draw cooktop burners by tracing circles and painting them black.

Weatherproofing the mud kitchen

Step 9: Stain

We used leftover stain from our porch to seal the wood.
We also added a coat of exterior grade polyurethane to the countertop area to hold up better against mud and water. In addition, the black paint for the burners won’t accept the stain so the poly helps seal it in.

Step 10: Add the details

We made knobs out of a leftover 2×4 to “turn the burners on”
Add hooks, baskets etc if you want to!
After we took the picture, we also added a cheap brass hose bibb to look like a faucet over the sink. (It was $5)
Furnish with old pots and pans, pie tins, tupperware, old spice containers, spoons and ladles. Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to find supplies.

Since we didn’t have the best step-by-step photos to share, my husband sketched out a visual of each step of the process to help show you how we measured, where we put our screws etc.

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE BLUEPRINT PDF and PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS

DIY Mud Kitchen FAQs

What age is a mud kitchen suitable for?

The best thing about this mud kitchen is that young toddlers can use it and older kids still find it fun. My youngest was 2 when we built ours and my oldest still plays with it occasionally at age 10!

If you take care of it, a mud kitchen can provide years of entertainment for your family.

How much does it cost to build a basic mud kitchen?

This one cost us just under $100 to build!

What are the best materials for building a mud kitchen?

We recommend using cedar as your wood because it’s naturally resistant to decay without any chemicals and it smells good. Cedar 2x4s can be a bit expensive but cedar fence boards are cheap so it balances out. Use whatever outdoor stain you’d like, plus some polyurethane for an extra layer of protection.

How do I protect a mud kitchen from weather?

We live in Ohio and we leave ours out year round. Staining and sealing it when you build it will help, but you will likely need to restain it every couple of years. You could also throw a tarp over it in the winter when it’s not getting much use.

What’s the best location to place a mud kitchen in the yard?

Totally up to you. We’ve had ours on the driveway, and on our brick patio. If you’re using a lot of water, the ground under it will get saturated and muddy so take that into consideration, and make sure you find somewhere flat!

Can a mud kitchen be used in the winter or cold climates?

Sure! Bundle the kids up and let them play outside all year round. They’ll be able to find different natural elements to use no matter the season and you don’t have to worry about keeping the pots and pans looking pristine. Snow can be a fun addition too. You can even add some paint to color the snow!

How do I make a mud kitchen safe for toddlers?

When they’re little, use smaller pots and pans and consider plastic items so they won’t hurt if they drop them onto their feet. Keep an eye on them around the sharp corners if they’re just learning to walk. In the summer, try not to leave a sink full of water for several days as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.

DIY Outdoor Mud Kitchen For Kids

Hope this helps! Happy playing!

IKEA Hack Mud Kitchen

PS. Do you love IKEA? Check out this Mud table as an easy IKEA hack.

–Lindsay–

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Kids To Cook

Lindsay — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Looking for info on how to teach kids to cook? I help you troubleshoot common problems and make it easier, more enjoyable and less stressful for you to cook with your kids!

*Originally published 8/2020. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

I’ve been working hard for a while now to put together this ultimate guide to teaching kids to cook for you guys! If you’ve been around, you know that one of my favorite things to do with my kids is to spend time in the kitchen!

I have been cooking with kids at home since all 3 of them were about 16 months old and I get tons of questions about how I make this happen! I know a lot of you wish you could do more with your kids in the kitchen but many of you have shared roadblocks and hurdles that are keeping you from doing it!

Benefits of Teaching Kids To Cook

There are so many benefits of teaching kids to cook. Everything from increasing confidence and building life skills like independence and responsibility to practicing reading and math skills. I want to make it easier to get your kids in the kitchen so in this post I will address:

Reducing the mess & increasing your patience
Age-appropriate kitchen tasks
Common concerns like kitchen safety, multiple kids, small kitchen
Easy, forgiving recipes to start with
My favorite kitchen tools for kids

Kids in the Kitchen – Mess and Anxiety

By far the most common roadblocks I hear from parents are:
Having the kids help means more time and a bigger mess.
Having the kids help is a huge source of anxiety for me.

First of all, let me say that I understand. There’s no way around it – cooking with kids is MESSY. And it often results in spilled or wasted ingredients, dirty counters and floors and it definitely adds some time to your cooking/baking sessions.

