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Skillet Cashew Chicken

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This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Skillet Cashew Chicken - an easy one-pan dinner

*Originally posted 5/2018. Post & recipe updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

Just popping in to share a quick and easy dinner idea we’ve been loving lately – Skillet Cashew Chicken. I love this meal because you can make it all in one pan…and you can totally customize it to fit your family.

Don’t like broccoli? Try swapping in green beans. Don’t like spice? Leave out some of the sriracha and add a different spice. The sauce is super easy to make and it thickens up right in the pan while you’re cooking!

How To Make Cashew Chicken

Making this recipe is super easy and involves just a few steps:

  • Dice your veggies and your chicken.
  • Toss the chicken in cornstarch.
  • Mix up the ingredients to make the sauce.
  • Saute the chicken and veggies.
  • Add the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Serve in lettuce wraps or over rice.

Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipes

This Skillet Cashew Chicken checks all the boxes in my book – quick, easy (pretty much all you have to do is a little chopping), packed with lean protein and veggies and most importantly – delicious.

If you’re looking for more recipes like this, try:

easy cashew chicken recipe

Skillet Cashew Chicken

I’ve served this over regular rice, cauliflower rice and in lettuce wraps! Or just eat it straight out of the pan, right?

I know cashews are a bit pricey, but if you don’t regularly buy them, I’d advise looking for them in the bulk bins. Then you can get only what you need for this recipe without buying a whole bag.

You can also look for them in the baking section where they often come already chopped/in pieces.

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Pretty easy right? The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken up a little as it bubbles away over medium to medium-high heat.

Cashew Chicken Recipe FAQs

What is cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken is a stir-fry of chicken and vegetables with a salty-sweet sauce that thickens up and coats the chicken and veggies.

What’s an easy cashew chicken sauce recipe?

Most traditional recipes use sesame oil but I don’t like the taste so mine does not. I use a combination of rice vinegar, chicken broth, tamari or soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a sweetener like maple syrup and a hot sauce like sriracha.

Can I use this recipe for cashew chicken lettuce wraps?

Yes! This recipe can easily be spooned into lettuce wraps for a quick weeknight meal that you don’t even need utensils for!

How can I make a vegetarian version of skillet cashew chicken?

You could easily make this with tofu! I would use extra firm tofu, press the water out, pan sear it and then set aside while you saute the veggies and add it back in and add the sauce. You could also use white beans instead of chicken.

How do you store leftover skillet cashew chicken? Can skillet cashew chicken be made ahead of time for meal prep?

Store in a glass pyrex container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave! The flavors of this dish deepen as it sits so feel free to make ahead of time and reheat all week long.

What are the best types of skillets to use for making skillet cashew chicken?

You can use whatever pan you want to make this. Grab your favorite non-stick skillet or try a cast iron skillet if you have one.

healthy cashew chicken recipe

What about a cashew chicken recipe for crockpot?

My version is not designed for the crockpot but if you’re looking for a crockpot recipe, try this Crockpot Cashew Chicken or this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe. Just note the cook time won’t be very long since the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. It will likely cook in 3 hours or so.

Can you make cashew chicken in the instant pot?

Here’s a great recipe for Instant Pot Cashew Chicken.

Is cashew chicken spicy?

This is totally up to you. My recipe calls for sriracha or your favorite hot sauce but you can use as much or as little as you’d like, or leave it out completely!

Is cashew chicken gluten-free?

As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your hot sauce is gluten-free then yes!

What to serve with cashew chicken?

Serve this with lettuce wraps or a side of rice and you’ve got a complete meal in 20 minutes!

This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Want more chicken recipes? Check out:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

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This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

sheet pan chicken recipes - sheet pan caprese chicken

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for sheet pan chicken recipes and I’ve got a super easy one to share with you today. I’m a huge fan of sheet pan meals because they’re so easy to throw together and even easier to clean up. This one cooks in no time at all and it is full of flavor.

If you haven’t ventured into the world of sheet pan meals, there are so many great ones out there! The benefits of sheet pan meals include how quickly you can cook both a main dish and sides at the same time, how many different flavor combos are out there and how easy the cleanup is especially if you line your pans with foil or parchment paper.

I’ve shared several sheet pan meals on the blog over the years. Some of my favorites include Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, Sheet Pan Italian Salmon, Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Quinoa Bowl and Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas.

sheet pan chicken breast recipe - caprese chicken

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are some to try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

Sheet Pan Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’re partial to chicken thighs you’re not alone! A lot of people love them for sheet pan meals because they’re a bit higher in fat and tend to stay juicy vs drying out. Here are a few recipes to try:

sheet pan caprese chicken

How To Make This Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner

Making this sheet pan dinner couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you do:

  • Prepare a simple balsamic marinade and let the chicken marinate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Trim the ends off green beans and place them on a baking sheet with cherry tomatoes.
  • Spray green beans with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • At the other end of a baking sheet, place the marinated chicken.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the green beans, drain the liquid from around the chicken and then top the chicken with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and broil for a few minutes to melt the sheet.
  • Drizzle everything with more balsamic vinegar if you want to and serve!

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Recipe

Here’s how you make this Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken. 

See?? Super simple! As I mentioned above, if you want to add some extra flavor, spread some pesto on the chicken before you top it with mozzarella!

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes FAQs

What is chicken caprese made of?

Caprese generally means a combination of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes plus basil, salt and oil. This chicken caprese recipe combines all of those ingredients with a base of balsamic marinated chicken to turn it into a healthy, flavorful sheet pan chicken dinner.

How long to cook sheet pan chicken?

The exact cook time for sheet pan chicken will depend on the type and thickness of chicken used. I pound my chicken relatively thin before cooking so that it cooks quickly and it’s all the same thickness so it cooks evenly.

Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs you use, cook time may be longer that that stated in this recipe.

What goes with caprese chicken?

Since you’re cooking the main protein and some vegetables all at once, you really don’t have to add much to make this a complete meal. I’d recommend adding some of your favorite carbohydrates. Try some rice or quinoa, roasted potatoes or even your favorite pasta!

sheet pan caprese chicken with green beans and tomatoes

Is chicken caprese healthy?

Yes! Lean chicken breasts are marinated to add a lot of flavor and paired with your favorite veggies for a healthy, balanced meal.

Is caprese chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe for caprese chicken is gluten-free. Just make sure any additional side dishes you pair with it are gluten-free if needed!

Can you make sheet pan chicken caprese with potatoes or asparagus?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily customize the vegetables. You could swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli with a very similar cook time. If you prefer to swap potatoes, they probably require 10-15 minutes of cook time by themselves before you add the chicken!

What cheese alternatives can I use in my sheet pan caprese chicken?

If you don’t have fresh mozzarella available, this would be equally delicious with most types of cheese. Try provolone, havarti or muenster!

Can I prepare sheet pan caprese chicken ahead of time? What’s the best way to reheat leftover caprese chicken?

Yep! You can marinate and then assemble the sheet pan and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Or you can bake it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Try using an air fryer at lower heat to reheat the chicken and re-melt the cheese. Or simply microwave to reheat!

This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

Let me know if you give this one a try!! Be sure to check out all my other sheet pan meals as well!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Chicken Pitas

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These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

*Originally published 7/2017. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about spicy chicken pitas today. This is one of my favorite food prep recipes and I hope you’ll love it too.

The Best Spicy Chicken Food

There are so many great spicy chicken meals out there. The best part is that you can make chicken spicy in a lot of different ways. You can use spices like cayenne pepper to add heat, like I do in this recipe. You can also use other spices like chili powder.

In addition, you can add things like:

  • Sriracha
  • Tabasco
  • Jalapenos or serranos
  • Red curry paste
  • Harrisa
  • Chili paste
  • Hot honey
  • Dried red chilis

Many of these work well in things like curries, soups and casseroles and can also be incorporated into marinades and sauces.

Ideas for Spicy Chicken Meals // Spicy Healthy Chicken Recipes

If these pitas aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, here are a few more ideas to try:

You could also try serving chicken with this Spicy Green Sauce or this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip!

spicy chicken recipe for pita bread

How To Make Spicy Chicken Pitas

But let’s get back to these spicy chicken pitas, shall we? I love this meal because you can do everything ahead of time and then just throw everything together when you’re ready to eat. When you have time:

  • Combine oil and spices in a Ziploc bag with chicken and let marinate in the fridge.
  • Mix yogurt with cucumber, garlic and lemon juice and stick it in the fridge.
  • Chop up some lettuce, tomato and onion.
  • Cook and slice the chicken and store until ready to eat.

When you’re ready to eat, add chicken, lettuce and tomato to a pita. Top with yogurt sauce and serve!

Simple Chicken Pita Recipes // Chicken Pita Pocket Recipes

Here’s the recipe I use. Want some other options? Check out:

And don’t forget – you can use the chicken in other ways, not just in pitas! I ate some of the leftovers with rice and green beans. It’d be great in tacos, etc. So…you get the point. The chicken is versatile. But I happen to really like it in these pitas.

chicken pita pockets recipes

Spicy Chicken Pitas FAQs

Spicy Chicken Meal Prep and other chicken marinades?

