If you’re a pet owner, odds are your Google search has a history of “Can dogs eat this” or “what happens if your cat eats that”. To help clear up any confusion around what your furry friend can eat and get advice on the best nutrition for your pet, we’ve teamed up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and veterinarian Dr. Kristin Wuellner—an expert on what should be going into your pet’s body and what to do if they happen to get into something else! Keep reading to see Dr. Wuellner’s answers to our user-submitted questions:
Are certain types of bones unsafe to give to a dog?
I don't recommend giving your dog any natural bone to chew on, cooked or uncooked. Natural bones are associated with serious health risks, like tooth damage and intestinal blockage, among other things. I strongly recommend giving your pet a toy that is designed for heavy chewing and replacing it when it starts to fray or break.
Besides chocolate, what are some other human foods that are bad for dogs?
Chocolate is probably the most well-known food to avoid giving your dog. However, you should call your veterinarian if they eat anything with caffeine, grapes or raisins (even one!), alcohol, raw bread dough, anything containing xylitol (like sugar-free gum and candy), onions or garlic. It's important to keep in mind that any human food may cause dietary upset in your pet so try to stick to dog food and treats.
With puppies, when do you start increasing their food intake? We are feeding our 3-month-old puppy The Hills Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. She gets about a cup per feeding, three times a day. But she seems to be always hungry after feeding—is that just a puppy thing?
Puppies, like babies, all grow at different rates and their nutritional needs vary as they age and grow. As a good starting point, I'd recommend checking your food's packaging—most puppy foods have a nice reference chart for age and weight. It's important to talk to your veterinarian about feeding amounts as they can determine if your pet is growing at an appropriate rate and make the best recommendation.
I have heard that grain-free dog food is not good for my dog? He seems to be allergic to a lot of dog foods so I have been buying grain-free.
Not all grain-free foods are bad and there are certain (rare) instances in which your dog may need a grain-free food. It's important to note that food allergies in dogs are relatively uncommon, but environmental allergies are prevalent. However, if you're concerned that your pet is allergic to many foods, I highly recommend talking to your veterinarian about a dietary elimination trial, which is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. Based on the results of the diet trial, they will recommend a food that fits your pets nutritional needs and allergy profile.
Regardless of what your early ’20s held, you’d better buckle your seatbelts for a new era of partying: the two-year-old birthday party. These revelers are looking for hands-on fun, and they’re leaving it all on the dance floor. Keep reading as we dive deep into the best way to throw (and manage) an epic two-year-old bash.
How Long Should It Last?
Since these kids bring the intensity, a two-year-old birthday party should be short and sweet. An hour and a half of activity, rounded out by cake, and you’re set.
Real Mom Advice: Two-year-olds have trouble with transitions, so be sure to motivate them to move through the party without tears by building up to better and better experiences. Start slow, add some excitement, corral them with cake and send them out the door with an exciting-looking party favor.
What Time of Day Works Best?
You’re still squarely in the world of nappers at this stage, so pick a time when your birthday toddler is at their best. Do they get grumpy after a nap? Plan the party for the morning. Will it ruin their day to miss a favorite cartoon in the morning? Plan it for the afternoon. Whatever you decide, make the timing work for your guest of honor.
Real Mom Advice: You’ll always have reasons to structure your day around someone else’s convenience. Grandparents who like to sleep late, sibling soccer games and college sports schedules come to mind. But do yourself a solid and plan the party to maximize your child’s enjoyment. It’ll be better for everyone in the long run.
While everyone has their comfort level with who, where and how you interact with those outside your regular footprint, a two-year-old birthday party is incredibly well-suited to pandemic gatherings. They’re small, they work best outside and they’re short. Win, win, win.
Real Mom Advice: Playgrounds and backyards—or neighborhood coves, if you have them—make excellent party spots for your budding two-year-old. Think of it as a field day. You’ll be setting up stations, so you need space, but you’ll want to create a “hive” of activity in one central location.
Do I Need a Theme?
Whether it’s a toga party in college or a Paw Patrol affair for your birthday kid, themes can be solid party boosters. And since two-year-olds love playing dress up, wearing their finest theme gear can add a lot of excitement to the soiree. But if you don’t have time to take things to the next level, don’t sweat it. At this point, a theme is extra.
Real Mom Advice: Not naming names, but we know someone who had a football-themed second birthday party because it was November and the parents’ favorite team was playing. Bad. Idea. Luckily, I… I mean, the mom, remembered she had a bubble machine and saved a spiraling party that was not focused on the birthday kid.
What Do We Do?
If you’re going the outdoor route, nothing beats sensory tables for a two-year-old party. Kinetic sand, real sand, flour tables (add water and spoons and you can turn it into a dough table) and shaving cream can get the party started. For a craft, homemade drum sets with balloons and rubber bands over an empty can and make-your-own sensory Ziploc bags work well. For a more active group, playing simple games like “the floor is lava” or trying to keep the balloon off the ground is a solid choice.
Real Mom Advice: If you’re going with a theme, you can tie it in to each station, even if it means printing out a matching sign and taping it to the table. And don’t forget the bubbles. A bubble machine will rock your world.
Do I Make a Cake?
Does a fish need a bicycle? Of course not, but it’s really cool! Cakes, cupcakes, cake pops…. it’s a birthday, y’all! If you’re a baker, there’s no group more forgiving of a baking flop than a bunch of two-year-olds. Of course, purchasing is always a sweet option, and you get the best portion control—and less of a sugar high—with cake pops.
Real Mom Advice: Save the treat for the end of the party for maximum enjoyment. Also, if you’re looking to go the route of gluten-free, sugar-free or any other free, give your bakery a call at least a week out so you’re not scrambling to make something work at the last minute.
What Do I Feed People?