How To Make Cooking With Kids Less Stressful

The good news is, there are some things you can do to help minimize the inevitable mess:

Set up a trash bowl and spoon rest. This immediately gives the kids somewhere to set their stirring utensils to help keep the counter cleaner and a place to throw peels, veggie scraps, egg shells and more without you running back and forth to the trash can nine million times. In this same vein, give them a “kitchen shirt” or apron to avoid tough stains on nice clothes.
Limit the area. Get a learning tower or place their stool/chair at one end of the counter and remind them they need to stay put until you’re done. Place a high chair mat, an old bed sheet or even a piece of plastic under the chair/counter to catch crumbs. Then just gather it up and take it outside to shake it off when you’re done.
Size up. If your recipe calls for half a cup, let them fill a one cup measuring halfway instead of a half cup one up to the brim to help minimize spills.
Include them in cleanup. They need to learn right away that cleaning up is part of cooking. They don’t get to just do the fun part and leave the mess to you. And you might be surprised how much they actually enjoy cleaning up! Get a small broom, dustbuster or cordless vacuum that young kids can easily handle for the floor. And get some non toxic spray cleaner and a rag to let them go to town on the counter.

As far as increasing patience and minimizing anxiety goes, I would address them with this three part plan:

Strategy:

Be smart. Don’t choose to include your kids for the first time when you’re already stressed or crunched for time. You’re setting yourself up to fail. Pick an open afternoon or a slow morning.
Be reasonable. Expect some mess. Expect it to take a bit longer. Prepare for a few spills. Then if things go better than expected you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Train for patience. Practice being patient all day every day, with little tasks that are less important or require less patience so that when you need a lot of patience for something like cooking with kids, you’ve already been working on it.
Time it! Set a timer to see how long a few of your cleanup sessions actually take. I bet it’s less than you realize. Sometimes I think we build up a mess in our heads to epic proportions but i’d venture to guess that almost any mess they make (under supervised conditions) can be cleaned up in under 15 minutes.

Control measures:

Remember that you can control the ingredients you get out and the amounts. If you want them to practice pouring and you need half a cup of milk, pour one cup of milk into a smaller vessel and let them practice pouring instead of giving them the whole carton to potentially spill. Same thing with dry ingredients. Pour 2 cups of flour into a bowl and let them scoop out one cup, instead of scooping directly from the container.

Mantras – Find one & repeat it over and over:

What’s the rush?
Intentional and present.
Be in this moment.
Does the mess REALLY matter?

Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks

What is the best age to start teaching kids to cook?

Many parents are willing and ready to bring your kids into the kitchen but don’t know where to start. They’re not sure how old kids need to be or what they can be doing at what age.

Every kid is different but I think a lot of people are surprised when they see how early I bring my kids into the kitchen. We have a learning tower (aff link) that I’ve used with all three kids and they all started helping around 14 months. I’ve found that from months 14-16 they’re really just kinda excited to be there. They like being able to see what’s on the counter. They’re happy to stir a spoon around a few times or press the button on the food processor.

Usually around 16-18 months is when they really start getting excited to help. I’ve looked at a lot of “age appropriate kitchen task” lists and quite honestly, I disagree with most of them. I feel like toddlers can do A LOT more than people give them credit for if they’re given the opportunity.

Foundational Cooking Skills For Kids

Kitchen Tasks for Toddlers

Here are some ideas for things kids can do starting as young as 16-18 months:

Pour & Drain – Measure the ingredients for them and let them help you pour or dump them into the bowl/pan/strainer. You can start by guiding their hand and then move to letting them do it on their own.
Stir & Whisk – Hand them a spoon or whisk and a bowl of ingredients and let them go to town!
Rip & Mash – Give them a head of lettuce or stem of kale and show them how to remove the leaves, tear them into little pieces and put them in the salad spinner. They can also mash potatoes, bananas and other soft fruits.
Wash & Spin – Set them up at the sink and let them rinse of fruits and veggies. Let them rinse greens in the salad spinner and spin them dry and then have them help you portion them into bowls.
Scoop – Make cookies or muffins and let them help you scoop the batter onto a tray or into muffin tins. Cookie scoops are great for this! You can also have them scoop ground meat to make meatballs.
Retrieve & Store – Let them help you put away the groceries and put specific items in their place. You can also have them retrieve items from the pantry that you need for a recipe.
Seal & Push – Let them put the lid on and press the button to turn on the blender or food processor
Other ideas: let them knead and shape bread or pizza dough, brush things with oil or melted butter, wipe down the counter with a rag, help you thread things onto skewers to make kabobs, etc

Kitchen Tasks for Young Kids

As they start to gain confidence and get more comfortable in the kitchen, try these tasks:

Peel – Give them a vegetable peeler and show them how to peel carrots and potatoes. They can also practice peeling hard boiled eggs.
Chop – Get a kid-safe knife and let them practice cutting soft vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, cooked potatoes, peppers and fruits like strawberries and bananas.
Crack – Let them practice cracking eggs and then washing their hands
Use – Help them use a hand mixer, lemon squeezer, can opener or box grater
Clean – Have them sweep or vacuum after cooking, let them wash dishes and load the dishwasher and practice spraying and wiping down the counter

Next steps:

Let them start chopping harder fruits and veggies
Let them stir things in a hot pan on the stove and use a griddle
Practice reading, math, etc when following recipes

Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Kitchen Safety For Kids – What Safety Rules Should I Teach My Kids In The Kitchen?

