Get ready to double down on pure parenting genius with a little edible art. We’re talking easy projects that kids can actually do (then eat, of course!). From jiggly JELL-O art to Picasso-style pizza, we’ve rounded up 12 super-creative projects that totally satisfy. Scroll down for the scoop.
photo: Sarah Zimmerman via Repeat Crafter Me
1. Crafty Cakes
These adorable rice cake owls are a hoot, plus they’re an easy snack the kids can make on their own. Grab a package of rice cakes, a jar of your crew’s favorite spread, and head over to Repeat Crafter Me for the details.
photo: courtesy Almost Unschoolers
2. Abstract Edibles
Give your kids a Kandinsky-esque art lesson with this color study recipe we spotted over at Almost Unschoolers. You’ll need plain cookie dough, food coloring, and butter knives for cutting and shaping the dough. Get the details over at Almost Unschoolers.
photo: Toddler Approved
3. Train Treats
We really like the fact little engineers can build and then eat this activity. It scores low on the messiness scale and can be made with pantry staples (think bananas and cheese slices). Roll on over to Toddler Approved for the details of this transportation creation.
photo: A Little Pinch of Perfect
4. JELL-OJigglers
A creative canvas that’s still scrumptious enough to eat? Sounds good to us! Drop food coloring on gelatin, and then watch your littles swish, swirl, and paint with delight. Let the canvas firm up, and then you can dish out a tasty treat. Get the details from Katie Pinch over at A Little Pinch of Perfect.
photo: Nikki Walsh
5. Painted Toast
Painted toast… it’s the greatest thing we’ve seen since sliced bread. This simple, edible artwork is easy to whip up; just pour milk into cups and add a few drops of food coloring! Your kids can mix the food coloring to make more colors (two blue + two red = purple). Paint, toast, and eat!
photo: Project Denneler
6. Artistic Expressions
Make your own photo face plates, which will add character and laughter to an afternoon snack all in one bite, with the easy step-by-step from Project Denneler. The best part? The result will be a different masterpiece every time. Go here for the tutorial.
photo: The Seasoned Mom
7. Art They Can Wear
Threading things on a string never looked so sweet. Your little artists will get to work on hand-eye coordination, and then they’ll enjoy wearing their snack. Get the details at The Seasoned Mom.
photo: Little Hiccups
8. Creative Cookies
We’re totally sweet on polishing our little Monets’ fine motor skills. Your adorable artist will get a laugh out of painting a face on his cookie and then gobbling it up. Sally Mason at Little Hiccups has the tutorial.
photo: Pink Stripey Socks
9. Poke ‘n’ Paint
Tortilla art? Who knew! This project is easy to set up—all you need is lettuce, a spoon, a straw and food coloring. Small hands can poke and paint without restraint, and you’ll appreciate the easy everyday kitchen food used as supplies. Leslie of Pink Stripey Socks fills in the details.
photo: How About Cookie
10. Cereal Critters
This bearishly sweet oatmeal is a great way to start the day. Just serve up sliced bananas and blueberries and watch your little cub create cute furry faces. Selena Khong at How About Cookie is the creative mind behind these appetizing animal critters—check out more of her ideas here.
photo: Weelicious
11. Patchwork Pizza
Kiddos will love to create and then eat their own masterpiece. You’ll be stoked about the extra helping of veggies. Collect pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, then head over to Weelicious for the finer points.
photo: Itsy Bitsy Foodies
12. Mr. Baked Potato Head
This craft, created by food whiz Kelsey Hills over at Itsy Bitsy Foodies, keeps finicky fingers active (it’s fine motor friendly) and makes food fun. Bake a few potatoes and cut up some green, red, and yellow veggies for facial features. It’s an easy activity that’s healthy too!
Will you try any of these projects? Share with us in the comments!
—Gabby Cullen & Nikki Walsh