If you’re looking for other chicken marinade recipes, here are a few I love:

Just make sure you have some oil, as well as something acidic like vinegar, lemon juice or Greek yogurt to go along with your favorite spices and you’ll be all set!

Do you have a homemade pita recipe easy?

I don’t have one on my site but I’ve made them before and they’re quite easy. And it’s fun to watch them puff up in the oven. Try this Easy Homemade Pita Bread recipe or the easiest homemade pita bread recipe.

Is there a grilled chicken pita recipe?

You can easily grill the chicken in this recipe! Once it’s marinated, just toss it on the grill for a few minutes on each side until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

Ideas for other chicken pita filling recipes?

If you don’t like these fillings, you could easily use the chicken add change up the fillings. Try avocado and cheese, grilled fajita veggies or try adding some spinach and crumbled feta!

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

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This four-ingredient Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

*Originally published 8/2016. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

If your kids are anything like mine and they love to snack all day long, you’re probably constantly looking for healthy, nutrient-dense snacks that you can offer them. Of course, all kids will have their favorites. Mine particularly love Lentil Banana Muffins, Black Bean Brownies and some of my other healthy muffins and bars.

They also have their store-bought snacks – check out these 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids. And when it comes to feeding kids it’s easy to fall into a rut. But as a Registered Dietitian, I know the importance of continuing to offer and expose kids to new foods.

That’s where this peanut butter banana chia pudding comes in! While some people may not enjoy the texture of a snack like this, you might be surprised to find your kids love it. And since it’s packed with nutrients and can be prepped ahead of time, it’s a great option to work into your snack rotation.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

This pudding is super easy to make and great to have on hand for a quick snack or addition to breakfast or lunch. The flavor possibilities are endless but I went with a classic peanut butter and banana combo.

How To Make Chia Peanut Butter Pudding

If you’ve never tried using chia seeds to thicken something, you’ll be amazed how well this works. All you need for this snack is:

  • Ripe bananas
  • Milk or kefi
  • Chia seeds
  • Peanut Butter

When combined with liquid, chia seeds act as a natural thickening agent so all you have to do is combine all the ingredients and let it sit. I use a blender or food processor to get all the lumps out of the bananas but you could mash by hand if you want to.

Banana Peanut Butter Pudding

Here’s the recipe:

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding FAQs

Can you make chia seed pudding with kefir?

Yes! We love Lifeway Kefir and it would work great in this recipe! You could also use your favorite non-dairy milk if you prefer.

How long does chia seed pudding take to set?

Typically the pudding will thicken and set in 1-2 hours once you put it in the fridge. But I often recommend letting it sit overnight in the fridge for best results.

Can you make chia seed pudding with peanut butter powder?

Yes! If you don’t want to use actual peanut butter but still want the peanut butter flavor, you could mix powdered peanut butter like PB2 into your pudding. You could also mix in your favorite flavor of protein powder.

Why eat chia seed pudding?

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. Mixing them with milk adds protein for a balanced snack that will keep you full and satisfied.

What about overnight oats with chia seeds?

If you want to take this concept to the next level, you can try overnight oats made with chia seeds. Try these Easy Overnight Oats with 6 flavor combinations for a filling meal or snack.

Other flavors besides banana chia pudding?

If you’re a chia pudding fan, you could try Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding, Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding or this Creamsicle version.

Not a fan of the chia seeds? You might like my Chocolate Avocado Pudding recipe instead!

This four-ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It's packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Gifts For In-Laws {and Parents}

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Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here’s a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc! 

best gifts for in law and parents

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

This post is the follow-up to my Best Gifts for Husbands list. Today I’ve got some of the best gift ideas for in-laws. Behind husbands, this was the second most requested post. People seem to have a tough time coming up with gift ideas for in-laws/parents/grandparents.

Whether you’re new to the family and haven’t gotten to know your in-laws very well yet or you’ve been in the family for years and feel like you’ve already gotten them everything they could possibly want or need, I’ve got you covered with this list!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

Here are the best gifts for in-laws and parents: 

aura digital frame gift for grandparents

Photos

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with photos!

  • Book and pay for a family photo session so they can have some current photos of the family, grandkids, etc with them in it!
  • Canvas print – I get all mine from Canvas On Demand. The perfect way to decorate a room.
  • Digital frame – This one has an app and it’s super easy for multiple people to add photos so they appear in the frame.
ring doorbell camera

Electronics

Make the gift even better by installing and setting it up for them!

  • Make their house a little more high tech with a Nest thermostat or a Ring doorbell camera 
  • Upgrade their TV with Apple TV or Roku – you could throw in a year subscription for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc!
  • Improve their stereo system with a new sound bar.
  • Introduce them to Alexa with an Echo with Alexa or Google Home, etc
  • If they like to read or listen to books or podcasts, try an Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription.
instant pot gift idea

Kitchen

If they enjoy cooking, you can always add something to their kitchen collection!

  • My number one pick is an Instant pot
  • An Air fryer is also a good option.
  • Or buy them tickets to a cooking class!
airline gift card gift

Travel

Airline gift cards: Do they live far away?

  • Put some money towards a flight so they can come to visit!
  • Or help them enjoy their retirement and take the trip they’ve been planning for years!
holiday box featured

Food

Feed them!

bloomscape gift subscription

Plants

A fun way to add new life to a room!

  • Check out websites like Bloomscape for beautiful indoor plants – they give you info on size, maintenance, light, pet-friendly etc.
  • Or gift them a monthly plant subscription- Check out something like The Sill
Screenshot 2023 11 07 at 7.07.31 PM

Interior Design

Whether they recently moved or have been living somewhere for a long time, they might enjoy a room refresh!

  • Gift them a Havenly consult – they can consult with an interior decorator online for a very reasonable price!
theater

Out of Town

If they live out of town, consider:

  • A restaurant gift card to their favorite place or a new place to try
  • Dinner theater tickets
  • A night out with just you and your spouse! Especially if you have kids….they love the grandkids but you guys were their kids first and they would probably love spending some adult-only time with just you guys too!
Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here's a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc! 

That’s all I’ve got! For more gift ideas, check out:

What’s the best gift you’ve gotten your in-laws or parents lately?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

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These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They’re the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They're the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

*Originally published 12/2014. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends-

You know those few weeks in early November, when Halloween and all things pumpkin is over, but Thanksgiving isn’t quite here and you’re ready for Christmas but it still feels to early?

That’s when you make these muffins. They’re the perfect bridge between Fall and Winter and you absolutely must try them.

Pumpkin and Gingerbread Flavors

I’ve been making these muffins for almost 10 years and they never disappoint. They’re the perfect mix of your favorite pumpkin bread and a delicious gingerbread cookie. All wrapped up in a delicious muffin.

The pumpkin adds a light Fall flavor and the molasses and ginger add the perfect hint of gingerbread with just a couple of simple ingredients.

If you’re looking for a higher fiber muffin, try these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins with red lentils and ground flax.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins with Icing Drizzle

How To Make Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

To make these muffins, you just need a few simple ingredients.

Many of them can be found at Thrive Market– my favorite place to stock your pantry! I love their large selection and place an order every month or two to stock my staple baking items! (refferal link)

  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Molasses
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Flour – I use white whole wheat flour, or
  • Baking soda & baking powder
  • Cinnamon and Ginger – for flavor

To make them just mix all the wet ingredients together, add the dry ingredients and stir to just combine. You can leave them plain or add mix-ins. I like fresh cranberries for a bit of tart, but you could also add chocolate chips or some hemp seeds.

Recipe for Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

I make 12 large muffins. Feel free to make yours smaller if you prefer. I like them plain, but if you want to fancy them up a little, mix some powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle it on top for a glaze!

Easy Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins FAQs

Can I freeze pumpkin gingerbread muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw on the counter!

What if I don’t have ground ginger?

You can leave it out and add extra cinnamon to amp up the flavor but the gingerbread flavor will be lacking if you leave it out.

What is molasses and is it healthy?

Molasses is a type of liquid sugar. It’s a thick, dark syrup that is made while refining sugar cane into sugar. Molasses is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar. It also contains small amounts of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

Do you have a regular pumpkin muffin recipe?

Try this Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe. You can also make it as muffins. You might also like my Gluten-free Pumpkin Bean Bread as an easy way to add some extra nutrients. Or try these Pumpkin Yogurt Bars or my Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They're the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

Looking for more pumpkin recipes?

Try these:

And if you want more gingerbread baking recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Toddler Gift Ideas {Ages 1-3}

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These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends!

Need some toddler gift ideas? I’ve got you covered! I first wrote this post when my oldest turned 3. Since then I’ve had 2 more kids and all 3 of them are out of the toddler years so we’ve had some experience with toddler toys 🙂

This is a round-up of some of our favorite toys for the toddler years. You can also check out my Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7} and  Best Toys For Multiple Ages post for more ideas!

It can be easy to accumulate a lot of toys so one thing I’ve really tried to do, especially with my second and third kids after learning my lesson with the first, is focus on keeping things that have multiple uses and encourage imagination.

