It’s that time of year again when we all go into a frenzy of list writing and Google searching for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. This year, I feel a definite move away from the Christmas of old, where it was a case of “the more presents the merrier”. 

I think this year, if Instagram is anything to go by!, people will be making much more considered gift choices, with experiences and sustainability being high on the priority list.

So, I’ve created a list of gifts for kids which are either sustainable or foodie related or educational or all three (who doesn’t love a sustainable, educational, food gift?!).

Happy browsing!

GIY’s Know it All Almanac - GIY’s Michael Kelly and Dig in Diner’s Muireann Ní Chíobháin join forces with award-winning illustrator Fatti Burke to bring you a riotous, fully-illustrated kid’s almanac guide to growing and cooking food throughout the year. Sure to be a treasured book in any family!

GIYS Growbox for kids - sticking with the grow it yourself theme, this grow box has everything for the budding gardener to get started. It’s full of veg and flowers that are easy to grow and gives children their first taste of giy fun!

Kids Cook - teaching kids to cook is the single best way to get them involved in food! And the ladies at Kids Cook in Clonee are the best! They teach bread making and curry classes and my favourite, Brain Food Camp! Vouchers available too!

The World in my Kitchen - if you can’t make it to Kids Cook, then the next best thing is to buy a lovely cookbook like this one. Not just a cookbook, but a food journey around the world. Written by the clever ladies behind the CBBC series “I Can Cook”. 

Kiddies Food Kutter and Safety Food Peeler - you’ll need these clever tools to go with your cookbook! Get kids cooking from the age of 2+ with these tools which will cut food but won’t cut fingers!

EvridWear Gloves - these cut-resistant kids sized gloves are designed to keep little hands safe in the kitchen from cuts and scrapes - great when grating cheese! 

Johnny Magory Adventure Box Special Edition - I just love this collection of books and activities designed to get kids out into nature and exploring their Irish heritage and surroundings.

The Nippers Nature and Nutrition Box - a monthly themed non-subscription box supporting healthy eating and the natural environment through fun, art and craft activities and food art. Buy one or buy one every month!

Sprout - plantable pencils! This clever idea means that when you’ve worn your pencil down to a stub, you can plant said stub and watch it grow into a flower or herbs or even veggies. Kids will love them I’m sure.

Tater Tats Veggie Lover Tattoos - making healthy food even more fun with vegetable tattoos - great little stocking filler. Order these quickly as they are coming from the USA!

I hope you find something of interest here for your little foodie or environmentalist! 

What is on your shopping list this year?