I hear from a lot of parents that their own knife skills are not the greatest and they’re worried about kids cutting themselves in the kitchen. The best tip I can give you is to improve your own skills. There are tons of basic knife skills videos out there that can help you learn the basics and then just practice, practice, practice! Share the basics with the kids. Get them a safe knife to learn with. Show them where to put their fingers etc. This video may be helpful: Basic Knife Skills.

Another safety worry is eating batter or dough once raw eggs have been added. If this is something you’re worried about, try making a pre-egg tasting ritual so they can satisfy their tasting desire or doing some vegan baking with flax eggs.

If you’re worried about them touching raw meat, just let them! Watch them carefully, remind them often about the importance of handwashing and set a good example by frequently washing their hands. Maybe you could make up a fun cooking handwash song to get them excited about washing hands. You could also have them wear gloves and take them off immediately after handling the meat. And if they really can’t seem to stop putting EVERYTHING in their mouth, then just wait until they’re a little older for the raw meat aspect of cooking!

Handling Multiple Kids In The Kitchen

If you have two (or more) kids of helping age, it’s likely easiest to start with one at a time. Set up a special activity for the other(s) – maybe a new coloring book or playdough. Let them sit at the kitchen counter or table so they don’t feel like they’re missing out and be sure to let them know when they will get a turn. If they’re older, help them put your cooking date on the calendar and let them spend the time planning their own recipe etc.

If you need to entertain a baby who needs to be entertained so an older kiddo can help – set the baby up on the floor – give them pots and pans, Tupperware, silverware etc and let them make a mess and bang away. If they’re crawling, buy a popup play yard to keep them in a contained space or put them in a carrier or sling. If you’re new to bringing kids into the kitchen, really try to maximize nap time or another time when you have someone else to watch the baby to minimize your stress level and so that the older one can have your full attention.

Beginner Recipes for Kids

For many people, not knowing what recipes to start with is the biggest hurdle. Maybe you’re not the best cook to start with or aren’t super confident in your skills. Maybe your kids want to make cookies but you’re not a baker.

The good news is there are tons of recipes out there that are very forgiving. They’ll still turn out great even if measurements aren’t exact.

Here are some general ideas:

Banana muffins
Banana bread
Baked oatmeal
Smoothies
Tacos
Spaghetti/baked ziti
Granola
Baked pancake
Egg cups/ Omelet or Frittata
Salad
Chili
Pancakes
Cookies
Rice Krispy treats
Hummus
Homemade Pizza
Roasted vegetables
Scrambled eggs
Stir Fry
Soup
Quesadilla
Oatmeal/overnight oats
Meatballs
Bread
Mac and cheese
Guacamole
Enchiladas

We actually have a whole website called Let The Kids Cook where my kids share easy recipes for kids to make, complete with a video of the kids making each recipe. Perfect to let your kids watch and get excited about!

In addition, almost all the veggie-packed baked goods on my blog are very kid-friendly. The recipes are forgiving and it’ll be ok if some of the ingredients spill onto the counter or don’t make it into the pan.

Here are all of my Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes.

Kitchen Tools for Kids

What Tools and Utensils are Best For Kids Learning To Cook

While it’s certainly not necessary to buy all new kitchen equipment when you start cooking with kids, it can be fun! Kids enjoy having their own special stuff. Don’t feel like you need to buy it all at once. Most kitchen items are relatively inexpensive and make great additions to birthday presents, stocking stuffers etc!

Here are all of my favorite kitchen tools for kids.

How Do I Teach My Child To Use A Knife Safely

Here’s a great post about Teaching Knife Skills To Toddlers and Children! My favorite knives to start with are these plastic knives. (aff link) Once they’re ready, this is sharp like a real knife but is a great size for kids.

Hurdles To Teaching Kids Cooking Skills

Lack of Interest in Cooking

If you’re excited to get into the kitchen with your kids but you kids are less than enthusiastic, try one of these tips:

Film a fast-motion video – my kids always get a kick out of watching themselves do anything at a super-fast speed
Record them making a cooking show – set up your phone to record and let them go to town pretending their the star of their very own cooking show
Show them videos of other kids cooking – you can find videos of my kids cooking here from a very young age!
Watch cooking shows on TV
Sign them up for a cooking class – in person or online!
Let them choose the recipe and be completely in charge
Let them create their own recipe even if it sounds gross – some kids need to ease into it and get comfortable doing things their own way before they’re willing to follow directions and make a real recipe.

Limited Kitchen Space While Cooking with Kids

If you don’t have much counter space, buy a kid-sized folding table or tray table that you can pull out to extend your counter space. Consider looking at smaller options than the traditional learning tower. There are plenty out there that take up less space and some that fold up! A folding step stool is another option if they’re a little older.