Two-year-olds ‘ birthday parties are generally not drop-off parties, which means you’re going to also be hosting a handful of adults. Don’t go overboard on catering to the adults, but it’s a nice gesture to fill a cooler with more adult-type beverages—sparkling waters, sodas, or beer and wine, if you’re inclined—just to keep everyone hydrated. For the kids, set out bowls (or individual baggies) of their favorite fruit, veggie or salty snacks and juice boxes or individual bottles of water. Steer clear of candy and sweets on the snack table, as you’ll be loading them up when it’s time to blow out the candles.
Real Mom Advice: At two, many kids with peanut allergies don’t even realize they have them yet. Play it safe and stay away from anything that might reveal a food allergy.
What About Favors?
Yes, favors for the win. Don’t go overboard, but a festive-looking package at the exit gate will guarantee an easy send-off.
Real Mom Advice: Slap bracelets, bouncy balls, bubbles and sticker books are always winners. If you want to step it up a notch, personalized sippy cups are cute. At this stage, it’s less about what’s in the package than it is about how fun the package looks to the kids when you’re passing them out. And for heaven’s sake, skip anything that’s a noisemaker like a whistle, PLEASE.
How Do I Make It Stop?
Cue the exit music, start a conga line and head toward the party favor station (and the awaiting minivans).
Real Mom Advice: Putting an end time on the invitation may seem weird, but it’ll make sure everyone is on the same page, and it will save you from the awkward goodbye.
What About the After-Party?
Don’t give in to the urge to have a private family party immediately after the party with guests ends. Shut. It. Down. Make time for maybe a book or possibly a cartoon, then nap time—if that works with your timing. You and your two-year-old are going to need to chillax. Save the after-party for after your next sleep block.
For a kid, there’s nothing more exciting than a birthday party. And having a great birthday cake—one that tastes good and looks cool—is an important part of their special day. No matter what your child’s superhero, video game or character obsession du jour may be, you will find a Chicago bakery to create a canvas for those candles. Here are our favorites. Make a wish!
Break the cake mold and dream beyond the traditional sheet cake with one-dimension designs. Having served as Executive Pastry Chef at downtown hotels and winning or placing in several design competitions, Chef Peter Rios’ Alliance Bakery is ready to show you that if you can think it, he can bake it. Besides his 3-dimensional edible works of art, Chef shows off skills he picked up training in Paris with his European-inspired pastries and desserts.
Some people prefer an ice cream cake to a traditional cake with frosting, but still want it to be as special and unique as the guest of honor. That is exactly where Bartleby’s comes to the rescue! Using the finest ingredients, the cakes are made fresh to order, including the ice cream, and can be customized in any combination of flavors your heart desires. You can also find vegan and gluten-free options, too.
Check site for rotation of pick-up locations around Chicago; Online: bartlebyscakes.com
Let’s face it: Some of us are a little more last-minute with party planning than others. If you find yourself cakeless the day of, you could either pull through the nearest Portillo’s drive-thru and enjoy the reaction when you order an entire chocolate cake with a side of cheese fries or you could find a bakery with amazing pre-made cakes. Bennison’s, a North Shore institution since 1938, is one of those gems that stocks delicious 7” and 9” chocolate and yellow cakes with either fudge or buttercream icing. Ask them to fancy it up with the birthday celebrant's name and you’re good to go.
Gluten-impervious baker Johanna is only sensitive to wheat in the way she feels that every person should have the ability to enjoy worry-free heavenly desserts. She took on and conquered the challenge of making desserts that were indecipherable from their glutenized counterparts. For kids who might be gluten-sensitive or for anyone just looking for a delicious cake to celebrate their special day, call or send Johanna an email to place an order. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re out and about, you might find samples of these gluten-free goodies at your nearest Whole Foods or coffee shop in addition to their Andersonville storefront.
Paralegal by day and baker by night, owner Elisa baked her first birthday cake in 2014 for her daughter’s 4th birthday. After six years of keeping her love of baking a “hobby”, she relocated to Chicago and turned her hobby into a thriving business. And, we are oh so glad she did! Reach out today and see for yourself just why Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound was named one of the “50 Best Black-Owned Bakeries in the US” by Travel Noire.
Eméché means “tipsy” in french, and owner Janell got her start making alcohol-infused cupcakes for her friends and neighbors while living in Brooklyn. Soon the orders became so frequent that Eméché was born and materialized as a brick & mortar store back in her hometown of Chicago. While the menu offers a full variety of pastries, drinks, cheesecakes and treats, the birthday cakes are amazing. The buttercream alone has amassed quite a fan club. As a bonus, online ordering makes ordering a cake a breeze.
It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes. Pop into Roeser’s Party Palace next door to tick decorations off your birthday planning checklist.
When you hit up Sweet Mandy B’s you can’t fight the urge to slow the pace and plant yourself to savor whatever treasure you find in the glass encasement and soak up the old-school nostalgia. One taste of their icing will have you wishing you had a vat full and a giant spoon. Call the bakery or stop in to place your special cake order and enjoy the warmth the pastel colors and old-fashioned decor evokes.
1208 W. Webster Ave., Lincoln Park & 254 E. Ontario, Streeterville; Online: sweetmandybs.com
Inspired by her son’s, and subsequently her own, celiac diagnosis and lack of quality baked goods available in 2007, Ali Graeme set out to blaze gluten-free trails. After playing in her kitchen with different blends of flour and receiving encouragement from family, she opened Sweet Ali’s two years later with recipes perfected that all would enjoy, gluten-free or otherwise. Beyond the cakes, you’ll find pre-packed pasta, bread and baked goods to enjoy later.
Sweet Natalie's is a bake shop that sells products from a select group of talented and local specialty bakers. They are a group of small businesses working together to bring customers a unique experience and a variety of baked goods. While Sweet Natalie’s is not a certified gluten-free facility, all bakers at Sweet Natalie's utilize dedicated, gluten-free facilities for production. For those looking for vegan options, they also provide many vegan baked goods as well. If you're not a planner, they have celebration cakes and cupcakes available. For something specific, contact them to create a custom celebration cake. (Note: Sweet Natalie’s will soon be Baby Doll Bakery.)