Things like blocks, trains, play kitchen etc that he can use every day but use in different ways! I love it when they get into their own little world talking and playing by themselves and I can just sit back and quietly watch and listen.

So, if you have a toddler of your own or are looking for gift ideas, I hope this post is helpful!

If you have anyone besides toddlers on your list, maybe one of these gift guides will be helpful:

All the links below are Amazon affiliate links which means I make a small amount of money if you purchase using them, at no additional cost to you.

arts and crafts

Arts and Crafts Ideas for Toddlers

I’m a huge fan of having a robust arts and crafts station. Use Pinterest to find some fun, simple project ideas or just take a bunch of stuff out and let them go to town!

physical activity

Physical Activity Toys for Toddlers

imagination

Imagination & Creative Play Toys for Toddlers

  • Monster Hunting Kit – {Net +Flashlight + Spray Bottle}
  • Sensory Table – use for water, sand, dirt, etc
  • Play Kitchen – buy play food, a mini grocery cart, save product packages and make your own grocery store!
  • Camera – Save your old digital cameras you don’t use anymore. Also check garage sales, etc!
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Tools – we have about 3 different sets!
  • Doctor Kit or Vet Set
  • Dinosaurs
  • Baby dolls/stuffed animals/baby stroller
  • Cars/Trucks/Fire engines
  • Guitar/Keyboard – anything that encourages music is fun (drums, maracas…)
  • Air Fort – easy to setup and easy to store
  • Nugget – one of the best things we’ve ever bought for our kids
  • Tea Set or Ice Cream Set
  • Cleaning Tools
train stuff

Trains for Toddlers

Trains get their own separate category because they’re such an obsession in our house

  • Brio (or Orbium) Train Track Pack   – We set these up on the floor usually but also have a train table. Get a crane! They were my oldest’s fav train accessory.
  • Train table – Look for these tables and train sets secondhand on FB selling groups, garage sales etc.
  • Wooden Trains  – you can never have too many
  • Road tape – Also fun for train cars, hot wheels, cars etc
motor skills

Fine Motor Skills Toys For Toddlers

other toddler gifts

Toddler Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for something more branded, here are some TV shows that are popular with toddlers. Any merchandise, games, etc featuring these characters would probably be a hit as well:

  • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
  • Doc McStuffins
  • PJ Masks
  • Paw Patrol
  • Anything on PBS – Curious George, Nature Cat, Daniel Tiger, etc
These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

Whew! Ok well hopefully this gave you some fun new ideas. If your toddlers or toddlers you know have other favorites, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!

If you’re looking for baby gift ideas, check out by Baby’s First Year Gift Guide!

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

And if you’re a toddler parent looking for new ways to keep them entertained, be sure to check out this post full of Indoor Activities for Toddlers.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Gifts For Husbands

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Looking for the best gifts for husbands and partners? This list has something for everyone from style to tech gadgets to music!

best gifts for husbands and partners

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

What are the best gifts for husbands or in-laws? These groups can be notoriously hard to buy for and my goal is to make your life a little easier. You can check out the Best Gifts for In-laws and Parents here.

Husbands and partners can be tricky to buy for, especially if you’ve been together a long time and they already seem to have everything they need and want.

But I spent some time researching, polling my followers and thinking about my own husband and I think I’ve come up with a pretty good list of ideas!

So here you go!

This list is not sponsored but does contain some affiliate links. Using them results in no extra cost for you but I do earn a small amount! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!

Best Gifts for Husbands

build your own six pack gift idea

Favorites Box

An easy one to personalize!

  • My mom always gave my dad a bunch of single bottles of different beers growing up and it was fun to watch him open them. She now does the same thing for my husband.
  • Not into beer? Grab a few of their drink of choice and pair it with their favorite snacks!
  • Or go a different route and grab them some different new or local coffees, jerky, spice rubs etc. Check out Man Crates for more ideas.
custom socks gift for dads

Style

There are lots of both fun and practical things you can get them!

  • I got my hubby socks with our cat’s face from Pupsocks on them a couple of years ago and they were a huge hit! Now you can get ones with kids’ faces on them as well! Check out their website or find them on Amazon. 
  • Not into socks? Try shoes!
  • Or slippers. These Ugg Slippers for men come highly recommended.
  • Comfortable casual pants are always a hit. Try these Lululemon ABC joggers.
  • If he likes to work out, a silicone ring can help keep his wedding ring from getting all scratched up. We like Qalo rings
weather tech floor liners for men

Car

If you’re married to a car guy, here are some ideas:

  • I’ve gotten my hubby a gift certificate for a mobile car detailing service that comes to you and makes your car look brand new on the inside. (Hint- this would also be a great gift for most mamas!)
  • A prepaid car wash
  • Weather tech floor liners
  • AAA membership
  • Weather tech mug coffee cup holder – My husband loves his Yeti with a handle so this thing fits in the cup holder and lets him bring the mug-style Yeti in the car
apple watch for husband gift

Electronics

I’m always on the hunt for new electronic gadgets:

  • Check out these Tile finders if your hubby is constantly losing things! They come in various sizes to help you find things like keys, wallets, remotes etc!
  • A wireless charging pad
  • Apple Watch if you wanna get fancy.
  • Bluetooth speaker – My husband loves this to have on our screened porch so he can listen to music
  • Sunrise alarm – If he’s a heavy sleeper, this can help him ease into waking up
record player gift idea for men

Music

Got a music lover? Try one of these gifts:

  • Subscription to an unlimited music service like Spotify, Napster or Amazon Music Unlimited
  • Wireless headphones like AirPods – choose noise-cancelling if that’s important!
  • Concert tickets
  • Record player – Very trendy right now, reasonably priced and fun to listen to
wireless noise cancelling headphones

Commuter

If your hubby spends a lot of time commuting in the car, on the subway etc, here are a few things to consider:

  • Wireless Noise-canceling Headphones (You’ll have to do your own research for the best pick for your pricepoint – there’s everything from $50 ones to $300 ones )
  • NY Times online subscription to keep up on the news
  • Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription if they like to read or listen to books or podcasts
  • Yeti – to keep their coffee hot!
  • Portable charger – perfect for keeping in the car for an extra charge
sock of the month club

Subscription Box

They have them for pretty much everything now so find one that fits his interest to try out!

meat smoker gift idea for men

Food & Drink

If he likes to cook, grill etc there are lots of good options!

  • Meat Smoker – Try this more affordable option or go fancy with something like a Big Green Egg
  • Wireless Thermometer – Perfect for smoking, grilling etc so he can monitor temp from his phone
  • Ooni Pizza Oven – If he loves pizza night, i’ve heard nothing but good things about these
  • Ninja Coffee Maker – Upgrade his basic coffee pot to something a little fancier!
  • Nutribullet – Perfect for making a single-serve post-workout smoothie
  • Blackstone – trendy right now and fun if he likes to grill!
solo stove

Other

A few other things that didn’t fit anywhere else:

  • Drone – A fun little toy for them to play around with
  • Solo Stove – Perfect for family nights around the fire. We love ours
  • Waterpik – My husband loves this instead of flossing
  • Projector – An easy way to take game day or movie nights to the next level. We have this projector and this screen to go with it.
  • Theragun – If he works out, this is a handy tool. Or try a trigger point massage hook.
  • Dumbbells – For the days when he can’t get to the gym, having a set at home can help him squeeze in a great workout.
  • Leatherman Multitool – Comes in handy for all sorts of little tasks (especially opening packages!)
The best gifts for husbands in 2024

What’s on your list of best gifts for husbands? And if you need gifts for mom, check out Gift Ideas For Busy Moms.

Looking for more gift guides? Check out my lists:

And if you want to shop small check out this list of 50+ Small Businesses To Support.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Gift Ideas For Busy Moms

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These Gift Ideas For Busy Moms are perfect for the moms in your life! Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc who are constantly worrying about everyone else will appreciate a few of these presents for themselves.

gift ideas for moms

Hi friends!

I first published this gift guide for busy moms back in 2017 when I had 2 kids under 3 and felt constantly busy. Now, almost 6 years later I have 3 kids and gues what? I’m still busy all the time. So I’ve updated this gift guide with some of my favorite things in a variety of categories, plus some things I don’t have yet but are on my wish list.

I hope this gives you some ideas for the moms in your life!

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links (which are clearly identified). That means if you purchase through my link, I get to keep a tiny portion of the sale, at no additional cost to you! Thanks for helping to support The Lean Green Bean.

