Halloween baking just got a little more fun!
Make this hilarious giant mummy cookie using our vanilla cake mix or cookie cake kit!
You Will Need:
Instructions:
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, using an electric whisk, beat the cake mix with the butter and egg until it forms a ball. Fold in the chocolate.
Transfer to the prepared cookie sheet and press into a 6-inch circle. Refrigerate for 20 minutes (or up to 2 days).
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the cookie until golden brown at edges, about 35 minutes (it will start to spread).
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the mummy, cut 2 large rounds of white fondant and place as eyes. Top each with a smaller round of black fondant or 2 additional chocolate feves.
Fill a piping bag (or ziplock bag) with 1/2 cup frosting and cut a 1/2-inch wide corner off. Pipe frosting back and forth over the cookie to mummify!
See a video on our Instagram feed and let us know if you make it!
]]>As a mom, I'm always looking for a new way to get my kid to eat fruit and vegetables. It's not that she doesn't like them, but the more the better, right?
Enter Chocolate Zucchini Bread, the delicious way to sneak vegetables into my kid's diet! The best part is it's made with our Chocolate Cake Mix, so the hardest thing about it is grating the zucchini. (And waiting for it to finish baking; I swear the smell is half the joy in baking this cake.)
Easy, vegetable-y, and still thoroughly delicious, here's the Poppikit version of a classic Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
Makes 1 loaf cake
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 to 70 mins
3/4 cup/ 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 large eggs
1 pkg Poppikit Chocolate Cake Mix
1 1/2 cups loosely packed shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and eggs.
3. Fold in cake mix until almost no dry streaks remain, then fold in zucchini.
4. Scrape into loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake until springy to the touch, and edges start to pull away from the pan, 60 to 70 mins.
5. Cool to room temperature, in loaf pan, on a wire rack. Run a table knife or offset spatula along the edges to separate cake from pan, then tip out onto wire rack. To serve, cut into thick slices, and enjoy!
- Zucchinis are soft, so using a box grater is quick and easy work. Keep the starred end of the zucchini intact, slice away the bottom bit, and use the top as a handle while you grate the remaining zucchini.- Although it's best the day it's made, when the top and edges are still crunchy, the chocolate zucchini bread will keep well-wrapped on the counter for a few days, and in the fridge for up to a week.
]]>We know, we know - baking with kids can be a little intimidating. The preparation! The mess! (Actually, we all know it's mostly about the mess. We get it.)
With 4 kids between us, we've witnessed the chaos that can ensue when baking with kids, but we've also witnessed the magic too. The truth is, the benefits far outweigh the negatives - and really, what activity with kids doesn't end up messy anyway?
Teaching kids to cook and bake gives them valuable life skills - it's a terrific opportunity to not only teach them about food and where it comes from, but also science and math. I love to use a kitchen scale when I cook with my kids (not only for accuracy) because I can turn it into a sneaky math lesson. We weigh in grams, which are easier for kids to read and work with. Put them in charge of monitoring the number you have to reach; have older kids try and make the recipe x2, and so on.
Teach them responsibility by reminding them of that pre-school classic hit "Clean-up, Clean up..." You want to eat it? You gotta help clean up first. It's a hard and fast rule in our home.
Yup, we said it. You really just have to embrace the mess. That said, there are ways to make things a little more manageable. First, make clean-up a breeze: line your countertop with a large sheet of parchment or newspaper paper. Next, keep surfaces clear so there are fewer temptations. If you leave a jar of sugar on the counter, your child WILL start messing with it.
Younger kids (as you will know), have pretty short attention spans, so now is not the time to get out that recipe from The French Laundry cookbook. Find a one-bowl recipe with only a few ingredients. Better yet, buy a kit! With a kit, ingredients are pre-measured and the instructions are simple to follow.
As much as Instagram is calling for you to use your thrift shop-found antique bowls. your cooking activity will be a lot less stressful if you stick to melamine or plastic bowls and tools.
Translation: read the instructions first! No doubt, the second you find yourself trying to figure out which ingredient gets beaten in and which gets folded in, your child will have emptied the entire bag of chocolate chips on the counter. If you know the steps, you'll have the time and attention to keep your eyes on the kids.
For the little ones, give them a bowl, some measuring spoons, and flour and let them measure and mix without messing up what's going into the actual bowl.
A cooking project should not be started when you have 33 minutes before having to pick up the eldest child from karate. A good rule of thumb: if you're baking with kids, give yourself twice as much time as the recipe says. No rushing = less stress = actually enjoying yourself with your kids!
Find a rainy day, when you need an alternative to screen time. Or turn it into a fun family game night that has an equally fun reward at the end.
Be it with a tea party or sitting together for dessert, sit down together as a family. Then, talk about the recipe - what you liked about making it, what you would do differently next time. Asking specific questions will open your child up to chat.