Whether you’re seeking a traditional cake or need to spin the wheel of dietary restrictions — vegan, nut-free, sugar-free, soy-free and gluten-free — this organic bakery with a funky, retro vibe can knock your cake request out of the ballpark. They strive to use as many local, natural ingredients for everything from the flour down to the eggs and their products come in environmentally friendly packaging. West Town Bakery also makes some of the city’s best smash cakes for baby’s first birthday!
If your birthday star doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with a 3D T-rex cake, or maybe a unicorn with an edible golden horn, then Urban Icing is the place for you. In addition to being a boutique bakery, Urban Icing is an event space that will take care of all the details of your child’s party. You can choose from a Lego Party, Mermaid Party, Ice Cream Social and more. There's something fun—and delicious—for everyone.
When it comes to feeding our families, parents know that despite our best intentions, sometimes all we can handle is what is quick and easy. But we also know that healthy food choices now set our kids up for better choices as they grow up. So what’s a busy parent to do? We asked some nutritional experts for advice on what to buy at the grocery store to set ourselves up for success, whether prepared foods, frozen veggies, or fresh. So even when you’ve got to bust out the mac and cheese once in a while, take their tips below, and you’ll be on the right track for a happy, healthy, well-fed family.
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
Whole Foods/Georg Beyer
Fresh Seafood
Registered dietician and Fresh Thyme Market's resident industry and retail expert Meghan Sedivy recommends parents make seafood a main source of protein twice a week if possible. “In addition to being a great meatless alternative, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout or oysters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health."
If you're not out there with a rod and a reel yourself, the frozen fish you find at the grocery store is usually flash-frozen for optimal taste and freshness, which makes it easy to have it on hand for a quick dinner. Sedivy reminds us that fatty fish is also, "a great source of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which aids in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.”
Whole Foods
Have you ever heard the term “shopping the edges?” It means focusing on the exterior aisles of the grocery store—where the whole foods reside (all the processed food is in the middle). Renowned chef Gerard Viverito, aka “The Sustainable Chef,” stresses the importance of eating whole foods because that’s where you’ll get a nutritional bang for your buck. He says, "emphasize food quality over quantity by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense foods, high in fiber and low in net carbs-but are still packed with other nutrients.”
Also, according to Nicolette M. Pace, MS, RDN, CDE, CBC, CDN, CFCS, and FAND, you should be paying attention to the labels. “Don't be fooled by packaged items that are marketed as ‘made with fresh fruit’ or ‘contains a full serving of vegetables.’ Single-ingredient foods like an apple or broccoli do not need labels they are whole foods." Instead, Pace recommends that you cut your selections to those with five or fewer ingredients. "More than likely, a paragraph of ingredients will contain additives, preservatives or flavor enhancers which if routinely eaten can harm a child's health.”
Plant-Based Snacks
Often, the snack foods our kids want for lunch or after school are just empty calories. Consider swapping some of them out with plant-based snacks. Kids will still feel like they're eating snacks, but they'll fill up on fiber and protein. Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a huge believer in plant-based proteins for kids. “For plant-based snack ideas, try edamame in the shell or black bean dip with whole-grain crackers,” she says. Or, if they’re dying to have a favorite like mac and cheese, a plant-based version, like Banza, a high-protein, chickpea-based pasta, is a good substitution. “Not only does it deliver a plant-based source of protein, but it’s also a significant source of calcium and iron,” says Castle.
When it comes to healthy food, fresh is best. The best way to eat fresh produce is to try to eat seasonally and locally. If you can’t swing that, stick with what’s available or frozen veggies. It’s also important to try to “eat the rainbow,” Pace says. “Start with a list of different fruits and vegetables that are five different colors in a rich rainbow of healthy nutrition for a child's mental and physical growth. A colorful plate of food is not only appealing to kids, but the plant pigments in red, orange/yellow, green, purple, and even white are plant chemicals, which are super-smart superfoods that help keep kids healthy and develop well.”
Sedivy agrees with this concept. “I always recommend picking up fresh, in-season produce when grocery shopping. Not only do fruits and vegetables add a pop of color to your plate, but they add flavor, and texture and increase your nutrient intake. Aim for at least three different colored fruit or veggie options like blueberries, tomatoes, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to ensure that you are consuming a variety of nutrients.”
Healthy Fats
Fat can be an excellent source of nutrition; it just depends on what type you're eating, and yes, there’s a difference. Fats from things like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are all filled with healthy-boosting qualities. Chef Viverito is a big fan. His list of healthy fat sources includes grass-fed butter, ghee, avocados, coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil and Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil. He mentions palm oil in particular. “Malaysian palm oil has scientifically proven benefits for the heart, brain and liver. It is loaded with carotenoids, much more than carrots and tomatoes. It’s also much better for cooking and grilling, as it holds up to high heat and has a neutral flavor.”
Pantry Staples
It’s important to have a few basic ingredients on hand at all times, so you can make a homemade meal instead of deferring to pre-packaged meals, so be sure to always have a running list before you hit the grocery store. If you're wondering what you can make with these few ingredients, check out our roundup of pantry meals.
We’ve known about this one for a while, but sometimes it can be tempting to let the kids have that sugar-free energy drink or even the juice box. There’s not only a ton of added sugar in sodas, juices and other flavored drinks, but there are also a lot of artificial ingredients. According to The Sustainable Chef, it’s important to avoid heavily processed fruit juices and sodas. “Clean hydration is important because they help flush your system,” he says. “Water, sparkling water, green tea, black tea, coffee, protein shakes, milk alternatives, vegetable juice, kefir, and kombucha can all offer interesting alternatives to often chemical-laden and heavily processed fruit juices and sodas.”
