Do you have a budding baker? A muffin maven? A potential pastry chef?
Encourage those fledgling talents in your child by giving them a gift catering exclusively to their interest in baking. Whether you are looking for an idea for birthdays, holidays, or just because, you can’t go wrong with these baking gifts for kids.
1 – Recipe Books
Basically an instruction book for all ages, a go-to recipe book allows children to pick something that catches their fancy to make all on their own. With directions and a guide to the ingredients and their quantities, your child can take on the responsibility of creating a delicious chocolate cake or a batch of blueberry muffins.
Try out this recipe book: Baking with Kids: Make Breads, Muffins, Cookies, Pies, Pizza Dough, and More! (Hands-On Family). Get your hands dirty right along with your kids, and make cookies, pies, breads, muffins, and more!
2 – Child-size Rolling Pin
Size does matter, especially when it comes to the small hands of a child. Give your child a rolling pin sized just for them, allowing them to assist you in the kitchen.
A full-size rolling pin may be cumbersome, but a child-sized rolling pin will have your little baker whipping up tasty treats in no time.
3 – Nylon Knives
Learning to use a knife is an essential part of cooking or baking of any sort. Most homes have traditional stainless steel or newer ceramic knives as part of their kitchen arsenal.
While these types of knives are useful for adults, you may feel some hesitation about giving these sharp implements to your child.
Instead of risking cuts and nicks, pick up a set of nylon knives for them to use. Many have a serrated edge, which helps to cut most fruit and vegetables, but it is still dull enough to prevent cuts to a child’s hands.
They will love the opportunity to help with baking and cooking for their family, as well as learning to be self-sufficient in their own baking endeavors.
4 – Cut Resistant Gloves
As your child gains skill with a knife, you may feel the push to give them the chance to test out a stainless steel or ceramic set. If you’re considering this, but are still hesitant to put their little hands at risk, a pair of cut resistant gloves may be the next step.
There are a variety of different types of cut resistant gloves you can use in the kitchen, including knit gloves made from specials fibers or yarns, metal mesh gloves (similar to chainmail), or even gloves that are not only cut resistant, but also heat resistant.
5 – Child-size Oven Mitts
Yet another item where size matters, a child-size oven mitt would be perfect for your little pastry maker. Using an adult-size oven mitt could be difficult for your child. It could slide off, prevent a good grip, or cause them to drop what they are holding.
When the contents are piping hot, little hands and bodies are at risk the most. Protect them with something their size, holding snug to their hands when they need them to.
6 – Apron and Hat
Make your child look and feel the part! An apron and chef hat is perfect, not only for making your little one feel like the real deal, but for keeping their clothes and hair neat and clean.
7 – Beginner Kit
A children’s baking beginner kit can be a great starting point for any child interested in baking. Kits contain many items regularly used in a kitchen, from spoons to whisks to spatulas. These starter kits can help your child to get an understanding of how the basic utensils in baking are used.
Most beginner sets include just a few items and are a great introduction to baking. This set, Curious Chef 11 Piece Child Chef Starter Kit, includes an apron, a spatula, a spoon, a whisk, a 6-piece measuring spoon set, and a star cookie cutter.
8 – Complete Utensil Set
Once your child continues to show increased interest in baking, you can upgrade them to a complete utensil set. These sets include many more pieces – essentially, everything a young baker would need.
A set, such as this one: Curious Chef 30-Piece Chef Caddy Collection, can even contain a child-sized rolling pin and nylon knives, like the gifts previously recommended. This particular set also includes a neat caddy to keep all of the utensils contained.
9 – Child’s Baking Shirt
A good gift for an aspiring child baker is a shirt helping them to express their love of all things baking. Select a shirt with a clever saying or a cute design, and your child will be thrilled to wear that love on their sleeve (literally!).
Take a look at some of the baking shirts we’ve designed to get a few great ideas!
10 – Baking Classes
If you feel like the student has surpassed the teacher in your home, there are various businesses that offer classes for child bakers and cooks.
There are different classes available for different age groups and skill levels. Your child can register for these classes alone, or they can register for a birthday party, class outings, or club meetings.
Speaking with managers at your local bakeries or restaurants, along with inquiring online, could provide you with several options.
11 – Baking Camp
Specialty camps for music, academics, and sports aren’t the only camps that exist. There are also camps for budding bakers!
Most camps are day camps, where you will have to drop off and pick up your child daily, but, depending on your area (research online), you may be able to find a sleep-away alternative to the day camp.
Children will not only get to experience baking with proficient bakers, but they will also get a chance to meet and make friends with other children with the same interests as themselves.
12 – Job Shadow
Not everyone is lucky enough to grow up with a skilled baker in their home. That being said, it does not mean that your child can’t develop a relationship with a respected baker in the area through a job shadow.
This experience would be entirely dependent on each bakery, but your child may be able to see what a typical day is like in a bakery, while following around and learning from a possible mentor. Check with your local bakeries to see if they offer any job shadowing opportunities in your area.
Regardless of their skill level, children of all ages can benefit from a gift that encourages their interests and desired talents, whether that be baking or something else.
For more ideas for slightly older children, check out our list of gift ideas for tweens.
Which gift is your favorite? Comment below to let us know!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.