]]>Makes 1 Loaf Cake
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins to 1 hr 20 mins
3/4 cup aquafaba (liquid drained from canned chickpeas - save and use chickpeas for another use)
1 pkg Poppikit Vanilla or Chocolate Pound Cake Mix
3/4 cup neutral oil
We love to add things to our pound cakes! Why not try one of the following:
- 1 cup carob chips
- 1 cup roughly chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins and cranberries)
- 2 teaspoons citrus zest (such as lemon and orange); then make a glaze with 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon citrus juice.
Use our Vanilla or Chocolate Pound Cake Mix (or even our Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix!) to make a classic pound cake. (If you're looking for variety, check out our Chocolate Marbled Pound Cake!)
We love to serve this cake with jam and clotted cream, but it's truly delicious on its own. It can also be lightly toasted with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Makes 1 Loaf Cake
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins to 1 hr 20 mins
2 sticks/ 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temp
1 pkg Poppikit Vanilla or Chocolate Pound Cake Mix
4 large eggs
We love to add things to our pound cakes! Why not try one of the following:
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 cup roughly chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins and cranberries)
- 2 teaspoons citrus zest (such as lemon and orange); then make a glaze with 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon citrus juice.
Bake the cakes
Make the frosting
Decorate the cakes together!
1. First, pick the cake kit you want to make at the party. What baking skill does your kid want to explore? Each kit comes with ingredients and tools to bake 4 mini cakes, and frosting.
Decorating Theme | Kit | Details |
Fondant | Fun with Fondant! cake kit | 3 different fondant colors |
Buttercream | Buttercream Skillz cake kit | 3 different food colors for buttercream |
Fondant + Buttercream | The Original cake kit | 3 fondant colors + 3 buttercream colors |
2. Figure out how many kits you need. Since there are four cakes per kit, one kit per family usually works, as long as they're good at sharing!
3. Send out invitations with your Zoom url. Include a link to step-by-step instructions to bake the cakes before the party - http://www.poppikit.com/birthday-party
4. Prepare for the party: bake the cakes and make the frosting before the party. Remind your guests to finish baking before the get-together. The cakes need time to cool before decorating.
5. Have your birthday party on Zoom to frost and decorate your cakes! We can join you for a live demonstration - email us for details! Frost your cakes together, and brainstorm fondant decorations. Roll and cut out fondant, share your creations, and enjoy!
*** If you're hosting a virtual baking party and would like us to create a custom landing page for your guests, with baking instructions and details for your party (at no cost!), please email us. ***
]]>Use our Vanilla Pound Cake Mix (or even our Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix!) to make a delicious and elegant pound cake. All you need to add are a few pantry staples!
Makes 1 Loaf Cake
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 to 1 hr 20 mins
13 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temp
1 pkg Poppikit Vanilla Pound Cake Mix
4 large eggs
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
5 Tbsp (35g) natural cocoa powder
Substitutions!
As two moms, we've thrown or attended more birthday parties than we can count! Some of the best ones were thrown at home with a few easy and cheap DIY projects to set the party tone and entertain the kids too.
We think one of the funnest birthday party themes is SPACE! There are so many directions to go when throwing a space party but we've put together some of our favorites from a party that we actually hosted.
As with all birthday parties that you host at home, we recommend throwing parties no longer than 2 hours (believe us, this is plenty of time!) It's also easy to get carried away with how many activities to have but we think 2 to 3 activities and just a few party foods is all that's necessary. After all...we all know it's the birthday cake that the kids are most interested in!
Creating the Party Theme
I personally always think it's fun to encourage kids to wear costumes to themed parties. This cutey is dressed in this astronaut costume from Melissa & Doug.
We set up a DIY photo booth using a space tablecloth and the rocket was made using a kitchen helper stand that we already had and then using a box for the rocket and tissue paper for the flames. Inside the box we drew a control panel and the kids had a blast counting down to space whilst having their pictures taken!
As guests arrived we took the kids' photographs using a polaroid camera and then attached them to print-out cards with their names and inserted them into lanyards.
Jet Packs
Who wouldn't want a jet pack?! Save up empty plastic bottles (or ask neighbors), fill with cotton wool or batting then strap together with duct tape. Here, we used yellow and orange tissue paper for the flames and ribbon for the straps. A hot glue gun and scissors are the only tools you'll need!
If you're a mom of young kids, then you've probably already figured out that recycled materials make for the best crafts and toys. We save everything from toilet rolls to large boxes so we always have crafts to play with.
This rocket was made using a mattress box but any large box will do. Peak the top flaps together and cut the corners off to create a roof shape and cover with foil or just paint then add a door and a window! Seriously, you will have kids asking to take this home with them- seriously, boxes are one of the best toys for kids! We kept ours in the house for a good three months after the party and then handed it down to a friend!