Processed Foods
Processed foods are another one to avoid if you can. Processed foods are likely to have far more additives and fewer of the micronutrients your body needs. What’s more, they are associated with several negative health effects, including weight gain, diabetes, overall mortality and heart disease. By choosing processed foods over nutritious, whole foods, you may become deficient in micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and K,” says Chef Vivierto.
Non-Grass Fed or Organic Meats
This can get pricey, but it’s worth it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while grass-fed meats are the best, organic meat is still better than nothing at all. The benefits of choosing these pricer cuts of meats range from being better for the environment to having more nutritional benefits like extra omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol and more antioxidants.
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
Turkey, ham and chicken cuts can be a good source of protein for kids, but the pre-packaged stuff has tons of saturated fat and sodium. The Cleveland Clinic recommends selecting fresh deli meats because they have fewer nitrates, look for the leanest cut of meat or a low-sodium option.
Back in the day, Boston used to be the candy capital of America. No wonder its streets are lined with some of the best candy stores around. With everything from retro candies you loved as a kid to hand-crafted chocolates just in time for Valentine’s Day, these spots will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Here’s where to find treats for your little sweets.
This cheeky candy store located in Faneuil Hall, stocks two floors worth of boxed, bulk and novelty candy items. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Oversized boxes of everyday favorites like Starburst, Nerds and Skittles line the walls alongside specialty items (some NSFW) you won’t find anywhere else.
Faneuil Hall 4 S. Market St., 1st Floor Boston, MA 857-415-6815 Online: itsugar.com
Another Faneuil Hall candy shop, Quincy’s Place is located in the basement. Not only will families find wall-to-wall candy—enough to make you consider moving up your dentist appointment—but they’ll also find ice cream. Whether you stick with a colorful lollipop or grab a cone of mint chocolate chip, it’s easy to get your sugar fix on at Quincy’s Place.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace 254 S. Market St. Boston, MA 617-723-3635
Although Sugarfina has a reputation as a candy store for grown-ups (vodka gummy bears anyone?), the luxe store lines its shelves with many kid-friendly candies as well. We love the candy concierge and sampling services as well as the DIY bentos you can fill with whatever suits your fancy. And while it’s definitely a great spot to shop for Valentine’s sweets, they’ve also got some tasty chocolates to help families celebrate the Year of the Tiger, too.
Prudential Center 800 Boylston St., # 147 Boston, MA 857-327-8550 Online: sugarfina.com
There’s just something about this family-owned shop that just celebrated its 26th year. Maybe it’s the adorbs candy carrying cases they can personalize for kids or the custom candy baskets that are made in-house or maybe it’s the inventive candy pizzas (yep, it’s a thing) that set this store apart. Whatever it is, you’ll find candy and other irresistible items your kids “need” at this sweet shop in Belmont.
If you’re on the lookout for truly inventive and eye-catching chocolates, you’ve got to check out this shop on Charles Street. Owner Paula Barth travels the globe in search of the finest, rarest confections to fill the store’s display case. We’re sure your kids will want at least two of the intriguing, colorful confections they spy, so plan to eat one and keep one for later when you visit.
Sure it’s in an airport, but it’s hard to miss the giant lollipops that beckon weary travelers flying in and out of Logan Airport. Stop in to fill a bag with any of over 400 varieties or traditional or throwback candies you don’t see everyday. We’re talking sours, gummies, jellies and more (including sugar-free treats) your kids will find hard to resist.
Boston Logan Airport Terminal C 1 Harborside Dr. Boston, MA Online: nataliescandy.com
While Au Chocolat’s Neuhaus chocolates from Belgium are what draw folks to this store in the Financial District, it’s the stuffed Oreos and assortment of family faves, like gummy bears and Jelly Bellies that will capture your kiddo’s heart. We’re fans of the spicy chocolate drops for parents and a standard crème filled for the kids.
35 High St. Boston, MA 617-737-1197 Online: treats.net
Valentine’s Day is often synonymous with candy (lots and lots of it), but there are only so many sweets a parent can handle. If you want to share the love with the kiddos this holiday without all the sugar, you’ve come to the right place. From family Valentine’s Day pajamas to a Love-a-Lot Care Bear, we’ve rounded up plenty of non-candy Valentine’s ideas for kids.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Settle in for a snuggle fest with Little Sleepies adorable new Valentine's Day prints that come in sizes from baby through adult. They come in gray, pink and blue and even offer accessories like headbands and swaddle blankets.
These heart-shaped crayons can be twisted into an oval shape, and it's really two crayons in one! They're also erasable, which will save your walls and your sanity.
Embrace Valentine's Day all year long with Posh Peanut's luxurious bedding collection. This duvet brings a reversible pattern and comes with a coordinating pillow case.
This special Valentine's Day Care Bear is all about sharing the love. The classic 14-inch plush is huggable beyond belief and comes with twin hearts on its belly.
Made from beech wood conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax, your teething tot will love to give this teether a chew. There's an additional ring of silicone beads that offers a softer experience. Plus, it doubles as a rattle!
This Los Angeles-based company is all about updating the sporting goods industry through bold and vibrant products. Their colorful products focus on spreading positivity in sports and bringing communities together.
This sweet addition to the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book series, the story follows Mouse as he creates valentine's for his buddies, sharing what he loves about each of them.
Bean bags have never gone out of style, and Yogibo is the leader in comfy seating. Each style has zero pressure points for ultimate relaxation, and the cover is removable, washable and interchangeable.
Give your kids a little bit of your childhood with a customized reel viewer. Simply pick the pictures you want to add to your own reel and let them click away.
This lovey is the only sensory tag blanket with sewn shut ribbon tags for added safety! Each one is made with durable, micro-polyester fabric and paired with a fleece textured backing that helps reduce anxiety and helps kids fall asleep peacefully.
‘Tis the season for giving! Shop local and do double-duty giving; find sensational stocking stuffers and thoughtful gifts right for your loved ones while supporting these DC small businesses. From toys for kids to the best gifts for DC parents, here are our favorite places to check off a holiday shopping list locally.