Need more gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:

Happy Shopping!

kitchen gift ideas for busy moms

Kitchen Gifts for Moms

Moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Sometimes it feels like all I do is cook and feed people all day long. Here are some tools that make life easier:

  • Yeti Coffee Mug– Any mom knows that having the time to sit down and drink an entire cup of coffee is nothing more than a wish. This will keep it warm all morning long.
  • Souper Cubes – One of the biggest gifts on busy nights is being able to pull something from the freezer to feed the family. Souper cubes make it easy to freeze and thaw things quickly.
  • Instant Pot – When you need a quick meal, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. It helps me so much with food prep on the weekends and dinners on busy nights.
  • Instant Pot Dutch Oven – I’ve replaced my old crockpot with this. You can sear/saute in the pot, use it to slow cook or braise or even remove the dutch oven and use it on the stove.
  • Griddler – If she’s still making pancakes in a tiny skillet, get her a griddle so she can make more at once. Plus this one doubles as a sandwich maker.
  • Air Fryer – Just as helpful as an Instant Pot for making meals quickly. I use mine multiple times a week.
  • Stanley – Help keep her hydrated with a good water bottle. I prefer the 32 oz version with a flip straw but the 40 oz is popular as well. We’re also big fans of Owala.
  • Geometry Kitchen Towels – These kitchen towels are on my wish list to make kitchen cleanup a breeze.
  • Stasher Bags – Every mom needs snacks and these Stasher bags make it easy to make everything from mom snacks to school snacks for the kids.
  • Nutribullet Blender – I’ve been using the personal-sized Nutribullet to make a daily smoothie for months now and I love how it makes the perfect amount and is quick and easy to clean.
style gift ideas for mom

Style Gifts for Mom

Moms don’t always have a lot of time to spend on themselves but here are some stylish gifts she’ll love:

  • LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers – These are my absolute favorite slippers. I wear them around the house all winter long. If you’re looking for a slide-on option, try these Dearfoam Firesides. (aff link)
  • Shark Hair Dryer – I have long hair and until last year I was drying it with the same hair dryer I had in college and it took forever. I bought this last year and it’s a total game changer. I can use the two attachments to dry and brush straighten my hair in under 10 minutes. (aff link)
  • Able Leather Bag – Every mom needs a good bag and several of my favorites are from Able. They’re a great company that makes quality products and I have 3 bags of various sizes.
  • Avryn & Co. wallet and wristlet – One of my favorite small businesses. I bought myself a wallet/wristlet set two years ago and absolutely love it. They’re perfect for moms on the run who have their hands full of kids and sports bags and coffee. Just slide it on your wrist and go!
  • Birkenstock Mayari Sandals – These are the perfect summer sandals. They last forever. They’re comfortable and they can be dressed up or worn all over town when running the kids around. (aff link)
  • ChappyWrap Blanket – These blankets are my favorite. We have two and they hold up well in the wash, are super soft and still look stylish draped over the back of the couch.
  • Handheld Steamer – For a busy working mom who needs to look professional, this handheld steamer can help her quickly remove wrinkles from clothes on a busy morning. (aff link)
  • Aura Wifi Picture Frame – This stylish frame looks great on the counter and is a great solution for busy moms who don’t have time to get actual photo prints made but still want to see all those photos on their phones. Just upload photos to the app and they scroll through on the frame! My mom has one of these and loves it. I love that I can make pics of the grandkids easily appear on her counter! (aff link)
  • Silk Pillowcase – These can help keep hair from tangling and frizzing leading to less time needing to be spent on her hair during the morning rush! (aff link)
  • Loop Earplugs– For the moms that are just a little overstimulated by all the noise in their house, these can help dull the noise to a manageable level. (aff link)
  • Heating Pad/ Weighted eye mask – Make bedtime a little more relaxing once she finally gets there! (aff link)
tech gifts for mom

Tech Gifts for Moms

Technology is life in this day and age. Here are some gadgets to make a busy mom’s life easier:

  • INIU portable charger – I have one of these that lives in my car for all the times I don’t have enough time to charge my phone while running around all day. You could also throw in an ultra-compact charger for her to keep in her purse. (aff link)
  • Kindle Paperwhite – Slim enough to fit in her bag and gives her a chance to grab a few minutes to read while waiting for kids, appointments etc. (aff link)
  • Airpods – I feel like I have no time to sit down and read a book anymore so I’ve switched to audiobooks and I love my airpods for listening while I’m walking the dog, in the car, etc. (aff link)
  • Visual timer – This one does double duty. Mom can use it to get work, cleaning, etc done using the Pomodoro technique or she can set it for the kids so they can easily see how much time is left before school, bed etc which makes it easier on mom. Or try this Echo wall clock that we have on the wall in our kitchen so the kids can easily see how much time is left when we ask Alexa to set a timer. (aff link)
  • 3 in 1 Charging Station – Give her a place to charge all her devices – phone, watch, airpods all in one spot! (aff link)
  • Tile Mate – If she’s constantly wasting time looking for her keys, this can be a major time saver. Or give her the button version to put on a remote. (aff link)
  • Walking Pad – I like to get my steps in but I don’t always have time to run out on a walk multiple times a day. These are small enough to store away if needed and make it easy to get some extra steps in while working, watching the kids play etc. (aff link)
  • Skylight Calendar – Save her from having to answer questions about the family schedule all day long with this visual calendar that synchs with hers and sits on the counter so everyone can see it. (aff link)
  • Carex Bright Light Therapy Light- Long, dark winter months are tough. Give her the benefits of sunlight that she can sit in front of while working on her computer or eating breakfast. (aff link)
best gifts for busy moms

Best Gifts For Busy Moms

A few other ideas for sports moms and helping mom relax!

  • First Aid Kit for Car – Whether its for an ouchie at the playground or a sports injury, having a first aid kit in the car will definitely come in handy. (aff link)
  • Car Trash Can – While you’re at it, grab a car trash can for her to help keep the mess under control and a rechargeable car vacuum can be a big help as well!
  • Planner – If she’s a paper planner mom, you can always gift her a planner for the upcoming year!
  • Simply Southern Bag – These are perfect for a busy pool mom in the summer. Holds tons of stuff and never falls over so everything spills. (aff link)
  • Car Blanket – This will come in handy when her kids are cold in the car, when they stop for an impromptu picnic or when spectating at sports games. This one condenses into a little pouch so she can leave it in the car.
  • Shade Chair – If she is an outdoor sports mom, I promise there are some times she’ll wish she had some shade over her chair! (aff link)
  • Rain Jacket – Similarly, if she spends time outside it will be raining at some point so a stylish wind/water resistant jacket would make a great gift! (aff link)
  • Easy Plant – For when she wants greenery but doesn’t have time to water. These plants have a reservoir that only needs to be filled once a month and then they water themselves. Low maintenance for the win! Pick one out or give her a gift card.
  • Puzzle Board – If she loves to do puzzles but never has time to sit down and do one all at once, these are easy to store under the couch or on a table and work on when she has time. (aff link)
  • Coloring Book – Even busy moms need to wind down. Coloring is a great option! (aff link)
  • Little Green Machine – All moms battle stains and this portable carpet cleaner makes it quick and easy. It’s on my wish list! (aff link)
gift certificate ideas for moms

Gift Certificate Ideas for Moms

Sometimes a gift certificate is the biggest blessing to a busy mom. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Down Dog App – I use this for yoga and absolutely love it. They also have HIIT, meditation and barre workouts. You could pay for a few months of these workouts for her.
  • Created Colorful – Gift her a chance to find out what her best colors are to make shopping easier. I got this done about 2 years ago and it’s been super helpful
  • SLAM – Strong Like A Mother – My favorite workout app! She has workouts for everything from pregnancy to core basics to help heal diastasis recti, plus beginner to advanced workouts you can do at home. I’ve been doing them off and on for 4+ years and still love them. Offer to pay for a couple of months of her workouts!
  • Audible – If she likes audiobooks, gift her an audible subscription so she can listen to some new books! (aff link)
  • Amazon Prime membership – If they don’t have Amazon Prime yet, give them an Amazon gift card with instructions to use it to purchase a Prime membership for their house. Quick shipping is a game-changer for busy moms. (aff link)
  • Stitch Fix – If they don’t have time to go shopping, get them a Stitch Fix gift card so the clothes can come to them! (referral link)
  • ButcherBox – If her family is meat eaters, gift them a Butcher Box or a gift card so they can choose their own. Reliable meat delivery can be a big time-saver and help them stock their freezer for busy nights! (referral link)
  • Blue Apron – Sometimes we’re just too busy to make meals from scratch. Meal delivery services like Blue Apron help get home-cooked meals on the table without requiring much energy on our part. Sometimes it’s so nice to not have to shop or meal plan but still be able to eat at home!
  • Haldi – Even mamas with the most basic skincare (me!) can benefit from this service. Have your mom friends take the free skincare quiz and then gift them a gift card so they can buy some of the recommended products! The quiz helps them learn all about your skin and then they can recommend all types of products that will work best for you. I took the quiz a couple of years ago and have loved almost all of their reccs! (referral link)
  • Mo News – If she likes the news but barely has time to watch gift her a Mo News premium membership so she can stay in the know on Instagram.
  • Blowout Bar – If she’s having family pictures done or has an event to go to, it can be a treat not to have to do her own hair so you could gift her gift card to a local place!
These Gift Ideas For Busy Moms are perfect for the moms in your life! Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc who are constantly worrying about everyone else will appreciate a few of these presents for themselves.

Let’s chat:

Moms! What’s on your Christmas list this year?

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Kid Gift Ideas
{ages 4-7}

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Need kid gift ideas for ages 4-7? Here are toy ideas for everything from arts and crafts, building and educational toys to pretend play and outdoor toys. 

kid gift ideas ages 4-7

Originally published 10/21. Updated 11/23.