Also, think beyond the counter. When my kids were little and couldn’t reach high enough to add stuff to the food processor from the learning tower, I would just put the whole food processor on the ground. You could also use the kitchen table!

Can Cooking Help Picky Eaters Try New Foods

Absolutely. Getting your kids into the kitchen is one of the best ways to encourage trying new foods. If you’re looking for a starting place to try new foods, here is a free checklist of 75 New Foods To Try! Also check out this post about How To Help Picky Eaters.

The Success is in the Mess

Remember that hands-on experience is the most effective way to teach kids. Just like adults, they get better with practice. Don’t let the fear of mess or mistakes cause missed opportunities.

And remember, cooking affords so many opportunities to young kids. Everything from building confidence to practicing math, science and reading to setting them up to succeed independently later in life. So grab your kiddos and head to the kitchen. I can’t wait to hear about all of your cooking adventures!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Indoor Activities For Toddlers

Lindsay — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for preschoolers.

{Originally published Jan 2017. Updated Jan 2025}

Hi Friends!

If you’re looking for some fun new indoor activities for toddlers, this post is for you! It’s hard to believe it’s been so long since I first published this post. The little boy in the pictures is now 10 years old!

Easy Toddler Activities Inside

Whether you’re inside because it’s too cold, too hot, too rainy etc, these activities are helpful for entertaining little ones.

These activities have stood the test of time and I’ve enjoyed them right along with all three of my kids.

Indoor Toddler Activities

While this post was originally geared toward toddler activities, I’ve also included some ways to make them harder. As kids get older, some of the things they could do six months ago are getting too easy….but there are ways to add a bit of a challenge to most of them, to make them more developmentally appropriate for older toddlers and even preschoolers!

I have even more toddler activity ideas in this post: Cheap Toddler Activities. Even though some of the pictures are outdoors, most of them can be done inside!

Indoor Activities For Families

If you need activities for slightly older kids – those in preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, etc….or you have multiple kids of different ages to entertain, check out these posts:

Indoor Activities for Toddlers

Fun Games To Play With Toddlers Indoors

Balloon Hockey

I blow up a couple of balloons, we each grab a fly swatter and go to town hitting them around the room. I let him hit it around for a while and then we also work on hitting it to keep it up in the air.

Make it harder:

Set up a goal and let them try to score.
Have a contest to see how long they can keep it from touching the ground.
Let them try to keep two balloons in the air at once!

Indoor Fine Motor Activities For Preschoolers

Pom Pom Push

Take a plastic container and cut holes in the top and let them push the pom poms through the holes.

Make it harder:

Draw circles around the holes with a marker and let them push the blue pom poms through the blue hole, the green ones through the green holes, etc.
Set a timer and see how many they can get in the container in 30 seconds or a minute.
Give them tongs or tweezers and have them use those to pick up the pom poms
Have them sort the pom poms into different containers by size, color etc.

Simple Toddler Activities

Pom Pom Drop

Save your toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Tape them to a door or wall and let them drop the pom poms through.

Make it harder:

Give them tongs or a clothespin to make picking up the pom poms more challenging.
Let them tape the tubes up and see if they can get the angles right so the pom poms go through all the tubes on the way down.
You drop the pom poms from the top and see if they can catch them in the bottom in a small bowl.

DIY Toddler Activities

Straw Threading

Cut plastic straws into pieces. Let them thread the straw pieces onto the pipe cleaners.

Make it harder:

Have them thread the pieces on in a pattern of colors.

Indoor Winter Activities For Toddlers

Ring Toss

Twist some pipe cleaners together to make rings and toss them into bowls or buckets.

Make it harder:

Have them stand farther away.
Set up multiple buckets and tell them to throw them into a specific one.
See how many they can get in a row.
Use something like bean bags and make the hole they’re throwing into smaller

Indoor Physical Activities for 2-3 Year Olds

Golf Tee Hammering

Poke golf tees into a cardboard box and let them hammer them in.

Make it harder:

Give them a smaller hammer.
Tell them which color nails to hammer.
Let them practice pulling them out and setting them back up again.

Fun Daycare Activities

Ziploc Bag Fingerpainting

Put a few blogs of paint into Ziploc bags. Seal them tightly and tape to a window or table. Let them fingerpaint just like they would on a piece of paper.

Make it harder:

Ask them to draw specific shapes or objects.
Talk about what colors mix together to make new colors.

No Prep Indoor Activities For Toddlers

Card Slot Drop

Cut a slot in the lid of a container and have them drop the cards in.

Make it harder:

Cut some holes as well and have them put q tips in.
See how fast they can get them all in.
Have them put them in by color or number.