If you don't have a large box to hand, you can buy color-in cardboard rockets and space tents like the ones below. They are a little more expensive but still cheaper than hiring an entertainer and will be fun for days or even months after the party.
A mission control station can easily be put together using a kids size table covered with foam core or even a box. Kids have great imaginations, so you don't need to go crazy trying to make it realistic. If using a box you could spray paint silver or use aluminum foil then add stickers, buttons and noise machines to the table or box.
Clear out your storage of old electronic items (we asked around on social media) and stick them to your control station using a hot glue gun. We were able to find a keyboard, remote controls and even an old phone. Younger kids will be delighted to smash the keys and phone back to Earth!
We "blacked-out" the windows using a large roll of black paper and then stuck printed images of stars and planets.
A simple wreath can be thrown together using dryer ducts you can pick up cheaply in your local hardware store and attached with a hot glue gun. Add a few foam star stickers and your guests will know they are headed to space!
The Cake
We of course believe that the cake is the most important part of any birthday party and when it comes to cake, homemade is always best! It's not just about the taste but it's about the experience and creating the happiest of memories for your loved ones.
For anyone who wants to try baking and decorating a cake for the first time we recommend our cake kit that comes with organic cake and frosting mixes, disposable pans, a cake board and all the tools, fondant and food colorings needed to create your own version of this beauty. If you're already a baker but want to try decorating we recommend our decorators bundle which provides all the decorating tools and instructions. We are always available to answer any questions you have here!
At Poppikit we love the idea of more sustainable party favors but it's also fun to theme the favors too. We love to give books appropriate for the kids age and Usborne Books has some great themed books at under $5 each.
For the actual bags we bought blue craft paper bags and splattered them with white paint to create stars.
- DIY stocking stuffer ideas
- our list of a couple of companies we love for their commitment to sustainability
And, for a surefire hit, there's always our best-selling Cookie Pop Kits, which come in the cutest little gift bag for a simple and totally delicious baking project. Our post on eco-friendly party favor ideas is also a great place to visit!
Crayon Rocks $28.50
These eco-friendly crayons were created by a special education teacher and are great for the classroom or the home. These crayons create vibrant colors with a beautiful texture.
Little Chef Organic Playdough Set $24.99
Create the perfect holiday meal with this adorable play doh set. It comes with all the tools necessary to make a delicious dish everyone will want to try. Bonus: Its packaging is plastic free!
Rain Stick Instrument $19.99
Increase holiday cheer with this beautiful maraca. Your little one can join in on the musical fun or combine with other Plan Toys instruments to start a band.
Swap your New Year's sparklers for an edible version! This baking project serves double-duty, keeping your kids entertained during holiday break, and gives them something to celebrate even after Christmas or Hanukkah is over.
Preserve Toothbrushes 6 for $10.99
Preserve is a certified B-corp company who makes their products out of recyclable number 5 yogurt containers! Return 6 toothbrushes to Preserve to recycle again and they will give you $6 in credit!
Charades for Kids $5.97
No Christmas is complete without a game of Charades in my house. This simpler kids version is huge fun. There is a board game version that is 3x the price and comes with a dice and hourglass timer- which isn't really necessary!
I Can Draw $5.19
Kids love art and this I Can Draw book teaches a step-by-step technique using simple shapes that will have you and your kids drawing all sorts of animals. I love that the repetition of the shapes makes it easy to remember.
Ella and me nail polish $7.61
Made in the USA, vegan and free of the 7 nasties: Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor. They have lots of fun colors too!
Grateful Together $10.69
If like me, you have a child who could perhaps do with being more appreciative of what they have, practicing gratitude is a great way to start. Bonus- Brene Brown says children who practice gratitude are more likely to live fulfilling lives and bounce back when the going gets tough. This book guides kids through a journal practice, prompting them to write down their feelings on certain subjects.
Ethique Eco Friendly Hair Sampler $15.99
Wait, shampoo doesn’t have to come in a bottle? NOPE! Ethique Eco Friendly Hair Sampler is a mix of shampoo and conditioner beauty bars that can slide perfectly into everyone’s stocking. Made with biodegradable ingredients and compostable packaging, these make the perfect fit for your mother and Mother Nature.
Assorted Set of 3 Sustainable Bees Wrap $18.00
Food storage doesn't have to lead to food waste. These reusable wraps can be reused for up to one year and are easy to clean. Wrap anything from cheese to a bowl to keep your food fresh and enjoy when you’re ready.
Biobased All-in-One Lunch Kit $21.99
Outdoor activities are on the rise in 2020 and camping trips have replaced other forms of vacation. These reusable meal camping kits are a great gift for your favorite outdoors wo(men).
