15 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Mealtime (& Prep) More Fun

Kitty Peeler

Not only is this little peeler adorable, but it's also easy for little hands to hold. Just remove the ears, and you'll find the peeling blade. It should come in very handy for all those potatoes you need to peel for Thanksgiving mash. The handle also has a tiny grater, perfect for a bit of parm. $10. Get it here. 

EZPZ Play Mat

This dishwasher-safe silicone mat not only makes mealtime fun, but it's also perfect for those eaters who like their foods "separate" whenever possible. We also love this mat for holiday baking (you can use all the compartments for different cookie toppings) and even crafting supplies. Because it's easy to wash, there's no problem using it for a variety of things. It comes in an array of colors and sizes (some have more "mat" areas for crafting, etc.). Starting at $20, get yours here. 

Nessie Ladle

Dive deep into pots of soup and stews with this long-necked, footed ladle in the shape of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. $20. Get yours here. 

Construction Plate and Utensils

Make mealtime extra fun with this construction-themed plate and utensil set. Now all those noises you make to get the food down the hatch might sound so out of place! 

Buy them here, $20 & up. 

Bear Hands Oven Mitts

Protect hands from burns and amuse your guests with these silly-sweet oven mitts that look exactly like bear paws, made with insulated cotton with heat-resistant silicone pads. It makes a great hostess gift, too! $31 a pair. Find them here.

The Gratiator

Get your knights to gather around the table with this adorable but functional cheese grater that looks like a dagger. Enough said, right? You will never buy the pre-shredded cheese again. We’re pretty sure you’ll have a few volunteers to pitch in with meal prep with this one. Shop for yours now, $14.

Emoji Cookie Cutters

It's cookie baking season, and your kids will love whipping up a batch of sugar cookies in the shape of emojis! You'll get three in the set for $19. Buy yours here. 

Lemoniere Lemon Juicer

It’s a juicer, it’s a miniature watering can, and it’s a ton of fun! Perfect for your favorite salad dressing, just squeeze the lemon juice directly in, add whatever seasonings and oil you might want and then sprinkle directly onto your greens. This just might get them to eat those veggies! Get yours here for $22.

The Brain Drain

Kids love playing in soapy water, so take advantage of that and get them to do a few dishes (non-breakables are fine). Even the most reluctant rinser will perk up when they see the Brain Drain, a clever little sponge holder that looks like a skull. And as a bonus, you can use it to hold a body scrubber in the bath, too. Find yours here for $17.

Veggie Pops

Whether you’re introducing carrots to a wee one’s diet or making fancy popsicles for a playdate, this adorable popsicle maker will bring on squeals of delight. How can you go wrong? Find it here for $17.

Their First Kitchen Utensil Set

Whether they're into banging on pots and pans or have graduated to helping in the kitchen, set your little chefs up for success with this seven-piece utensil set from Q.D. Foodie. The utensils feature sensory-friendly, easy-to-grip handles, have braille on the measuring pieces and mimic real fruits and veggies. Get yours at qdfoodie.com for $60.

Karoto Original + Karoto Julienne

They look like giant pencil sharpeners, but they produce julienne-style results that can easily be formed into garnishes, thereby making your food look 10x fancier. Get the set of two here for $20.

Bloom Rose Napkin Holders

From birthday parties to everyday eats, these napkin holders make mealtime more like story time. Easy to use, you just grab any napkin (cloth, paper) and fold it in half, give Bloom a twist and bam! Your napkin just became petals. Whimsy with a side of good manners? Yes, please. Buy your set here, $20/set of 4.

OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Divided Plate

You want kiddo to learn to eat from a real plate but don't want said plate tossed on the floor. Your solution: OXO Tot's new stick and stay divided plate. The curved side walls encourage your babe to feed herself, and it suctions to any surface—it's easy for mom and dad to remove, not so easy for the baby. Gets yours at OXO.com for $9.99.

Splatypus Jar Scraper Spatula

Never miss out on the last little bits of jam or peanut butter thanks to the Splatypus jar scraper. This little spatula is just $17; you'll save that much in jam in a year alone. Get it here.