Easy Games For Preschoolers

Cheerio Threading

Cut pipe cleaners in half and let them push them through the holes of a colander.

Make it harder:

Give them the pipe cleanr to hold and have them thread the Cheerios while holding it.

Car Ramp

Draw lanes on a cardboard box to make a car ramp. Let them race their cars down it.

Try making the ramps longer or building ramps out of blocks, magnatiles, hot wheels tracks or any combination of the three!

Creative Activities For Toddlers

Fun with Cans

See how high they can stack them up. Set them up like bowling pins and let them bowl with a wiffle ball or tennis ball.

Things To Do With Toddlers at Home

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is get them in the kitchen with me. If you’re not sure how to start, check out these posts:

Toddler Meal Ideas

If your kiddos are hungry after all these activities, check out these posts for meal ideas:

How To Build A Mud Kitchen

And when the weather gets nicer and you can go outside again, try your hand at building a mud kitchen for the backyard with these simple instructions:

How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

Rainy Day Activities For Toddlers

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite indoor activity for the kiddos? I’m always looking for new ideas!

Need more ideas? Check out some of my favorite blogs:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Low Sugar Yogurt | 7g Added Sugar or Less!

Lindsay — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:46:00 +0000

Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

*Originally published 7/2022. Updated 12/2024.*

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

If you want more store-bought snack ideas, check out these posts:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

Best Low Sugar Yogurts – Top Brands

How to choose low sugar yogurt?

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you!

There is no official definition for low-sugar so opinions will vary person to person. As a Registered Dietitian, I tried to look for options that were relatively low in sugar but would still taste good.

Low Sugar Yogurt Recipes

For options lowest in added sugar, try using plain yogurt and sweetening with your own fruit like this – How To Make Naturally Sweetened Greek Yogurt – No added Sugar. You could also try making your own yogurt – How To Make Homemade Vanilla Yogurt.

Best Flavored Yogurt Options

If you don’t like those options , you’ll need to choose from flavored store-bought options and the level of added sugar varies widely by brand.

Best yogurt without artificial sweetener

Many people, including myself, don’t like the aftertaste that comes with stevia and may have digestive issues with sweeteners like monk fruit, etc. If you want to learn more about sugar substitutes, check out my post – The Ultimate Guide to Sugar Substitutes.

For this roundup, I’ve chosen to go with yogurts sweetened with traditional sugar, not sugar substitutes.

Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

What is the healthiest low sugar yogurt?

The healthiest low sugar yogurt for you is one that you’ll eat! You can’t get the protein and other nutrient benefits if you’re not willing to consume it!

Lowest Sugar Yogurt Brands

Here are the five options I found that are lower in sugar and still taste good.

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
13 grams protein
0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

5 grams added sugar
12 grams protein
3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
12 grams protein
2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin.

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

6 grams added sugar
15 grams protein
2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
15 grams protein
2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

Low Sugar Yogurts for Kids

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

Is sugar-free yogurt good for you?

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

For Special Diets

Low Sugar Yogurts for Diatbetics

If you’re diabetic and looking for options that are specifically good for diabetics, check out this article from my friend and fellow RD who is a Type 1 Diabetic – How To Choose The Best Yogurt For Diabetes.

Low Sugar Vegan Yogurt

If you’re looking for some healthy dairy-free yogurt options check out this post – Healthy Dairy-free Yogurt That Actually Tastes Good.

Additional healthy yogurt options:

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

Lindsay — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 13:47:00 +0000

Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Healthy Store Bought Bread Options

*Published 9/22. Updated 12/24*

These are the best store bought bread options that are both healthy and affordable. Busy families looking for healthy bread options for sandwiches, toast, and more will find several options to choose from.

Hi friends!

We’re continuing our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Healthy Bread Brands 2024

Today we’re talking about bread. I frequently get requests for bread recommendations and I totally get it! The bread aisle is huge and overwhelming and with so many options available, it’s hard to know which is the best choice.

First, we’re going to talk about a few different aspects of bread that you should consider when choosing which will work for your family. Aside from the nutritional aspect, you also have to consider whether you, or your kids, will eat it. Because it doesn’t matter how much protein and fiber is packed in there if your kids refuse to eat it, right?

So let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love the Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

Accessible and affordable – these brands are sold at many local grocery store chains.
Made with simple ingredients
Focus on whole grains- to get more fiber!
Low in added sugar

What Bread Is Healthiest?

When deciding what bread is healthy and choosing a bread for you and your family, here are a few things to consider. As a Registered Dietitian, I look at things like:

ingredients
added sugar
protein and fiber
portion size

Choosing A Healthy Bread

Why choose whole grain bread brands?

I generally recommend choosing whole grain bread as one of your healthiest options. Whole grain means the entire kernel of the grain was used to make the flour. This means there are more nutrients like vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, etc. Bread made with refined flour means part of the grain most of the grain processed out and you can lose things like fiber and nutrients (although they are often added back in).

