Kidsgiving: Thanksgiving but Kid-Friendly!

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. But why should the adults have all the fun? We created Kidsgiving to share with our little ones the things we love most about this holiday: slowing down, preparing meals, nurturing family connections, and showing gratitude for our blessings big and small.

What is Kidsgiving?

Kidsgiving is a delightful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, designed to make the holiday more engaging and enjoyable for children. It’s an opportunity to involve kids in the Thanksgiving festivities by focusing on activities that are kid-friendly, fun, and educational.

Kidsgiving is about sharing the core values of Thanksgiving—family, gratitude, and togetherness—with children in a way that resonates with them. It’s a time to slow down, prepare meals together, nurture family connections, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, big and small.

Kidsgiving can be celebrated in various ways to suit different family dynamics and preferences. It can be a small, intimate affair where parents and children cook a simple recipe together, or it can be a bigger event, like a Kidsgiving party with friends and extended family.

Benefits of Kidsgiving?

• Educational: Cooking and preparing meals together teaches kids valuable skills like measuring, following directions, and understanding ingredients. It’s a hands-on learning experience.
• Bonding: Spending time together in the kitchen strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.
• Healthy Habits: Kids are more likely to try and enjoy healthy foods when they’ve had a hand in preparing them.
• Confidence Building: Successfully creating a dish boosts children’s confidence and encourages them to try new things.

Kidsgiving Menu

Kidsgiving is in full swing over here, and we’ve rounded up our favorite recipes that are easy to make and enjoy with your little sous chefs. It’s never too early to get them involved in the kitchen while sharing in the magic of the holidays! So grab your kid safe kitchen tools and little ones and pick some recipes to cook with them. We know cooking with your kids can be a handful, but remember, our tips and tricks and ALL the benefits: with preparation and practice and embracing some mess, this will become an activity that is instructive and enjoyable! 

Starters:

• Baked Apple Chips
• Our Favorite Kale Salad

Entrees:

• Sweet Potato & Veggie Mac N Cheese
• Roasted Squash and Veggie Soup

Sides:

• Cauliflower Mash (@weeknightbite)
• Easiest Roasted Spinach

Dessert:

• Jess’s Favorite Pumpkin Bread
• Apple Cranberry Crisp

Need more tips on cooking with your kids? Listen to our Getting your kids involved in the kitchen – the why, when, and how podcast.