Hi friend!

I’ve been blogging for 10+ years now and have done my share of gift guides. I wasn’t planning to create any more but then I realized that in the kid gift department, I kinda left off at the toddler stage. Now that I have 2/3 of my kids out of toddlerhood, I thought I should put together a new kids gift guide for our current stage of life. So, here are some things my older two (who are about to turn 5 and 7) have been into the past couple of years!

If you need more ideas, check out my past gift guides:

As always, you know who you’re buying for. Some of these could be used by kids younger or older than this age group. This is also kind of a tricky age group because there are often two versions of things and a 4-year-old could do the “junior” version while a 7-year-old could do the regular version so be sure to consider that!

Remember that I’ve tried to provide links but there are often several similar versions of each idea out there so do some research if needed to find the best one for you! I also encourage you to shop from small businesses whenever possible. I’d love to see you take an idea from this post and purchase it from a small or local business! Or check FB Marketplace or your local selling groups and find one secondhand. Kids don’t need all brand new toys all the time!!

Most of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. That means that I make a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean.

arts and crafts for kids ages 4-7

Arts & Crafts for Kids

Let them express their creativity with all sorts of projects.

  • Paint by Sticker – Paint by number can be tricky and messy. These are the same idea, but with stickers. Easy to throw in a travel bag, take to a restaurant and more!
  • Boogie Boards – Great for car trips, waiting rooms, sibling sports practices etc.
  • Perler Beads – these are fun to make your own designs or follow one tons of free patterns you can find online. For 4 year olds I recommend Biggie Beads which are larger and easier for little hands.
  • Giant coloring pages – This is my absolute favorite one, and we’ve done lots! Great for multiple kids to work on at once or for special one on one time before bed or during quiet time.
  • Rainbow scratch paper – Something I did as a kid that’s still fun today!
  • Playdough + playdough tools – Makes a great stocking stuffer
  • Kinetic sand – Lasts forever and is easier to clean up than real sand 🙂
  • Mosaic sticker art – Similar to sticker by number
  • Origami – Comes with paper that’s the exact size you need and shows you how to fold it!
  • Paper Airplanes – Easy to make and shows them lots of different types of planes to make.
  • Beads for jewelry making – If they’re ready to start stringing, try these. If they’re on the younger side, these beads pop together easily to make jewelry. Or these Lego Dot bracelets!
  • Friendship bracelet-making kits – definitely for the older end but great for 7-8 year olds to start making!
  • Weaving loom – So fun for making pot holders. If they like it, you can buy refill bags of just the loops to make more on the loom.
  • Modeling clay – They have kinds that won’t dry out and can be reused or kinds that dry into permanent creations
  • How to draw books – there are books for pretty much anything they’re interested – animals, characters, monsters etc
art supplies for kids

Art Supplies for Kids

Build a robust art station and let them create with anything that is out and available!

building toys for kids

Building Toys for Kids

These building toys for kids give them a chance to let their creativity shine!

  • Legos – There are so many different sets out there from easy to hard. There should be an option for everyone!
  • Playmobil – If they’re tired of Legos these are a fun way to change it up and great for younger kids
  • Magnatiles – One of my all-time favorite gifts for kids ages 2- 10. There’s always more to build and you can always use more of these!
  • Giant Jenga blocks – my kids love to use these for building just like regular wooden blocks
  • Wooden Blocks – A classic toy that never goes out of style. So much open-ended play!
  • Marble run – Tons of different combinations are possible with some imagination
  • Plus Plus – Another alternative to legos. They have sets to build or boxes for open-ended play. For the younger end of the range look at Plus Plus Big. 
  • K’nex – For 4-5 year olds look at Kids K’nex
  • Fort Builder – there are lots of brands. Build and then drape a blanket or sheet over it!
  • Real Tools – plus some scrap wood! Or a building kit.
  • Air Fort – Easy to store without taking up space and easy to set up.
  • Erector Set – My youngest loves looking through the book to pick out which design to build and use the screw driver it comes with.
games and puzzles

Games and Puzzles for kids

Games that are easy enough for kids but still fun for adults to play, plus puzzles!

educational for kids

Educational Toys for Kids

Let them research and learn, experiment and build! Plus you can never have too many books.

subscriptions for kids

Subscription Boxes for Kids

Monthly subscription boxes for kids- everything from cooking to magazines to coding and clothes.

  • Raddish – cooking for kids
  • Kiwi Crate – STEAM activities for kids
  • Highlights – I get Highlights for my 7-year-old and High Five for my 5-year-old.
  • Ranger Rick – They have Ranger Rick and Rick Jr. magazines for different ages
  • Stitch Fix Kids – If they’re into fashion! Rockets of Awesome and KidPik are other similar options
  • Little Passports – Global learning adventures that are fun and educational!
  • Bitsbox – Coding for kids
active and outdoor toys for kids

Active and Outdoor Toys for Kids

Get them up and moving. There are so many options out there for some of these that you’ll have to do your own research to find a good one. But here are some general ideas, some with links, some without

imagination toys for kids

Imagination Toys for Kids

Look for all this stuff secondhand! I scored a great deal on a dollhouse in perfect condition plus a huge bunch of Barbies. Around and after Halloween is a great time to look for dress-up clothes.

A few more ideas for the kitchen:

Whew! There you go. Hope that helps give you some ideas. Would love to hear your favs in the comments.

Need kid gift ideas for ages 4-7? Here are toy ideas for everything from arts and crafts, building and educational toys to pretend play and outdoor toys. 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

50+ Small Businesses To Support in 2024

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Looking for small businesses to support? Here are 50+ ideas that have amazing gifts for all occasions and make it easy to shop small!

50+ small businesses to support in 2024 and beyond

*Originally published Nov 2020. Updated Oct 2023*

This is the one gift guide I published in 2020 so I worked hard to make it a good one. As I continue to make an effort to step away from Amazon and support small businesses and local businesses for my gift-giving, I’ve come up with a list of 50+ amazing small businesses to support that I can’t wait to share with you guys. Some of them are local to Columbus or Ohio, some of them are Black-owned, minority-owned or women-owned, some I found through word of mouth, some on Etsy and many I’ve purchased from already!

Several people asked me how to find small businesses and local businesses to support. Here are a few ways:

  1. Search Etsy! They’re great for small businesses in general but they also have great filters so you can filter results by a specific state or city, Black-owned shops, etc.
  2. Search local hashtags – Get on Instagram and search some of the local hashtags for your area to find local businesses. Once you find some you like, follow them! They’re often really good about sharing and collaborating with other local businesses so that will help you find more.
  3. Ask in a Facebook group – There are always a few people in every Facebook group who are in the know about all things small businesses and local!
  4. Search your city’s website for a list of shops. You can also check your Chamber of Commerce website.
  5. Use Google! Oftentimes local papers, magazines and bloggers put together shop guides or gift guides that can be a great starting place.
  6. If you’re looking for a certain toy, perhaps one you find on Amazon, seek out a few local toy stores and see if they have it. If they don’t, call them and see if they’d be willing to order it for you! If you have a more general toy like stacking cubes or dolls, search on Etsy and see what options are available!

And now, in no particular order, here are some awesome small businesses to check out. I highly encourage you to spend time clicking through and exploring their websites. I chose one photo from each site for the collages but their sites have so much more worth seeing! Some of these are Etsy shops and are affiliate links. That means I earn a small amount of money if you shop through them at no additional cost to you!

If you need gift ideas, check out my previous gift guides and then search for those ideas on these small business sites:

50 Small Businesses To Support

small business gift guide 2024

Shown above:

  1. LoreleiVella – Personalized kitchenware, jewelry and more. I got my kids personalized silicone spatulas for Christmas this year! (aff link)
  2. My Sweet Muffin – gifts for babies and kids. So many cute toys, plus room decor, bibs, party supplies and more. I bought Nolan the Play&Go road mat pictured above. It has a drawstring and you can pull it to turn the mat into a storage bag for toys!
  3. Cate and Levi – Handcrafted, eco-friendly toys. They have the cutest puppets, as well as sew-your-own stuffed animal kits. I got the dog for a winter project to do with Chase!
  4. Little Nomad – Kids clothing and toys plus shoes, books and even clothes for women.
  5. Flux Imagery – The most whimsical watercolor art and planners. I bought the fairy pictured above for Lyssie’s room. Erika also offers painting and drawing courses on SkillShare.
  6. Cookie Society – Giant, delicious cookies delivered straight to your door! So many flavor options. Marissa also has an amazing food blog – First and Full.
  7. Kido – Toys, books and clothes for kids.
  8. The Fresh Dolls – A diverse line of multicultural dolls for all kids.
  9. Goose Grease – A fair trade company that makes handmade wooden peg dolls. They offer painted sets, DIY kits, custom families and cake toppers.
small businesses to support

Shown above:

  1. Jamison and Bexley – A local Columbus kids clothing shop. I connected with Jen the owner, who lives near me! And we bonded over our experience with challenging 3-year-olds 🙂 The clothes in her shop are adorable! (Shopping through my aff link will save you 10%)
  2. Wright Kitchen – My mom got me one of her photo books for Christmas last year. I’m obsessed with all her prints. So bright, colorful and amazing using food. She also makes them into puzzles!
  3. Treasures from Jennifer – Artisan-crafted, all-natural toys, educational tools, and decor. A friend recommended the bow and arrow shown above and said it’s high quality and easy for her boys to use. I immediately bought one for Chase bc he’s been asking for the past two years.
  4. Semicolon Book Store – Black-owned women-owned bookstore in Chicago but you can always shop online! Here’s a list of Black-owned independent bookstores by state if you want to find one local to you!
  5. Tab Knits – Handmade backpacks, purses and pouches. I loved one of her wristlets and asked her if she could turn it into a crossbody for me and she did and it’s wonderful. Perfect for just holding a few cards and cash since I leave the house infrequently and don’t need a big purse. (aff link)
  6. Sarah + Abraham – Personalized kids’ plates, cups, placemats and stationary items.
  7. MKoby Art – – I just love her art- people and landscapes. Melissa is so talented. I have the print pictured above in my office and have my eye on the Sunset one for my bedroom. (aff link)
  8. Game Day Feels – Bracelets, mask chains, key chains, dog tags and more made from baseball glove lace. I bought a bracelet a few years ago and it broke and I just replaced it last week! You can put your own quote on it or choose one of theirs. Mine says “Life is about moments. Don’t wait for them, create them.”
  9. Magic Beans – Based in Boston, they sell all things baby – car seats, strollers, high chairs, bottles, baby monitors but also have a great toy selection!
best small business gift guide

Shown above:

  1. Dig & Co – Sweet supplies for outdoor adventures, garden and kitchen tools, art supplies and more. I love the acorn matching game pictured above as well as the kangaroo pillows!
  2. Grace Personalized – Their custom name jewelry is beautiful but I’m in love with their actual handwriting and fingerprint jewelry. I asked my parents for a handwriting bracelet last year and it turned out so well (aff link)
  3. More Than Peach Project Started by a 9-year-old. Multi-cultural crayons. The perfect addition to your art supplies.
  4. Puzzle Huddle – Childrens puzzles featuring diverse characters. They start at 15 pieces and go up to 200 pieces for several skill levels!
  5. Red Giraffe Designs – Local to Columbus. Handmade jewelry. I have my eye on the long hammered bar earrings pictured above.
  6. Native PRINTcess – Gorgeous handmade catchalls and jewelry dishes. I got for one for Christmas (aff link)
  7. Lovely Grain Studio – Personalized signs, home decor etc. Or turn your kid’s handwriting into a sign. Did this last year and it was a big hit with both sets of grandparents. (aff link)
  8. Mariya Eleanor Designs – One-of-a-kind yarn tapestries. So obsessed with these. Mariya is so talented.
  9. LaurelBox – Heartfelt sympathy gifts for those grieving. Choose a curated box or make your own for someone you know grieving a miscarriage, loss of a spouse, battling infertility and more.
black owned small businesses to support

Shown above:

  1. Little Lily Shop – Mess-free pretend makeup. I got some for Lyssie last Christmas and it’s held up so well! (aff link)
  2. Learning Express Toys and Gifts – Several central Ohio stores. It’s a franchise but my father-in-law knows the owners of the Worthington and New Albany locations. You can shop online or find a branch local to you. Tons of toy options for kids.
  3. EcoVibe Style – – Recently found this shop and immediately ordered 2 Christmas presents from them. An awesome collection of apparel, home decor, plants, gardening supplies, pillows, kitchenware, furniture and more.
  4. Collisionware – Adorable oven mitts and finger mitts. I bought some for my kids this year. (aff link)
  5. Dope Coffee – If you have a coffee lover in your life, the holidays are a great time to help them test out a new brand!
  6. ElemenOPillows – If you need pillow covers, Karen is your lady! She’s a family friend and makes great pillow covers in pretty much any fabric you could ever want. (aff link)
  7. Planthropy – Local to Columbus. The coolest living moss wall art.
  8. ARCHd – Homemade decor on wood and marble. I love their wood art.
  9. Wildflower Art Studio – DIY Kits that teach you how to do fun things like watercolor, hand lettering, calligraphy and more! (aff link)
small business gift guide - etsy

Shown above:

  • The Bee & The Fox – Vintage graphic tees with fun sayings, keychains, socks and more.
  • Avryn & Co – Amazing wrislets and card wallets. Super stylish and come in tons of colors. I love mine!
  • Custom Acrylic US – custom signs that would be great for small business owners, friends and family! (aff link)
  • Darlify – Personalized pretty things like cups, bookmarks and more. (aff link)
  • Created Colorful – Gift a friend a consult to learn what colors work best from them so they can choose clothes that make them look great!
  • Mo News – If you have a news-loving friend, gift a premium membership to Mo News!
  • Wild Lettie – Greeting cards, cute outdoor gear, accessories and more! I have my eye on one of the hip packs.
  • House Of Metalworks – All kinds of beautiful handmade jewelry! I would love one of the fidget rings to play with. (aff link)
  • Good Mornings by Steph – super cute earrings and other goodies. She only stocks her Etsy shop the last weekend of the month so follow on Instagram to stay up to date! (aff link)

Two others I love that only do very limited runs but still worth checking out Ettavee and Harper Iman Dolls!

small businesses to support on Etsy

In 2022 I added a few more Etsy shops I’ve purchased from over the last couple of years:

  •  The Leather Store – I treated myself to a new leather backpack that fits my laptop so I can easily take it along to work at the kids’ sports practices etc and I love it so much. (aff link)
  • Cutting Edge Boston – Last year I got my dad a stemless wineglass with a photo of my youngest engraved on it and it was a huge hit! (aff link)
  • Palmetto Wood Shop LLC – We got my FIL a new pocketknife engraved with GRANDPA and it was beautiful! (aff link)
  • Make It Snappy – We have 3 of these folding card holders. The kids can put their cards in them when we’re playing games and not have to worry about holding them all in their little hands. And then they fold flat when you want to store them! (aff link)
  • Wild Clementine Co – (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) I got my mom one of her reusable bowl covers a couple years ago and it’s so pretty. Great for covering bread dough, pizza dough etc while it rises!
  • Vitrage Art Souvenirs – I got my mom and MIL these stained glass hummingbirds and they are gorgeous. You can stick them in a vase with flowers or in a potted plant. And they have tons of other pretty stained glass. Made in Ukraine and shipped super quickly and were well packed. (aff link)
  • LitoCraft – My daughter drew a picture and this company turned it into a coffee mug for my husband for his birthday. It turned out so well! (aff link)
  • TobeTote – I got my friend’s girls customized tote bags last Christmas and they were a big hit. Super cute and customizable.

If you’re buying board games for people, consider searching for a local game store. Guard Tower is one local to Columbus but you can probably find one in your area! If you’re looking for game suggestions for kids at different ages, follow my friend Danielle @boardgamebabies on Instagram or check out her blog.

Here are 45 Small Businesses To Support in 2020! Some are Black-owned, some are local to Ohio, all can be shopped and supported from the comfort of your own home!

Happy shopping!
–Lindsay–

 

Bisquick Cornbread

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A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

bisquick cornbread recipe

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing another family holiday recipe. This Bisquick Cornbread is known as Mimi’s cornbread around our house and it was a staple at our Thanksgiving dinners while I was growing up.

I’ve also shared a few other family holiday recipes including Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Sausage & Wild Rice Stuffing and Strawberry Jello Salad so be sure to check those out as well!

What is Bisquick Cornbread?

As the name implies, this cornbread relies on a Bisquick mix as the base of the recipe. By adding just a few other ingredients, you can whip up a large pan of cornbread that will easily feed the whole family for your next holiday dinner. Or serve it with a batch of this Healthy Turkey Chili to feed a crowd.

Is this Hawaii cornbread?

Although I’d never heard that term until recently, I believe it’s a term that accurately describes this recipe. Northern cornbread tends to be less sweet while southern cornbread is more buttery and cake-like. This Bisquick or Hawaii cornbread is sweet and fluffy, almost like corn cake.

Hawaii cornbread recipe

How To Make Bisquick Cornbread recipe

Making this cornbread is super easy. You just need a few basic ingredients:

  • Bisquick
  • Yellow cornmeal
  • Baking soda
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Baby food prunes – they add sweetness, you don’t taste them I promise!
  • Sugar
  • Milk

To make the cornbread just add the dry ingredients to a bowl, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into a pan and bake!

Bisquick Cornbread FAQs

Can you make this cornbread recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There is a gluten-free Bisquick mix you can find at most grocery stores. Then just make sure you find a gluten-free cornmeal if needed (aff link).

Can you make cornbread without cornmeal?

If you find yourself without cornmeal or don’t want to use it for whatever reason, try this No Cornmeal Cornbread recipe from The Food Network that blends sweet corn with milk and sour cream. Or try this Bisquick Cornbread recipe that uses canned cream-style corn.

How to store Bisquick cornbread?