Mom hack: Look for the word WHOLE as the first ingredient. This is important! Just because it says wheat flour does not mean WHOLE wheat flour was used. You can also look for the yellow whole grain seal on the package.

In addition, aim to avoid partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup on the ingredient list.

Added Sugar in bread

Is there bread with no sugar added?

It’s rare to find bread with no added sugar and bread can actually be a big source of added sugar (one that people don’t always think about.) I suggest aiming for 2-3 grams or less per slice. Also, consider whether you’ll be eating one slice or two and check how many slices the info on the nutrition label is for. Sometimes the nutrition label info is per slice and sometimes it’s for a serving size of 2 slices.

Mom tip: Some brands have varieties that have 4-5 grams of added sugar per slice. If you’re eating two slices you’re getting 10 grams of added sugar at that meal just from the bread.

Protein and fiber in bread

What counts as high-fiber bread brands?

Aim to find a bread that has at least some protein and fiber. I suggest looking for at least 2-3 grams of fiber and at least 3 grams of protein per slice.

Is white bread healthy?

If you choose white bread, know that it is enriched to add vitamins and minerals back in but will likely be lower in fiber than whole wheat options. Look for one that’s low in sodium and added sugar and higher in fiber if you can find it.

Something like Brownberry Oat Nut is white in appearance but has 4 grams protein and 2 grams fiber per slice, which is good…but it also has 3 grams of added sugar per slice. So there are a lot of factors to consider! Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right is another option.

Best Healthy Sandwich Bread For Kids

When it comes to portion size, many companies now have thin-sliced options. This is great for most people, especially kids. They are often lower in added sugar because the amount of bread is smaller but still can have a decent amount of fiber and protein.

So let me share a few of my favorite options in the stores around me:

Healthiest Bread Brands

Nature’s Own & Sara Lee

Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat – 60 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar
Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat– 60 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar

Cheap Healthy Bread Options:

Mom hack: These are some of the most economical options at my grocery store that still have a decent amount of protein and fiber per slice and are low in added sugar.

Pepperidge Farm

Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat– 120 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 3g added sugar
Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Thin Sliced – 65 cal, 3.5g protein, 2g fiber, 1.5g added sugar *one slice
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal – 110 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar

Their thin sliced loaves give the nutrition info for 2 slices so the info above for the thin sliced is half of what’s listed on the label to reflect one slice.

Brownberry/Arnold/Orowheat

Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat – 110 cal, 4g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar
Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat Small Slice- 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
Brownberry Oatnut – 120 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
Brownberry Oatnut Small Slice– 80 cal, 3g protein, 1g fiber, 2g added sugar

Mom tip: This company is known as Brownberry in the midwest, Arnold in the east and Orowheat in the west.

Dave’s Killer Bread

Has some great options but can be expensive:

Dave’s Killer Bread Good Seed Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 3g fiber, 2g added sugar
Dave’s Killer Bread 100% whole wheat Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
Dave’s Killer Bread Powerseed – 100 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 1g added sugar
Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right – 110 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar

Mom tip – Some of their other options are higher in added sugar- 4 or 5 grams added sugar PER SLICE.

Best sprouted bread:

Ezekial Sprouted Bread

Ezekial Sprouted Whole Grain (or sprouted sesame) – 80 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
Silver Hills Sprouted is another great sprouted option if you can find it near you!

Best Honey Wheat Bread Brands

These still have some protein but tend to be lower in fiber so just keep that in mind. Look for low added sugar and try to pack some nutrients into whatever you’re putting on the bread. Some examples:

Nature’s Own Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 3g protein, less than 1g fiber, 2g added sugar
Sara Lee Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 2g protein, less than 1g fiber, 1g sugar

Healthy Sandwich Bread

What’s the best bread for sandwiches?

So what’s my pick? I’m actually switching my kids to Nature’s Own 100% whole wheat. It’s cheaper than what we’ve been buying, has less added sugar and my kids actually didn’t mind eating it when I did a taste test with them!

Hope this was helpful! Just remember to pay attention to how much added sugar is in the bread you’re choosing and look for brands with some protein and fiber!

What’s the best way to store store bought bread?

If the bread you like is on sale, you can freeze it to use later. Just thaw on the counter as needed. You can also toast directly from the freezer.

Bread can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag. Note that warmer weather may cause bread to mold more quickly so freezing all or some of the loaf can prolong the life of the bread.

What are some of the best gluten-free bread brands?

Gluten-free bread is a totally different ball game made with different types of flours and often additional ingredients to help stabilize due to the absence of gluten. Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Bread to give you a starting point in this category.

Can you freeze bread?

Yes! Bread keeps well in the freezer so definitely stock up when your favorites go on sale and thaw as needed.