Aftershave Balm $20.00
Combat irritate, dry, flaky skin with this all natural, relieving balm. Save your skin from the elements and our planet from waste.
Grow your Own Mushroom Farm $18.67
Even if your child doesn't eat mushrooms, growing them is a huge amount of fun!
Snowman Bath Bomb $15.95
Non-toxic bath fun couldn't be more fun. A seasonal bath bomb will have your kids excited to jump in the bath - and when does that ever happen?! (Bonus - it comes with a surprise ring, valuing from $15 to $5,000!)
Wildflower Seed Balls $13.99
We all need more color in our lives. These vibrant seed balls will turn an open space into a beautiful garden of inviting wildflowers. Local pollinators rejoice!
4Ocean Recycled Sea Turtles Bracelet $20.00
Making a fashion statement, while making a difference- what could be better? These bracelets (come in 4 different designs) are made from recycled materials and for every bracelet purchased 4Ocean will remove 1 pound of waste from our oceans.
Dinosaur Cookie Cutters $8.99
You know us bakers couldn't throw together a list without suggesting some fun cookie cutters! (We also sell a few cookie cutters, which you can use with your own cookie dough recipe to roll, cut and bake. Watch this space for a cookie kit coming your way soon!) Ann Clarke's cookie cutters are made in the USA, take care of them (by hand washing, drying immediately and carefully storing) and they will last a lifetime.
Setting Sun: Stem Game $13.99
This wooden stem game is 4 x 3 x 1-inches and will fit into any stocking. It's made with sustainable fairtrade wood and comes with a lifetime guarantee. They rate the game difficult so this would be good for kids who like a challenge!
Recycled Paper Bead Kit $11.47
Great for kids 5 and up, this kit re-uses scraps of paper and fits almost any plastic bottle to turn paper scraps into colorful beads. Fun for kids and parents!
To the Moon and Back Decorators Bundle $20
Did you know you can now buy just the decorating tools for our To the Moon and Back Cake? Make your own cake and frosting then use our dyes, fondant, cutters and cake topper wire to finish the look. Great for new bakers or those who can't get enough of "Nailed It!" on Netflix!
SfSustainable Lip balm $5.49
I love these lip balms and even more so because they come in a 100% compostable container. They are vegan, only contain 5 all natural ingredients - and they work!
Snowmen Chocolate Bars
Perfect for the creatives among us, these snowmen are made with just a few simple supplies. Wrap chocolate bars in white kraft paper, then decorate with pens, ribbon, felt balls, and pipe cleaners. (Or, buy one pre-made here.)
DIY S'mores Kit
Show us a kid who doesn't love S'mores! Put together your very own DIY S'mores Kits with just marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. Make it cute by taping homemade labels to your packaging.
These are all brands we use and love.
Green toys, The cutest toys made from recycled milk jugs in the USA. Made well, made to last.
earthhero.com, we love that they bread down the sustainability features of each product
Solmatesocks.com, Socks and accessories all made in the USA using recycled cotton yarn, saving discarded clothes from going to the landfill. Their colors and patterns are super fun and unique!
Pelacase, If the people in your life are old enough to have phones then they will also need a case. Pelacases are 100% compostable. They are a proud member of 1% for the planet and each case gives back to a different environmental cause.
Klean Kanteen, for stainless steel water bottles and storage containers. Certified B-Corp and member of 1% for the Planet
Alter Eco, delicious farily traded chocolates, plastic free packaging and a certified B-corp.
Plaine products, Order your toiletries and then send back the reusable stainless steel bottles for refilling. Plaine Products is also a certified B-Corp company and member of 1% for the Planet.
Bite toothpaste bits, Over one billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away each year. Bite plans to end that with their toothpaste bits. They come in a cute glass jar and then send refills in compostable bags. I've been using these for three months and love them!
Welly Bottle, Made from stainless steel and sustainable bamboo- I love the sleek and elegant design of my welly Traveler bottle that comes with a mesh basket so you can use tea leaves. They donate 3% of their profits to helping people get clean water.
by Humankind, Direct to consumer personal care products from a carbon neutral company. Their natural deodorant comes in a refillable container and it works great!
Patagonia, A company that puts its money where its mouth is. Patagonia makes high quality clothes and accessories that are made to last. They also care about their employees and are members of 1% for the planet.
Poshmark, The best way to avoid fast fashion pollution is to buy second hand. buy and sell used clothes and home goods. You can even sell your own stuff and use the credits.
]]>First, choose a theme for your party. Is it elephants? Dragons? Princesses? Whether you’re honing in on a first birthday idea for a boy or a girl, there are tons of versatile and flexible options out there. Our advice is to pick your birthday party theme and its complimentary colors, and make choices for birthday decorations and serve ware based on the color scheme. Don't worry about getting your kid's character/animal/whatever on every single piece of party serve ware or every decoration; as long as you have one recognizable element with the theme (say, the invitations, or on customizable favor bags, more on that below), the rest of your party decor can be color-coordinated and that's enough!