Store this cornrbead in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days. After that I would move it to the fridge to prevent spoiling since it is fairly moist.

Can you freeze Bisquick cornbread?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then cut into squares and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw on the counter and enjoy!

Substitute for Bisquick in Bisquick cornbread

If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, here is a recipe for homemade Bisquick.

More cornbread recipes

If you’re looking for more cornbread recipes, try:

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

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This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it’s the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

Graham cracker toffee bars recipe - also known as graham cracker toffee crack

*Originally published in 2017. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

I’ve been making these Graham Cracker Toffee Squares for as long as I can remember. They are a staple on every tray of Christmas cookie tray I make and I have a tin of them in my fridge for most of the month of December as I can’t resist making a new batch as soon as I run out.

Christmas Crack Graham Cracker Toffee Bars // Can I make Christmas Crack with Graham Crackers?

This dessert is really nothing new. I’m sure a lot of you have made your own versions but over the years I feel like I’ve perfected mine and it seemed like it was worth sharing!

While I definitely wouldn’t call this healthy, it does use significantly less butter and sugar than most similar recipes and tastes just as good (in my opinion!).

Depending on who you ask, Christmas crack is actually a similar recipe made with Saltine crackers instead of graham crackers so if you think you’d prefer those as a base, you could swap them out in this recipe.

What toffee for graham cracker toffee bars?

I get a lot of questions about what toffee I use in this recipe and here’s what I buy: Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits. They have them in the baking aisle at most grocery stores. You can pretty much use the whole bag for this recipe. Use one heaping cup on top of the graham crackers and sprinkle the rest on top once you add the chocolate.

Christmas Cookie Trays

These bars are perfect for adding to holiday cookie trays. If you’re looking for a few other things to add, try:

Graham Cracker Toffee Crack

Easy Graham Cracker Toffee Bars topped with christmas m&ms

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars with Almonds

I love topping mine with Christmas m&ms to make it festive but really you could top it with whatever you want. When my mom used to make it she would top it with slivered almonds and extra chocolate chips. I’ve also made with topped with extra toffee and chopped pecans!

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars without nuts

This recipe is super easy to make nut-free. Just choose nut-free toppings like m&m’s, chocolate chips and extra toffee.

If my kids had their way, ours would also have Christmas sprinkles on it!

Speaking of kids….this recipe is so easy even toddlers can make it! So you’ve got no excuse not to try!

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe

See what I mean? So easy!

Graham Cracker Toffee FAQs

Can you make toffee with brown sugar?

Yes! If you can’t find toffee bits in the store or just want to make your own, here’s a super easy Homemade Toffee Bits Recipe. And here’s another recipe for homemade English toffee.

What aisle are graham crackers in?

At my grocery store, they are found in the aisle with cookies like Oreos and crackers like animal crackers.

How to make chocolate-covered graham crackers.

If you’re not a fan of toffee and are just looking to make a no bake treat, try these easy Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers.

Or try making them with homemade graham crackers – The Best Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers.

What to make with graham crackers?

If you’re looking for another snack using graham crackers, try these Easy Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos. Or if you need a baking project, try these Peanut Butter S’mores Bars.

This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it's the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do. I’ve been doing a lot of baking this week and I sent a lot of the treats into the office with my hubby…But not these. These I kept all for myself 🙂

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Gingerbread Protein Balls

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These Gingerbread Protein Balls are simple and nutritious and are perfect for a quick snack, workout fuel, or dessert!

Gingerbread Protein Balls

*Originally posted 5/2014. Updated 10/2023*

Hi Friends!

These Gingerbread Protein Balls are set to become your new favorite winter snack. There’s something so cozy about gingerbread and these snack balls will remind you of the best gingerbread cookie dough!

This recipe was originally shared on my blog several years ago by my friend Deryn from Running on Real Food and it’s one that I find myself coming back to every year or two in the winter months.

Healthy Gingerbread Energy Bites

These gingerbread energy bites are simple and delicious but also packed with nutrients! The best kind of snack if I do say so myself.

The molasses and ground ginger give them that classic gingerbread flavor and the cashew butter, protein powder and ground flax add some fiber, protein and healthy fats. They taste just like gingerbread cookie dough!

Gingerbread Protein Bites Ingredients

These protein bites require just a few ingredients so let’s review what you need:

  • Cashew butter – I like cashew butter for it’s mild flavor but you could also try these with almond butter or even peanut butter although the flavor profile might change a bit.
  • Protein powder – I use unflavored unsweetened Whey Protein Isolate from Promix but you could also make these with any vanilla protein powder.
  • Ground flax – this adds some fiber and healthy fats without changing the flavor.
  • Molasses – for that classic gingerbread flavor
  • Ground ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings to roll in – chopped pecans or walnuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips

How To Make Gingerbread Protein Balls

Making these energy balls could not be easier.

Just put all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.

Then use a Tablespoon to scoop, roll in to balls and roll in desired toppings.

healthy gingerbread energy bites

No Bake Gingerbread Energy Balls Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Gingerbread Energy Balls FAQs

Substitute for cashew butter?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use cashew butter, I would try almond butter. Cashew butter has a mild flavor so it doesn’t overwhelm the other gingerbread flavors. Almond butter and peanut butter have slightly stronger flavors but could still be used.

How to store healthy gingerbread energy bites?

These energy bites are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to week.

Substitute for protein powder in energy bites?

This recipe in particular uses protein powder. You could try substituting something like oat flour or almond flour, but if you really want a recipe without protein powder, here are 15 Kid-Friendly Protein Energy Balls Without Protein Powder.

Other energy bite flavors?

If gingerbread is not your top choice, here are a few other energy bites to try:

These Gingerbread Protein Balls are simple and nutritious and are perfect for a quick snack, workout fuel, or dessert!

Let’s chat:

What your favorite flavor combo for a no-bake snack?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Homemade Soft Pretzels

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These Homemade Soft Pretzels can be made into the traditional shape or cut into bites for a perfect game day or party appetizer!

These Homemade Soft Pretzels can be made into the traditional shape or cut into bites for a perfect game day or party appetizer!

*Originally published in 2013. Updated 2023*

Hi Friends!

This recipe for homemade soft pretzels has been a favorite of ours since way back in 2013. I tend to make them a few times a year and now I’ve taught my kids how to make them as well.

They’re perfect for tailgating, parties, etc! They’re also mildly addicting so be prepared.

When I make them, I use either all-purpose flour, or half bread flour/half all-purpose flour. I’ve tried using some white whole wheat flour but don’t like them as much.

homemade soft pretzel recipe

Soft Pretzel Recipe Ingredients

You don’t really need any fancy ingredients to make these! Just gather up:

  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Active dry yeast
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Baking Soda
  • Egg

How To Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

To make these pretzels, just follow a few simple steps:

  • Activate the yeast by mixing it with sugar and warm water and letting it sit.
  • Add salt, flour and melted butter until a dough forms.
  • Let the dough rest.
  • Divide the dough and roll into long ropes. Then shape into pretzels or cut into pretzel bites.
  • Boil the pretzels in a mix of baking soda and water.
  • Brush with an egg wash and bake in the oven.

Here’s what you need:

Best Homemade Soft Pretzel FAQs

Why do you boil soft pretzels before baking?

Boiling them before baking helps give them their golden brown color when you bake them and also helps make them nice and chewy while keeping the insides light and soft.

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda for soft pretzels?

No. The baking soda bath is a crucial step. Substituting baking powder will not give you the same results.

What makes a soft pretzel taste like a pretzel?

It’s the baking soda bath! This helps form a soft crust/exterior instead of them getting hard and crunchy when they bake in the often. The baking soda bath before hand keeps them soft and deliciously chewy.

Can you freeze homemade soft pretzels?

Yes. Let them cool completely, then wrap in saran wrap and place in a Ziploc bag. When you’re ready to eat them, let them defrost on the counter.

Can I freeze raw pretzel dough?

Yes! Just like you can freeze pizza dough before baking, you can do the same with pretzels. When you’re ready to use the dough, just thaw it out, divide and roll or cut into shapes and then do the baking soda bath and bake in the oven.

How do I store homemade soft pretzels?

If your house is anything like mine, you won’t have any left to store! But if you do, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to make a pretzel shape?

Here’s a simple video on how to shape pretzels but remember, you can make them any shape you want! Or just cut them into bite-sized pieces like we do.

These Homemade Soft Pretzels can be made into the traditional shape or cut into bites for a perfect game day or party appetizer!

Bavarian Pretzel Recipe // German Pretzel Recipe

Bavarian and German pretzels are similar but a bit more traditional than this version. They may be darker brown, a bit denser and use lye for the bath instead of baking soda. Here are a few recipes to try:

These Homemade Soft Pretzels can be made into the traditional shape or cut into bites for a perfect game day or party appetizer!

Let’s chat:
Have you ever made your own pretzels?!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

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This Fresh Cranberry Sauce is simple to make, ready in 15 minutes and tastes great on everything from turkey to oatmeal! Make a batch and enjoy on your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner and holiday recipes!