Tuck a little bottle of beauty in your favorite glam girl (or guy's) stocking. Black woman-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo was named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan; this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for your next holiday bash. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf's Shop Made in DC shop or online at JanetandJo.com.
These snuggly, footed pajamas can be rolled up and tucked in baby's stocking with coordinating PJs in mom's and dad's stockings (perfect for Mama Bears and Papa Bears!). Tea Collection even has scarves for your pup, so the whole family can be coordinated for Christmas morning pics! Other pajama party picks include Swedish-inspired prints, like these winsome reindeer. Matching pajamas aren't just fun on holidays; family game nights and move nights are also a great time to be twinsies with your mini me. Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax, VA and Kindhaus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
When two Maryland Dads unexpectedly found themselves home with their children once their jobs took a hit from pandemic-related closures they knew it was time to get creative. Chris McCasland, a sports and concert industry broker and restaurateur, and Michael Opalski, a senior restaurant industry salesman, wasted little time learning new skills. They put their heads together and founded City Bonfires, a portable, reusable mini bonfire that you can take on all of your outdoor adventures or trips to your backyard. These small bonfires, created from a non-toxic soy wax, are perfect for making s’mores even if you don't own a firepit. Because they are made in Maryland each purchase helps support multiple local families. And their pint-sized packaging makes them the perfect fit for stockings!
Fill 2022 (and those stockings) with more family adventures! Tuck a membership card to a favorite museum, zoo or play space in a stocking (with care) and give the gift of family fun all year long. For the best deals on family memberships, go here.
Up your problem solving with an illustrated educational game by DC company Little Likes Kids. These picture puzzles come packaged in their own cardboard tote so you can easily pack an activity when you visit relatives or head for your winter break vacation. Joyful Carousel is a 24 piece set perfect for kids 3 & up featuring a whimsical carousel with a ride-on zebra, horse, rabbit and more.
When a couple of DC Moms got tired of seeing only fair-skinned princesses and could not find many images portraying Black and Brown girls and boys in positive ways they decided to do something about it. The result is Epic Everyday, a collection of backpacks, t-shirts, towels and more featuring kids in a range of mocha-hued skin tones and hair types. Epic stands for Empowered, Positive, Innovative, and Creative!
Hand-crocheted from 100% cotton, these winsome stuffed animals, Sheroes, Creatures of Politics and dinosaurs make great gifts for babies, toddlers and even adults! You can even have a custom doll created to match your favorite furry friend, resemble your favorite star or honor an extinct animal.
Penned by Ashburn, VA mom and former teacher Jennifer Gafford, Finding Feelings is a must-read for kids 7 & under, but even adults will find this delightfully illustrated children's book enlightening. Each page presents daily scenarios where readers have to search-and-find emotional clues; it's an excellent springboard for helping little ones tackle big feelings.
Skipping cocktails because of pregnancy, being the designated driver or staying sober for whatever reason used to mean sipping Shirley Temples or another bland drink. One DC Mom said no more and founded Mocktail Club to ensure that everyone has access to tasty drinks weather they want alcohol or not. A four-pack of Mocktail Club’s bold flavors makes a great gift to get any parent who doesn’t drink through the holidays. Bonus: kids can upgrade from juice for a festive holiday toast! Mocktail Club is sold at local Whole Foods and served in some restaurants so look for it in the wild.
Mom-on-a-mission Kim Moehnke started this home-based, gluten-free bakery business after wrestling with food allergies in her own home. Choose from an assortment of flavors or custom order a batch of an inventive flavor for a true aficionado (custom orders require at least 3 business days). Moehnke recently competed in the World Food Championship with chocolate macarons filled with Bacon Fleur de Sel; it's the perfect sweet treat to fill a bacon lover's stocking with!
Wilma’s Pancake and Waffle Batter was inspired by owner Tamara Cole's grandmother's southern cooking. Cole has perfected her late grandmother's recipes and now offers the original mix in gluten-free and sugar-free options. You can also find sweet mixes with blended ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips and butter pecans, as well as savory mixes, like garlic and herb and cheddar bay.
Not a coffee drinker, but still need a caffeinated kick in the morning? Ivy's Tea Co. is a MD based pop culture and Hip-Hop inspired holistic tea company. Owned and operated by first-generation herbalist Shanae Jones, she aims to introduce African holistic health remedies into the holistic health industry. Her goal is to make the industry as inclusive and reflective and accepting of all cultures as Hip-Hop.
Play I-Spy a Presidential pup with this playful tea towel from Naked Decor. George W. Bush's Scottish Terrier Barney makes an appearance, as does Barack Obama's Portuguese Water Dog, Bo; a hound represents the twelve beagles that lived with George Washington and a German Shepherd as a nod to Joe Biden's dogs.
If you have a beloved dog, you have to include something under the tree for your most faithful companion! Beasties & Besties lets you coordinate with your pet by matching you dog's bandana to you mask. So very 2021!
From raglan tees to hoodies and knit hats, Bailiwick Clothing Company celebrates all things 202. Choose from clothing emblazoned with Douglas Commonwealth (in honor of Frederick Douglas), District of Champions, The 51st State and more. These gifts showcase hometown pride in the hippest way.
From holiday recipe cards to gift tags to wrapping paper, local artist Erica Nordberg has created a whimsically winter-themed paper suite that is Santa-approved. From a North Pole Postal Service wrap to Nordic Dala horse-themed gift tags to candy cane recipe cards, you'll find everything you need to get your gifts Christmas Day ready.
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
If you’re excited to host a larger gathering with friends and family this Thanksgiving, but want to make sure you’re enjoying the time rather than stressing over Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen, we’ve got the solution. Try outsourcing all or some of the cooking! We’ve rounded up 18 local restaurants and caterers offering Thanksgiving meals for pick-up––with options ranging from smoked, roasted or apple-brined turkey, to prime rib, brisket, Italian, and even paleo-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free feasts! Prices range from very affordable to very gourmet depending on your budget. To save even more time, look for the places that will deliver a decadent dinner straight to your door! Read on for the details.