Next, consider the cake. Are you going for a traditional homemade smash cake? (If so, read on below for the perfect photo backdrop in the form of affordable tissue paper garlands.) Maybe it's a store-bought cake decorated with a garland cake topper that's in your color scheme. Whatever you decide, plan for a cake with enough servings for all the adult party guests, as the one year olds will likely be filling themselves up on snacks throughout the party.
Babies and toddlers have brief windows of time between naps, and even smaller attention spans. Plan to cap your party at 1 ½ hours long, and throw it either in the late morning, around 11am, or in the early evening, around 5:00pm. We can’t guarantee it’ll fit all nap schedules, but the majority of one year olds tend to take their naps in the mid-morning and early afternoon.
Let’s face it: since one year olds can’t arrange their own play dates, most of the guests at your kid’s first birthday party will probably be adult friends of yours. That’s fine! It just means you can keep the kids activities simple.
- If your party is in the summer, a kiddie pool will provide lots of entertainment. We like this one because it doesn’t require inflation, it’s foldable, and has a drainage spout.
- For indoor parties, these non-toxic soft foam blocks ($21) are perfect for little hands and safe for little mouths. Set up a play area and let the babies loose to create and build with these colorful blocks.
- To keep both one year olds and any older siblings entertained, consider a color-in cardboard playhouse, $35. It comes in a variety of themes, and serves as dual-purpose entertainment - both for coloring in, and for playing! Stock up on extra crayons (more on that below in the party favors), and set them up near the playhouse for the kids to grab and use. Keep the playhouse around after the party for your little one, and recycle when needed.
A sweet activity for the adults attending your kids first birthday party is setting up a photo booth for guests to make a photo album for your baby to have and cherish for years to come. Here's how:
- Set up a backdrop. This colorful background, made from tissue-paper garlands, is customizable to your party's colors, comes in a variety of sizes, and starts at just $10! Best of all, it also works as a 1st birthday decoration idea for a boy or girl; just customize to your preferred color palette.
- Create a picture station with this instant film camera - think Polaroid, but updated. A refurbished version starts at $45 (don't forget to buy film!).
- Pick a notebook or photo album, and set out some glue and pens. Encourage people to take photos and post in the book, along with sweet messages for your child to read as they get older. We love this customizable, hand-painted notebook made with recycled paper - starting at under $10, it's super affordable and can easily fit in whatever color scheme you choose. (Note that it's shipped from the UK, and will need lead time.)
For older kids and adults, check out our post on kids party food. It also contains links to some of our favorite compostable and recyclable party serve ware.
What about the one year olds, you say? Fingers foods reign for the younger crowd, so set out bite-sized food in 4-ounce recyclable cups (these ones come in multiple color choices to fit in with your color scheme). Think foods that require little to no prep work, like:
- blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
- goldfish, pretzels or crackers
- puffs or veggie sticks
- shredded cheese
For a little more effort, but still finger-food friendly, think:
- cooked, buttered pasta
- mini scrambled egg bites (bake whisked eggs in non-stick mini muffin pans)
- steamed edamame
Supplement with store-bought pouches, like this variety pack of organic Go-Go Squeeze applesauce (just $6 for 12 pouches!), or an organic version with veggies, $19 for 24 pouches. Throw any extra pouches at the end of the party into the party favor bags for guests to bring home.
We've all been there - you've spent an afternoon at a kids birthday party, your family's had a lot of fun, and then you get a sad little goodie bag on the way out. As a final impression, a goodie bag filled with cheap plastic toys is not a good look, nor is it fun for a parent to worry about those small trinkets making their way into tiny mouths.
That's why we have a new game plan for party favors: choosing purposeful items that families can reuse in their everyday lives.
As a favor bag, we love this customizable cotton pouch (starting from $1.70 each!) from Etsy seller Kport Gift Company. Choose this or other adorable designs to fit in with your chosen party theme. (Bonus tip: larger versions of this pouch can double as a first birthday gift idea, if you're so inclined.)
Next, fill the pouch with responsible, eco-conscious, and still FUN party favors. We recommend:
- Colorful kids snack cups (3 for $5): they're plant-based, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Fill them up with your favorite toddler snack, twist on the lid, and pop them in the bag for a tasty and reusable party favor.
- Beeswax crayons: naturally non-toxic and made from beeswax (as opposed to the petroleum-based paraffin in traditional crayons), these crayons are a steal at $10 for 12 packs.
- Supplement the crayons with mini notebooks in bright colors. Make sure to get the pouch listed above in at least the 5x7 size or larger to ensure the notebook and crayons will fit.