Healthy Bread Meal Prep Tips

If your kids don’t like crust, save them in a bag in the freeze and then pulse them in the food processor to make homemade breadcrumbs.
If you have bread that goes stale, make homemade croutons.
Prep peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them. Perfect for popping in lunch boxes.
Stock up on bread when it’s on sale and store in the freezer until ready to use.
Did you know you can make French toast ahead of time, cook, cool, freeze and reheat when ready?

Healthy Bread Shopping List

Screenshot the image below to help you remember some of my favorite brands!

These are the best store bought bread choices for busy, active families that are looking for healthy, affordable bread options that are nutritious and taste good.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Nursing Snacks For Breastfeeding Moms

Lindsay — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

These nursing snacks for breastfeeding moms are easy to make ahead of time! Use these postpartum snacks to help keep your body fueled and energized while nursing.

*Originally posted 2/2017. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friends!

I’ve got some healthy breastfeeding snacks to share with you today. Although I’m no longer nursing, I do have three kids and there were several years where I was nursing constantly and was often asked about breastfeeding snacks.

Healthy Postpartum Snacks

When my oldest was born, our breastfeeding journey came to a rapid end. I got mastitis the first week and ended up in the hospital when he was six weeks old with a breast abscess. (You can read more here.) Since our breastfeeding stint was so short, and I was also supplementing with formula, I didn’t get a clear picture as to just how much exclusively breastfeeding affects your body.

Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms

When my daughter was born, we were able to exclusively breastfeed for 13 months. During that time I was also chasing two kids around and regularly doing CrossFit which involved weightlifting and high-intensity workouts. I quickly learned that I needed to eat A LOT of calories to maintain my weight.

My youngest struggled to gain weight as a baby which meant I spent a lot of time doing triple feeds where I was nursing, pumping and giving him formula which was just as exhausting as it sounds, especially with two other little kids running around.

Breastfeeding women are encouraged to eat an extra 300-500 calories per day.

Best Postpartum Snacks

Finding time to eat can be tough when you have a screaming newborn and a high-energy toddler running around.

Most of the time when meal or snack time rolled around, one of two things was happening:

Everyone needed to eat at the same time so I nursed one while getting food ready for the other two.
The baby was napping and the toddlers needed to eat so I fed them and then ran around trying to get work done or spend one on one time with the other kids while baby slept instead of eating myself.

After a bit of a learning curve, I realized I needed to step up my game a little bit. I needed to make more of an effort to have my fridge, freezer and pantry well-stocked with healthy, calorie-dense snacks that I can eat quickly throughout the day and I needed to prioritize sitting down and eating meals….even when I’m busy or feel like I have a million other things to do.

If you’re pressed for time – which, let’s be honest, what new mom isn’t….storebought snacks are a perfectly acceptable option. I have tons of Best of Storebought Snack lists including:

Healthy Breastfeeding Snacks

So here are some of my favorite make-ahead snacks to have stocked and ready to eat throughout the day while post-partum and nursing:

Easy Snacks For Breastfeeding Moms

Snack Mixes

To make it super easy, buy a bag of trailmix from Costco and portion it out as needed. I love the one that has peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and m&ms.

But also remember that it’s pretty quick and easy to make your own with all your favorite things in it!

Think nuts, seeds, popcorn, dried fruit, chocolate chips, cereal, bite-sized crackers etc. Most snack mixes don’t require a recipe but here are a few I specifically love:

Breastfeeding Mom Snacks

Yogurt with Toppings

Try full-fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt and top with a handful of oat-based granola or cereal for some crunch, fresh fruit for sweetness and nuts/seeds for healthy fats (a sprinkle of ground flaxseed mixed in would be a great addition.

A few other options:

Mush overnight oats and Mamma Chia are good storebought options.

Good Breastfeeding Snacks

Energy Balls

These are so easy to make and perfect for stocking your freezer. Make a double batch and freeze them so you can pull out one or two out to eat quickly. To make your life even easier, skip rolling them into individual balls- just press the mixture into a pan, refrigerate for a couple hours and then cut into bars.

Here are some energy ball recipes to try:

These also make a good kid snack so you can make some for yourself and share. For more ideas check out these 15 Kid-Friendly Protein Energy Balls – No Protein Powder Required.

Easy Postpartum Snacks

Granola or Protein Bars

I make these No-Bake Protein Bars all the time as a homemade version of store-bought protein bars. You can also try these Gingerbread Protein Balls.

If you’re looking for storebought ideas, I like:

KIND Bars
Rx Bars
Perfect Bars
Larabars
Go Macro
88 Acres is a great option if you need something nut-free.

Lactation Snack Recipes

There are a few foods that are known to help increase breast milk production. These include things like whole grains (especially oats), leafy green veggies, nuts, ginger, flax, brewer’s yeast and blackstrap molasses.

