11 Inspirational Tools for the Junior Baker

Does it feel like you’re always in the kitchen right now? Whether you’re cooking or baking, doing dishes or cleaning, you might as well put a tiny little futon in there. (Would that you had the space!) Since you’re hanging out in the kitchen anyways, why not outsource some of the work? Er, we mean, get your kid excited about baking? (Just be sure to teach the fun of cleaning up, too.) Here are 11 tools the littlest baker would get pumped about.  

1. Cake Pops

Rainbow push-up cake pops? What’s not to get excited about in this iconic treat from Flour Shop by Amirah Kassem? It’s the sort of kit that’s as fun to give as a gift as it is to set out for your kid and his friend to go whole hog.

2. Star Wars™ Cakelet Pan

Let them eat cake! But in such tiny portions that you don’t feel guilty letting them wolf down a few. Watch ’em go wild for the Star Wars™ cakelet pan (or one of our other adorable cakelet pans) and keep plenty of Bak-Klene spray handy.

3. Cake Mixes

Is there a sweeter phrase in the English language than “add egg, flour and oil?” We think not! Shop the gourmet cake mixes they’ll get psyched about.

4. Cookie Mixes

Want your kid to cook for himself for a lifetime? Experts say that cookie mixes and baking mixes are the gateway. Consider this trio from Le Marais, which has something for everyone.

5. Dash Mini Donut Maker

She’s just “so bored, MOM.” Whatever. Put this Dash mini donut maker in front of a tween or teen, and watch them flip out. (Look at that price tag! It’s the tiniest, tastiest investment in keeping her occupied.)

6. DIY Cookie Decorating Kit

It’s a rainy day. Don’t panic! We’ve got the cookie kits you need to keep them out of your hair for an hour or so, including this excellent Star Wars™ Kit.

7. DIY Celebration Cupcakes

Is it just us, or do you never have exactly what you need on hand for birthday cupcakes? This adorable kit for DIY celebration cupcakes comes with everything right down to golden candles and the cups to bake them in. Awesome!

8. Decorating Supplies

At a certain point, maybe after The Snow Day From Hell or The Rainy Day Without End, parents finally think to spring for a few inexpensive time-consuming, crafty items. Here are the tasty things you need. Our decorating supplies, such as this Ateco decorating kit, are simply nonpareil. (Get it?)

9. Sandcastle Cake Mold

We see you, there, considering buying two of these amazing Nordic Ware Sandcastle cake molds and bringing one to the beach for baby. But don’t call us in dismay when baby tries to eat the “beach cake.” (Pro tip: Use Bak-Klene and your favorite cake mix!)

10. Hand Pie Molds

What is it about hand pies? The ones you buy at the store don’t even need to be that tasty; they are delicious because they are all yours. Up the ante and make your kid’s day by breaking out these hand pie molds. Look how adorable! Make it easy by starting with defrosted basic pie dough, then filling with your favorite pie filling.

11. Ebelskiver Pan and Mix

One of the sweetest things you can make with a smaller kid are these Ebelskivers: light, puffy, filled pancakes (thanks, Denmark!) you can enjoy for breakfast, dessert or a midday snack. This kit includes both the pan to make them and the mix itself. Just add milk, butter and eggs!