And just like that, your party favor bag becomes a travel activity bag for parents to keep and reuse when they travel with their little ones. No more throwaway favors and plastic in landfills!
We hope this collection of 1st birthday ideas for boys and girls is a helpful starting point for your little one's celebration. Whether you're having a small, intimate affair with just family, or a giant celebration filled with all your kid's daycare classmates, our tips and birthday party ideas can help make it a memorable occasion.
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There’s no question about it- kids love goodie bags! These days, sending guest home with a party favor has become the norm- but there’s no reason for it to be filled with plastic toys that will ultimately end up on a landfill. We don't even think it needs to be in a bag, for that matter! Whilst we’re not here to ruin birthday fun, we are very conscious of how our day-to-day decisions have an impact- it is after all our kids futures that we are protecting.
We’ve rounded up some super creative, affordable and unique ideas that kids’ and parents will enjoy whilst also being kinder to the planet. One things for sure, giving eco-friendly party favor bags is pretty cool!
Hands-down the best way to provide kids party favor bags is to have the kids make their own as part of the birthday party activity. Not only does this make it more affordable but it also means there's less to think about- it's a two-for-one deal! Many birthday party venues now offer this service- think art or cooking classes, where the kids go home with the item they made. If you’re throwing a party at home our mini kits also turn the party activity into a great take-home gift.
As parents who have carted our kids around to more parties than we can count, we love the idea of a goodie bag that gives back.
We love a present that's useful!
Whilst these ideas require a little planning their really minimal effort and the kids will love to fill their own bags. For food items you can buy some cute wooden scoops or just use spoons you already have.
If you're ready to throw in the towel on party favors (and believe us, we get it!), why not throw a party that includes requires each guest to bring a book to exchange. This could also be a toy, Pokemon cards or leftover halloween candy. One persons trash is another persons treasure! If you don't want to trade, Usborne makes terrific educational books around a $5 price point.
A note from the author:
When it comes to being eco-friendly we're just doing our best. As a business and as two moms we still have a lot to learn and we know that there will always be more that we can do and sometimes that can be overwhelming. We know that many of the suggestions above include packaging and some are imported. That said, we think of them as being less likely to be immediately thrown out, useful and much better than plastic toys.
We believe small choices add up and can have big impact- one plastic water bottle is just one water bottle until seven billion people say the same thing. Making small changes is how we got started so we encourage you to start where you can. Being eco-friendly doesn't have to be about sacrifice or giving up- it's about changing habits.
At Poppikit we pay more for our packaging to be made from recycled materials or renewable resources, recyclable or compostable because it matters to us and we know that it matters to the future of our planet. One day, we hope all of our packaging can be free of plastic and 100% compostable- watch this space!
First, you probably already know that a kids party isn't a dinner party - buffet-style is key! Take the serve-yourself model one step further and make your kids party finger food-only, so there's no need for utensils. Set out the food, eco-friendly serve ware, like biodegradable plates, and recycled paper napkins, and let people help themselves.
What are good finger foods for a birthday party? Choose options from the lists below to create your own custom birthday party menu that's no-muss, no-fuss, and of course, kid-friendly.
Everyone knows that pizza is a staple of kids party food. But have you considered buying frozen pizza to bake at home? If you have gluten-free or vegan guests, buying specialty frozen pizzas ensures that everyone is able to enjoy the food. Some other options for the main course (finger food style) include:
- chicken fingers: buy a frozen value-pack from your local supermarket, and pop in the oven the morning of the party; serve at room temperature later
- meatballs: buy some frozen meatballs, bake, and serve with ketchup on the side. Stick a toothpick in each one for a cute and easy presentation.
- turkey and cheese pinwheels: roll turkey deli slices and sliced cheese with a dash of mayo in a wrap; secure with toothpicks. Slice into 1 1/ 2-inch pieces.
All of these choices can be made vegetarian by subbing in veggie chicken nuggets or meatballs, or using sliced bell peppers or cucumbers instead of turkey slices in the pinwheels.
What are good snacks for a birthday party? If you're throwing a party in between meal times, or if you're having your party outside and won't have immediate access to your kitchen or oven, cold kids finger foods are what you need. Some bite-sized options are:
- hummus and cut up veggies, such as cucumbers, celery (bonus points if you peel the outside with a vegetable peeler, to get rid of the fibrous strands), and raw or lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets
- popcorn, pre-portioned and served in eco-friendly disposable cups - either buy premade popcorn, or make your own salted caramel popcorn
- cubed cheese and sliced red and orange bell peppers
- mini bagel bites: slather whole wheat bagels with cream cheese, and use a serrated knife to cut into bite-sized pieces
To supplement the savory options above, set out an assortment of cut up or small fruit (like berries) and bite-sized sweet nibbles. Err on the side of more fruit, so guests can save room for cake!