Wood-fired and flavorful, Del Mar’s International Smoke is offering a multi-course feast that you can pick up or get delivered. Chow down on Parker House rolls, curry pumpkin soup, persimmon salad, roasted cauliflower skewers, and a maple-roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 21; the meal is $320 and serves four people.
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: Minimal preheating and prep required Place orders by: Sun. Nov. 21th How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 24th or Nov. 25th
International Smoke Del Mar 3387 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA 92130
Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy tri-tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their Tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad and more. Or, you can keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd pleaser.
Cost: $249.95 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast, each feeds 6+ people. $89 for Vegan Feast, feeds 2-3+ people
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: yes Preparation: Served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions. Place orders by: 48 hours in advance How to order: online Pick up times: Call for pick up times
Seaside Market 2087 San Elijo Ave Cardiff-by-the-sea 92007
Leave the cooking to the kind folks at UTC's Great Maple by reserving your Thanksgiving meal today. The delicious dinner, made to be enjoyed at home, includes butternut squash bisque soup, thyme, and rosemary turkey breast served with brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, pan gravy, toasted sage green beans, and pumpkin pie. The cost is $39.95 per person.
Cost: $39.95/person
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Before they sell out How to order: online Pick up times: Thursday, November 25th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Great Maple UTC 8675 Genesee Ave Suite 1200 La Jolla, CA 92122
Bring home a Turkey Feast Meal To-Go paired with all the fixings. Available in 3 different sizes for either a family of 4, 8 or 12 servings. Each comes with the classics: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sage dressing, sweet potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter, salad, cranberry sauce, their famous molasses bread and pumpkin pie.
If you just want a whole dessert to go, they have other options a la carte like their well-known big mountain fudge cake, NY style cheesecake, sky-high mud pie, spiced carrot cake or chocolate flourless torte.
Cost: 4 servings for $99.95; 8 servings for $199.95; 12 servings for $299.95.
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: Hot and ready to eat How to order: online Pick-up times: Thurs. Nov. 26th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Black Angus 1000 Graves Ave., El Cajon 619-440-5055
707 E St., Chula Vista 619-426-9200
296 E. Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido Escondido,CA92025
Simplify your Thanksgiving this year with fully prepared holiday meals from Sprouts, made with simple and wholesome ingredients like cage-free turkey, no antibiotics ever and organic ingredients. Fully prepared meal options that serve 6-8 include natural turkey, free-range organic turkey, USDA choice beef rib roast or spiral-sliced ham (regular or uncured & sugar-free) come with delicious seasonal sides. Or choose the 40 oz. vegan roast meal with cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a take & bake sourdough loaf. Don’t forget to add one of their award winning pies to your checkout cart, each pie is made with real fruit and are always free from artificial preservatives.
Place orders online for yourself or treat your friends or family to a meal for them to pick up at their local store or have it delivered straight to their door. Sprouts stores will be open on Thanksgiving day from 7am-4pm in case you forget something.
Cost: boneless turkey breast meal for 2 is $39.99; natural turkey meal for 6-8 is $79.99; spiral-sliced ham meal for 6-8 is $79.99; beef rib roast meal for 6-8 is $89.99; vegan roast meal for 4 is $44.99
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Before they sell out How to order: online Pick up times: curbside or delivery with Instacart!
Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a Family Meal that serves 4 and you’ll get an herb roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and choice of two sides. Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pasty chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others.
Urban Plates offers one of the best values with quality organic produce, cage-free turkey and always free of hormones, antibiotics and GMOs. Order early, they sold out last year!
Cost: a la carte sides $13 each; desserts $32-$60; Turkey Plate serves 1, $19.95; Turkey Family Meal serves 4 for $79; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 for $139
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Sides available Preparation: chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions Place orders by: Nov. 20th How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 23rd or 24th
Switch up your Thanksgiving this year with an Italian feast, or choose from their traditional Thanksgiving dishes to keep it classic. Their Thanksgiving day specials include prime rib, short ribs, butternut squash ravioli or oxtail cannelloni each with complementary sides, but you can also choose from their extensive menu of gourmet pasta meals, pan seared salmon, eggplant dishes or chicken marsala among others. Your taste buds will delight in their Italian sweets like the tiramisu tray, Limoncello cake or Nutella cheesecake. If you can’t decide, just order the dessert sampler and everyone will be happy.
Cost: meals serve 6-8 people – prime rib meal $85, short rib meal $75, butternut squash ravioli meal $60, oxtail cannelloni $60
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: call for details Place orders by: call for details How to order: online Pick up times: based on store hours
Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market catering menu with offerings for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey, and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.
Cost: classic roast turkey meal for 12 is $299.99; beef wellington meal for 4 is $139.99; prime rib meal for 8 is $229.99; you’ll find other serving sizes and options online
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 24 hours ahead of pickup date and time How to order: online Pick up times: Nov. 19th -25th from 8 a.m.-8 p.m
Whole Foods 711 University Ave., Hillcrest 619-294-2800
8825 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla Village 858-642-6700
Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and pecan or pumpkin pie.
Cost: serves 4 people for $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: call for details Place orders by: Nov. 19th How to order: online Pick up times: based on store hours, delivery available
Bring the good life home from Rancho Valencia to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your own home. This year they’ve launched “Rancho-To-Go” where you can choose from a full a la carte menu of canapés, starters and soups, choice of meats, sides and sauces; completed with pies and desserts. You can also choose from their a la carte items like crab cakes, empanadas, truffle arancini, poached pears, charcuterie boards and so much more.
Cost: full meal serves 4 for $265; or buy everything a la carte - minimum order $350, all items sold are in portions of 4 unless otherwise noted
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Thurs. November 18th How to order: online Pick-up times: Wed. Nov, 24th between 9 am - 1 pm.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa 5921 Valencia Cir., Rancho Santa Fe 858-759-6216
Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted & carved natural turkey and such sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, squash skewers, butternut squash soup, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad among other options. It might take you a while to decide what’s for dessert from Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.