Lactation Cookies

I’ve been eating a couple of these each day for a quick snack or dessert. This is my recipe for Dairy-Free Lactation Cookies and there are tons of other variations out there!

If you prefer store-bought you can check out Milky Mamas.

Other Snacks To Boost Milk Supply

Other snacks using some of these ingredients include:

Good Breastfeeding Snacks

Egg Wraps

These egg wraps are easy to make ahead of time. with turkey and guac or hummus. I make up 8-10 on Sundays to have on hand throughout the week. You can eat them warm or cold and add things like turkey, cheese, guacamole, etc. They’re easy to eat one-handed and packed with protein!

Egg Waffles are another great option! Or make a batch of egg muffins like these Easy Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins.

Best Snacks For Nursing Mothers

Muffins/Bars

When you’re making things like muffins, bars, pancakes, waffles, etc….always always make a double batch to stock your freezer. Just pull them out and thaw on the counter as needed.

Some favorites of mine are:

Need more ideas for healthy snacks while breastfeeding?

Hummus with carrots or chips (bonus points if you make this greek hummus topping too!)
Apple slices with peanut butter
Frozen pb banana sandwiches (put a little pb between two slices of banana and freeze)
Tuna salad stuffed mini peppers (cut peppers in half, stuff with mix of tuna + avocado or hummus + salsa)
PB toast or waffle with peanut butter (I like these Banana Flax Waffles– i make a batch to freeze then just grab one and pop it in the toaster)
Pudding – try this PB banana version or this chocolate avocado pudding recipe
Cold leftovers – I like these Thai Chicken Meatballs or Tuna Quinoa Cakes or Chicken Avocado Burgers straight out of the fridge
Smoothies- did you know you can make a big batch and freeze them in mason jars. Then just microwave to thaw as needed. Here are some of the Best Smoothie Recipes.

That’s all for today! Keep in mind these healthy make-ahead snacks are great for everyone, not just nursing moms! I also have a post of Healthy Freezer Snacks that might be helpful!

Let’s chat:

What are the best postpartum snacks in your opinion?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Gifts For In-Laws {and Parents}

Lindsay — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here’s a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc!

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

This post is the follow-up to my Best Gifts for Husbands list. Today I’ve got some of the best gift ideas for in-laws. Behind husbands, this was the second most requested post. People seem to have a tough time coming up with gift ideas for in-laws/parents/grandparents.

Whether you’re new to the family and haven’t gotten to know your in-laws very well yet or you’ve been in the family for years and feel like you’ve already gotten them everything they could possibly want or need, I’ve got you covered with this list!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

Here are the best gifts for in-laws and parents:

Photos

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with photos!

Book and pay for a family photo session so they can have some current photos of the family, grandkids, etc with them in it!
Canvas print – I get all mine from Canvas On Demand. The perfect way to decorate a room.
Digital frame – This one has an app and it’s super easy for multiple people to add photos so they appear in the frame.

Electronics

Make the gift even better by installing and setting it up for them!

Make their house a little more high tech with a Nest thermostat or a Ring doorbell camera
Upgrade their TV with Apple TV or Roku – you could throw in a year subscription for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc!
Improve their stereo system with a new sound bar.
Introduce them to Alexa with an Echo with Alexa or Google Home, etc
If they like to read or listen to books or podcasts, try an Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Kitchen

If they enjoy cooking, you can always add something to their kitchen collection!

My number one pick is an Instant pot
An Air fryer is also a good option.
Or buy them tickets to a cooking class!

Travel

Airline gift cards: Do they live far away?

Put some money towards a flight so they can come to visit!
Or help them enjoy their retirement and take the trip they’ve been planning for years!

Food

Feed them!

Try a meat or veggie subscription box like Butcher Box (referral link) or Imperfect Foods.
Make their weeknights easier with a meal subscription service like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, etc!
Help them take the planning out of cooking with a meal planning tool like Cooksmarts.
Gift them a box of deliciousness from Harry & David.

Plants

A fun way to add new life to a room!

Check out websites like Bloomscape for beautiful indoor plants – they give you info on size, maintenance, light, pet-friendly etc.
Or gift them a monthly plant subscription- Check out something like The Sill

Interior Design

Whether they recently moved or have been living somewhere for a long time, they might enjoy a room refresh!

Gift them a Havenly consult – they can consult with an interior decorator online for a very reasonable price!

Out of Town

If they live out of town, consider:

A restaurant gift card to their favorite place or a new place to try
Dinner theater tickets
A night out with just you and your spouse! Especially if you have kids….they love the grandkids but you guys were their kids first and they would probably love spending some adult-only time with just you guys too!

That’s all I’ve got! For more gift ideas, check out:

What’s the best gift you’ve gotten your in-laws or parents lately?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–