- make a fruit rainbow: on skewers, thread through purple grapes, blueberries, green grapes, cubed pineapple, cubed cantaloupe, and cubed watermelon
- make a watermelon bowl: cut a small slice off one end of a watermelon, then cut the watermelon in half crosswise. Use a melon baller to scoop out watermelon balls from both halves into a separate bowl. Pour excess watermelon juice from the half with the cut end, then stand it upright so it's resting on the flat end. Pile melon balls into the bowl.
- apple slices with sunbutter: sprinkle apple slices with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning, and spoon some sunbutter into biodegradable sauce cups
- mini chocolate chip cups: keep it simple! Serve a spoonful of mini chocolate chips in the same biodegradable sauce cups and watch the kids go nuts. With all the antioxidants in chocolate, you'll feel good about letting them indulge a little.
At the end of the day, we all know what that the kids are most excited for the cake. But that doesn't mean that kids party food has to be just pizza - think outside the box, and all of your guests (big and little) will appreciate the extra thought.
Don't let the questions and doubt overwhelm you. Below are our tips on making baking fun at any age, along with some of our favorite products to make life a little easier along the way.
You can start baking with your kids from a young age, 2 - 3 years. Although they won't be able to help with most things, you'd be suprised at how helpful toddlers can be in the kitchen.
Before you start, explain the baking project from the start to the end. List out broad steps (e.g., "first we'll mix together all of the ingredients, then we'll put it in the cake pan, then it goes into the oven to bake") so they feel involved and understand the logical sequence of the baking experience. Then tell them when they can lend a hand. Little ones will love simple tasks, like:
- gathering the tools
- mixing the batter
- opening up containers
- handing you ingredients
Engaging your toddlers in the baking experience teachers them fine motor skills, logical thinking, and following directions. It's also an opportunity to teach them where their food comes from, by explaining each ingredient as you use it, and how it affects the final product. (e.g., "Sugar makes the cake sweet!")
To get them excited about cooking, give them their own set of baking tools and supplies. Kid-sized aprons are adorable AND practical, and colorful, smaller utensils are perfect for little hands. Pull up a chair, stool, or a learning tower to make it easier for them to reach the counter. Stick to kid friendly recipes so they feel involved from the start to the end of the baking experience, and have an adult handle oven duties. They'll love seeing a project through from start to finish, and will start to understand the cooking process.
kids can take on easy baking recipes on their own, with adult supervision. Choose projects that don't require additional tools, (such as food processors), and find ones that can be completed with one or two steps. Using a cake mix can be a quick and easy way to let kids bake independently with reliable results. You can encourage creativity when using cake mixes by helping them:
- add flavorful extracts
- use fun cake pans, such as bundt pans, or muffin tins
- stir in add-ins, such as mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts
Kids will be honing math skills while measuring ingredients, and fostering independence when they pick a baking project and complete it all on their own (with adult help for the time in the oven!).
Other easy cooking projects include:
- baked French toast
- maple roasted pecans
- chocolate-covered banana bites (although you'll have to let go of any illusions about a clean countertop)
can handle larger baking projects, like recipes with multiple components (such as eclairs, where you make both the pastry dough and the filling), and basic recipes that teach them new techniques.
An easy introduction to recipes with multiple steps is a cake kit, where they are responsible for baking a cake, making frosting, and decorating the cake once it's finished. (A cake kit can also pull double duty as a present for a parent or sibling's birthday!)
With the rise of baking shows such as "Nailed It!," and "Sugar Rush," colorful and sweet projects have exploded in popularity and will likely appeal to teens the most. Talk over any baking plans before they start, then foster their independence by having them throw their own cake or cookie decorating parties with friends. When you put them in charge of their own baking experience, they'll learn project and time management, and learn to rely on positive social interaction and cooperation. Some fun themes include:
- "Chopped" style competitions; set a timer and see who can come up with the most unique design, all using the same set of ingredients
- "Nailed It!" parties; pick an inspiration cake from Pinterest, print it out, and try to copy the design
- Pick a theme (e.g. Halloween) and have each person or team come up with their own interpretation of the theme
Encourage your tween and teen's baking with age-appropriate products, so they feel encouraged to try new recipes on their own. Buy them specialized cookbooks that are written by and for teens, and since they're old enough to work the oven on their own, give them safe baking accessories like whimsical oven mitts.
Whether you have a toddler, an elementary-aged kids, or a teen, teaching them how to bake at a young age gives your kids lessons they can take outside the kitchen. Best of all, the end of each project comes with a delicious and rewarding treat that they have made themselves.
]]>There’s no two ways about it – kids love to bake! With the rise of popular baking shows, it’s no surprise that kids baking birthday parties are on the rise. They also happen to be one of the easiest and cheapest birthday party themes because the cakes also serves as the goody bags and well, the birthday cake too! We also love that they’re great for boys and girls. I mean, who doesn’t like cake?