Cost: Varies based on a la carte items ordered, roughly $160 for 6-8 servings
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: noon on Monday, Nov. 22nd How to order: online Pick up times: Pick up or delivery on November 24th
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering 7853 Herschel Ave., La Jolla 858-581-2205
Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with 2 classic side dishes to choose from and add on an apple, pecan or pumpkin pie for only $14.95 extra.
Cost: all servings are for 10 people - $165 for turkey dinner, $165 for beef brisket dinner and $165 for spiral ham dinner
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: all dinners are freshly cooked for your pick-up time, no reheating required! Just put it on the table and eat. Place orders by: 48 hrs notice How to order: call Pick up times: schedule with restaurant, delivery available for an additional charge.
Elijah’s Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont 858-353-5528 or 858-455-1461
Ranch 45 adds a gourmet twist to all of your favorite traditional foods. Just some of their offerings are butternut squash soup, roasted rainbow carrots, wild rice with butternut squash, herb-crusted prime rib, red wine braised short ribs, smoked turkey legs… and much more online. Don’t forget traditional desserts; are you team Apple or team Pumpkin pie? Or maybe an alternative GF carrot cake is more up your alley.
Cost: all items are ordered a la carte; approx. $160 for 3-4 servings
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: Sunday, November 21st How to order: in store, by phone, online Pick up times: 10 am - 3 pm on Nov. 24th
Ranch 45 512 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach 858-461-0092
Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that serves 4 and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including 4 personal pumpkin cheesecakes.
Cost: 4 servings for $175
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: chilled, fully cooked to heat and eat Place orders by: 48 hours in advance How to order: online Pick up times: Wed. Nov. 24th, 12 pm - 6 pm
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 11582 El Camino Real, Del Mar 858-755-1454
1355 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero 619-233-1422
Celebrate at home with Fleming’s 3-course dinner for the family. Meals include Herb-Roasted Turkey paired with all the fixings, salad and a cinnamon pumpkin cream cheesecake with orange cranberry sauce. You can also substitute the turkey for petite filet mignon or prime bone-in ribeye each with peppercorn sauce or add on delectable sides like lobster mac & cheese, cauliflower mash or crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon.
Cost: $53/adult and $23/children, dishes available a la carte also
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: call for details How to order: online Pick up times: call for details
Fleming’s Prime Steak House 8970 University Center Ln., UTC 858-535-0078
Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these 3 restaurants from Cohn’s. Choice of whole smoked turkey or brisket, 3 family size sides (bacon potato salad, coleslaw, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, killer beans, candied yams, mac & cheese, collard greens or green beans) and cornbread or dinner rolls. Add on pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert. You can also buy the main course a la carte (whole smoked turkey or brisket) and fix your own sides at home.
Cost: serves 6-8 servings for $189.95; add on a pie for $219.99; or even buy the main course a la carte: $114.95 for turkey or $129.95 for brisket
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: no Preparation: fully cooked, heat and eat Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Mon. Nov. 22nd How to order: call Pick up times: Thurs. Nov. 25th between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
(all 3 Cohn Restaurants share the same Thanksgiving menu options)
Del’s Hideout 5351 Adobe Falls Rd., Del Cerro 619-255-8175
Pioneer BBQ 8622 Lake Murray Blvd., San Carlos 619-825-7787
Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb (GF) and Pumpkin (avail GF). Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake (avail GF) to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum (GF, V) hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more.
Cost: $20-$35 per pie
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: call for details Place orders by: 72 hrs advance notice How to order: online only Pick up times: based on order
If you want to have your Thanksgiving pie and eat it too, there are plenty of options from Pop Pie Co. That’s all they do and that’s why they’re the best. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourban Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).
Cost: $35 per pie
Vegan/Gluten-Free options: Yes Preparation: pies are baked fresh the morning you pick them up Place orders by: Sun. Nov. 21st or until they’re sold out How to order: online only Pick up times: Wed Nov. 24th from 11 am-5 p.m. or Thurs. Nov. 25th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pop Pie Co. 4404 Park Blvd., University Heights 619-501-4440
Are you ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall? To get you in the leaf-crunching spirit, we’ve rounded up some of the tastiest pumpkin spice goodies that are already hitting the shelves.
From festive fall coffee and autumn takes on classic treats, to decadent desserts, keep scrolling to see our favorite pumpkin products of the season.
Bougie Bakes Pumpkin Szn Bundle
Bougie Bakes Pumpkin Szn Bundle checks off all the boxes: soy, gluten, dairy, sugar and GMO free and packed with all the flavors you love. The seasonal bundle comes with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin pecan blondie bites.
Blake's Seed Based Pumpkin Spice Rice Crispy Treat
Fall-ify your rice crispy treats with pumpkin spice! Blake's Seed Based treats are free from tree nuts, peanuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy and sesame so everyone can enjoy.
Ellenos Pumpkin Pie Yogurt
This is hands down our editors fave Pumpkin yogurt of the season! Ellenos uses their own traditional Greek yogurt recipe that is crafted fresh milk sourced directly from a single local farmer. This limited edition flavor comes with a swirl of pumpkin spice filling and a pumpkin crumble for the full pumpkin pie feels!
You can find at your local grocer.
Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar
Turn that protein-fueled snack break into a fall-inspired treat! Perfect Bar's Pumpkin Pie flavor is back for the season and tastes just like the dessert you know and love.
Tazo Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Tea Concentrate
Skip the coffee shop line with this festive Tazo concentrate. Black tea is infused with pumpkin-inspired spices that taste great blended with milk.
Pumpkin & Cinnamon Grain Free Puffs with Olive Oil
Don't forget about the littles this fall! Serenity Kids special pumpkin and cinnamon puffs are non-GMO and USDA Organic certified, gluten free, and are packed with organic olive oil, organic dehydrated pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove.
Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough
Whip up a batch of pumpkin spice in a flash with Nestlé Toll House's new cookie dough! The break and bake dough is made with everyone's fave pumpkin spice flavor and Premier White Morsels. You can find at your local grocer for $2.99.
Halo Top Pumpkin Pie
Run, don't walk to your closest freezer aisle to grab the limited edition Pumpkin Spice Halo top! Each pint comes with pumpkin light ice cream and flaky pie crust pieces––so basically irresistible goodness!
Two Good Good Save Pumpkin Greek Lowfat Yogurt
This isn't your regular pumpkin yogurt: its verified through the Full Harvest Verified Rescued Produce program that uses pumpkins that otherwise would have gone to waste! This limited edition yogurt has only only 2 grams of total sugar and is made with real pumpkin. You can find at Target, Kroger, Lowe’s, Key Foods and other retailers.
KIND's Limited-Edition Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice Bar
This limited-edition Pumpkin Spice bar is a nice change from your other favorite KIND bars, but be sure to snag them soon because they won't be around forever. It still only has five grams of sugar and includes real pumpkin and whole nuts as ingredients!
Your breakfast called: it wants these Little Bites pumpkin muffins! The tiny treats pack a big flavor, and we love them on-the-go, as a snack or alongside our morning coffee.
Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies
Pumpkin and chocolate have infiltrated one of Pepperidge Farm's most famous cookies! Take a break from the OG and feast on this crispy cookie that is the very essence of fall.
With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, you'll love this snack bar option for the fall season. Real pumpkin is the star of this soft-baked bar that's perfect for school lunches. Get it now as it's only available in limited quantities.
If you already love the creamy version of Oui by Yoplait you'll definitely want to snag some seasonal flavors like Caramel Pumpkin. Made with real spices, it's basically dessert for breakfast!
Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles
Cup Noodles is releasing a special pumpkin spice flavor to boldly jump into the autumnal game. The verdict is definitely out on this one! It’s made with a “special pumpkin seasoning” that infuses the noodles with the familiar flavor. Like all Cup Noodles products, it’s ready with a bit of water and four minutes in the microwave.
If you decide to try it, you’ll be able to find Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice exclusively at Walmart.
Partake Soft Baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Just because you have food allergies doesn't mean you have to miss out on the pumpkin spice fun. Partake's soft batch cookies are certified gluten-free and free of the top eight allergens. Enjoy the season with cookies that are made from a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla and taste as great as any other sweet treat.
Just need a little pumpkin to satisfy your cravings? These adorable pop'ems pack all the flavor but just a few does the trick.
DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat & Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake
Dairy Queen is bringing back the pumpkin! When it comes to The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, enjoy real pumpkin pie pieces, vanilla soft serve, whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Want to up your pumpkin intake? Be sure to grab a Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake that brings together pumpkin and cookie butter and is made with pumpkin puree, cookie butter made from ground cinnamon spice cookies, vanilla soft serve, milk, whipped topping and ground nutmeg.
Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls
Start your day off sweet with Pillsbury's Pumpkin Spice Rolls. The limited-edition can comes with five rolls and a package of pumpkin spice icing for topping, and is just $5 for two!
Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
Seasonal fave Pumpkin Spice Cheerios deserve a spot at your breakfast table. The gluten-free cereal are packed with seasonal spices that include cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Available wherever Cheerios are sold.
Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread
Enjoy the perfect hint of pumpkin with Pepperidge Farm's Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread! The combo of pumpkin and cinnamon is just what your breakfast ordered.
Coffee mate Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Coffee mate's number one pumpkin spice creamer is returning for the fall. Available also in a sugar-free version, you can up your morning coffee with this smooth creamer that warms from the inside out thanks to plenty of pumpkin notes.
Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese
Why have plain cream cheese when you can have Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread!? Made with real pumpkin and cinnamon, this seasonal sweet has no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes and makes the perfect addition to your morning bagel or toast.
Starting Aug. 16, RXBAR Pumpkin Spice & RX Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter are back and can't-miss products for the fall. Each bar comes with nine grams of protein C zero grams of added sugar and is gluten-free and Keto-friendly.
Can't make it to the Disney parks this fall? No problem! Joffrey's, the official specilaty coffee of the theme parks, is bring back its limited edition Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Brew Flavored Coffee. Each bag is artisan roasted with notes of pumpkin pie and vanilla.
You can purchase a one pound bag for $12.99 at joffreys.com.
Swiss Miss Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Swiss Miss Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa means you won’t even have to wait that long to get a sip reminiscent of falling leaves and visits to the pumpkin patch. The mix is made from premium imported cocoa and pumpkin spice flavoring with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives or colors.
You can already find this special Swiss Miss at Target for the fall season.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Now you can have your cake and eat it, too––cheesecake, that is! The seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies from Pepperidge Farm are a delightful mix of cheesecake and cookie dough, all rolled into a soft-baked cookie. Good luck only eating just one!
siggis Pumpkin 6 Spice Yogurt
siggi's seasonal Pumpkin Spiced yogurt has returned! Each container contains 15g of protein and is so creamy you'll feel like you enjoying a dessert rather than a healthy breakfast or snack.
Bubbies Pumpkin Mochi Ice Cream
Bubbies
Perfectly portioned, Bubbies Pumpkin Mochi Ice Cream is a blend of warm, seasonal spices and surrounded by mochi dough. The cold treat is gluten free, non-GMO and only 90 calories.
Starbucks fans will be happy to see not only tons of returning fall products to the home lineup of goods, but also a few pumpkin-related items, too! New to this year is Pumpkin Spice Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer and Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate
Simple Mills gluten-free pumpkin muffin and bread mix is delicious no matter what your dietary needs are. It's made with almond, coconut flour, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and can be made into muffins or bread for the perfect fall treat.