Here’s how to throw the easiest baking birthday party!
The easiest/cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to send invitations is over email! Best of all, there are many free templates to use. If you like paper invitations go for something with a cute cupcake them and don’t forget to tell guests to wear clothes they can bake in! We recommend a party of no longer than 2 hours- any more than that and you'll want to plan another activity.
There’s no need to go crazy with the decorations as the cakes and candies will add a nice splash of color to the party. Kids love balloons but they’re actually pretty terrible for the environment.
These days it’s easy to find fun (and even reusable) buntings, hanging lanterns, pom poms and streamers instead. Many you can even make yourself! We love to make DIY cupcake wrapper bunting and it’s also a way to get your child involved in the party preparation process. Buy some colorful cupcake wrappers and use a large needle and colorful twine to string together.
Pizza is always a party favorite but to us, nothing goes better with cake than a few tea sandwiches. Sandwiches without wet ingredients (like cucumbers), can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped, uncut in the fridge. Before you party guests arrive trim the crusts and cut into triangles, rectangles or squares. To prevent from drying out cover with damp paper towel.
We think going home with a cake is the best goody bag of all but if you wanted to add an additional element, consider buying boxes and have the kids decorate labels to give to their parents. Or stick a pre-made thank you sticker on the top and it can serve as the thank you card too! If you want to do something really special you can buy mini cake stands or rolling pins to go home with.
For the 8-cake mini kit.
Kids love to add as much as possible to their cakes so it’s nice to buy some extra candies, chocolate chips and cookies. We love Trader joe's, Surf Sweets, Wholesome and Black Forrest for affordable naturally dyed candy.
One of the reasons we love kids baking parties is that it's a creative and fun activity that doesn't require the expense of hiring and entertainer. Kids love to bake and a cake kit is a great way to make it super easy.
If you’re looking to shake up family game night or for an activity for a rainy day, you should consider a kids cake decorating kit. These kits make mini cakes (not to be confused with cupcakes) and are a great way to not only bond with your kids but also teach them a thing or two about baking. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know anything about baking either! We have lots of ideas for how to decorate your mini cakes- so if it’s a mermaid cake kit you’re after, look no further!
There are a lot of things to think about when planning a kids party or celebration. From choosing a venue, to sending out the invitations, sourcing goodie bags and ordering the food. The list goes on. And let’s face it, all this planning typically falls into the hands of one person...cough cough...that’s you. It might be tempting to say “forget it, i don’t have the time” and drive to Costco to pick up a sheet-cake. But before you throw in the towel and make up excuses for a challenge you haven’t even started, know this. You are capable of greatness and a homemade cake is not only delicious but also an incredible display of love. Plus those $20 sheet cakes are cheap for a reason- you know fillers, processed ingredients and frosting that tastes a little like chemicals and feels super greasy on your tongue.
A DIY cake decorating kit will not only make you feel accomplished but will also seriously impress your guests and create lasting memories for the person you made it for. Trust us, we’ve spent years making cakes for other people, soaking up the compliments, enjoying the praise...it’s time to share the compliments and all the feel-good juju that comes along. Poppikit cakes are stress-free and the easiest way to make a homemade cake. Choose a design (or contact us for a custom design) and we will send you what you need to make, bake and decorate. Talk about brownie points- or should we say cake points?
You might even find yourself liking the process so much that you ditch your expensive yoga class and instead frost cakes for an hour each night. It’s kind of addictive. Also, yoga classes typically don’t end in eating cake...so there’s that too.
Of course, you could go out and buy a box of cake mix but we all know those taste artificial and won't fool anyone that it's truly homemade. Our cake mixes are not only made with organic ingredients but they're also 100% wholegrain (and you know what, that's why they taste incredible). Dump the mix into a large bowl, whisk in a few eggs, oil and milk (or milk alternative) and call yourself Martha Stewart.
You’ve come to the right place. Poppikit is the cake kit company that sells the best DIY cake kits that are easy enough for first time bakers but pretty enough that your guests will ask you where you bought it (that’s when you raise your chin and proudly announce that this sweet-a$$ cake is 100% homemade, thank you very much).
So, you’re going to take the plunge and start baking- good for you! We will have your back the whole way with easy to follow instructions, how-to videos with cake decorating inspiration and fondant tips and tricks. How you design the cake is up to you! If this is your first cake kit adventure we recommend buying the deluxe kits. Deluxe kits include helpful cake decorating supplies such as a fondant rolling pin, offset spatula and bench scraper for super smooth frosting. Hold on to these tools (the pans are disposable) and when you come back for another you can buy a basic kit. If you want a cake that’s 100% naturally dyed either choose one without fondant (frosting dyes are all-natural) or you can dye your own fondant.