This Fresh Cranberry Sauce is simple to make, ready in 15 minutes and tastes great on everything from turkey to oatmeal! Make a batch and enjoy on your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner and holiday recipes!

*Originally published 12/2013. Updated Oct 2023*

Hi Friends!

It has officially been almost 10 years since I first shared my family’s homemade fresh cranberry sauce recipe on the blog. It seems there are two camps of people when it comes to cranberry sauce – canned or fresh.

If you like the combination of tart and sweet, you’ll definitely want to try this version.

What Do I Need To Make Cranberry Sauce?

All you need to make this recipe is a few simple ingredients:

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Sugar
  • White wine vinegar
  • Water
  • For optional flavoring you can add orange peel and/or a cinnamon stick

How To Make Quick Cranberry Sauce

To make this recipe, just follow a few simple steps:

  • Combine sugar, water and white wine vinegar in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  • Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add a bag of fresh cranberries and an orange peel and/or cinnamon stick if you want.
  • Cover the pot, reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • You can use the back of your spatula to smash any cranberries that haven’t burst open on their own.
  • Then remove the flavoring agents, let cool and serve!
Creating this quick and delicious Fresh Cranberry Sauce is a breeze, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Its versatile flavor pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes, whether you're serving it alongside turkey or drizzling it over a bowl of hearty oatmeal. Whip up a batch and savor its delightful taste in your preferred breakfast, lunch, dinner, or festive recipes!

Gah! Don’t you just want to dive right into that jar?!!

The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This recipe has been in my family for years and I’m so happy I get to share it with you! It tastes great on turkey or stuffing but I also use it like jelly on toast or waffles, as a topping to my oatmeal or add it sandwiches!

I’m pretty much incapable of eating my Thanksgiving turkey without it being smothered with this sauce.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce FAQs

How long does fresh cranberry sauce last homemade?

This sauce should stay good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Does homemade cranberry sauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes. This sauce can be kept at room temperature up to 2 hours but after that it needs to be refrigerated and kept in the fridge when you’re not using it.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! This is one of my best tricks for enjoying this fresh cranberry sauce all year long. Stock up on cranberries when they go on sale around Thanksgiving and throw them in your freezer.

When you’re ready to make this sauce, you can thaw them before using or just throw them in frozen. If you use them straight from frozen it just may add a few more minutes to your cooking time.

Recipe For Cranberry Sauce

Crafting this Fresh Cranberry Sauce is a cinch, requiring only 15 minutes of your time. Its delightful flavor complements a variety of dishes, from turkey to a comforting bowl of oatmeal. Prepare a batch and relish its delectable taste with your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, or holiday creations!

Need more recipes using fresh cranberries? Try these:

Lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries, these Cranberry Corn Muffins are the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Cranberry Corn Muffins

These Cranberry Corn Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries. They make the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Grab the recipe!
These easy Cranberry Meatballs are a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and make the perfect appetizer for a holiday party.

Cranberry Meatballs

These easy Cranberry Meatballs are a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and make the perfect appetizer for a holiday party.

Grab the recipe!
Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble on a Thanksgiving plate

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!
cranberry sweet potato muffins copy

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Use fresh or dried cranberries or swap chocolate chips

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

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This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing is hearty enough for a meal but also makes a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing is hearty enough for a meal but also makes a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

**Originally published 10/2014. Updated 10/2023**

Hi Friends-

Would you believe me if I told you that this sausage stuffing recipe used to be my least favorite part of Thanksgiving?

I avoided it for years for no good reason other than I wasn’t a very adventurous eater and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered how delicious my mom’s Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing actually is.

Sausage Stuffing Recipe

In the photos for this post and when I make this recipe, I use chicken sausage because it’s what I almost always have on hand.

However, the original recipe calls for regular pork sausage so you can definitely use that. Just sub 1 pound of pork sausage for the chicken sausage and make sure to cook it all the way through.

Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing is a bit non-traditional and it may seem intimidating if you’re not familiar with wild rice but I promise it’s worth a try. I buy the 4oz packages of Reese Wild Rice and am able to find them in most grocery stores so I try to make sure I always have some in my pantry. I’ve also used this Wild Rice Blend from Lundberg.

If you happen to buy a larger bag of wild rice and need help using the rest of it, here are 15 Healthy Wild Rice Recipes to try!

If you’re not sure how to cook wild rice, you can try:

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing boasts heartiness suitable for a main course, while also serving as a delectable side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How To Make Wild Rice Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps:

  • Cook wild rice according to package directions.
  • Saute leeks in butter.
  • Add sausage, apples and dried cranberries.
  • Add cooked rice, fresh parsley and stale bread cubes.
  • Slowly add some broth to moisten the bread and voila! Ready to serve.

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing Recipe

So here’s how you make it:

Pretty easy and super delicious! Feel free to customize with your favorite kind of sausage. And don’t leave out the leeks! They add a mellow yet unique flavor that pairs well with the rest of the ingredients.

Sausage Stuffing FAQs

Is this sausage and wild rice stuffing for turkey?

I do not cook this stuffing inside the turkey but you could if you want to. Just make sure if you’re using pork sausage that you cook that first before putting it into the turkey so that you’re certain it cooks all the way.

How to make wild rice stuffing with sausage and mushrooms?

This recipe does not call for mushrooms but you could certainly add them. Just slice them up and saute them when you add the sausage, apples and cranberries!

Gluten-free sausage and wild rice stuffing recipe

To make this stuffing recipe gluten-free, you have a few options. Either use gluten-free bread, or sub the bread for something like roasted sweet potatoes. And make sure your sausage is gluten-free if necessary.

Wild rice stuffing vs bread stuffing

This stuffing is unique in that it uses both wild rice and bread. This lends itself to more traditional bread stuffing, but the wild rice adds some added chewiness, which I love.

Other sausage stuffing recipes?

If you’re looking for more sausage stuffing recipes, try:

With its satisfying heartiness, this Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing can stand as a meal on its own or shine as a delightful side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

Thanksgiving recipes

Need more Thanksgiving recipes? Try these:

Lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries, these Cranberry Corn Muffins are the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Cranberry Corn Muffins

These Cranberry Corn Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries. They make the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Grab the recipe!
Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble on a Thanksgiving plate

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!
This Fresh Cranberry Sauce is simple to make, ready in 15 minutes and tastes great on everything from turkey to oatmeal! Make a batch and enjoy on your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner and holiday recipes!

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

This fresh homemade cranberry sauce is an easy and delicious way to add some fresh fall flavor to your meals! Make it for Thanksgiving and use the leftovers as a topping for waffles, oatmeal and sandwiches.

Grab the recipe!
leftover turkey white bean soup 2 copy

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

High Protein Kids Lunch Ideas

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Here are some ideas for high protein kids lunch ideas with 25+ grams of protein! Plus a breakdown of the protein in each item from a Registered Dietitian.

high protein kids lunch ideas for school

Hi friends!

This week we’ve been chatting a lot about lunch ideas because we’ve hit the point in the school year when the novelty of packing wears off and you might find yourself in a little bit of a packing rut! I already have several great resources for you if you need new ideas.

Be sure to check out:

And if you happen to need snack ideas, check out this list of High Protein Vegan Snacks or these Healthy High Protein Snacks.

Why is protein important for kids?

Today we’re talking specifically about high protein lunches. If you’ve been around for a while, you know I often talk, as a Registered Dietitian and mom, about the importance of protein at meals and snacks.

Protein is important because it provides amino acids that help the body grow and develop. It helps repair and build muscle tissue. They also work as and build hormones, enzymes and more.

When kids don’t get enough protein it can lead to fatigue, decreased immune response, delayed growth and wound healing and more.

How much protein do kids need?

The good news is, in most cases, your child is probably getting more than enough protein to meet their daily needs.

Protein needs by age are the same for boys and girls through age 13:

  • Ages 2-3: 14 grams per day
  • Ages 4-8: 19 grams per day
  • Ages 9-13: 34 grams per day

So, for example, a toddler who needs 14g of protein per day could have a slice of toast (4 gram of protein), plus one scrambled egg (6 grams of protein) and half a glass of milk (4 grams of protein) for breakfast and they’ve already met their protein needs for the day.

High Protein Kids Lunch Ideas

So while it seems easy in theory, I am also a mom of 3 and know how challenging it can be to get kids to eat sometimes. Some kids don’t like breakfast. Lots of kids don’t eat well at dinner. Some kids are more selective than others.

I’m often asked for high protein lunch ideas. For my kids specifically, lunch is a great time for me to get a lot of protein and nutrients into their daily diet. Not all of them love breakfast and they’re usually starving at school so they tend to eat most of what I pack in their lunch box.

I’ve got 8 high-protein lunch ideas to share today. They each have at least 25 grams of protein. I’ve tried to give you the protein counts for some of the higher protein items so you can see the breakdown. And with protein totals this high, even if your child only eats half their lunch, they’re still getting a good amount of protein.

high protein lunch ideas - waffles and greek yogurt

#1 Toddler Lunch Ideas – Waffles & Yogurt

  • Kodiak Cakes Waffles- I make these by mixing 1 cup Kodiak Cakes Pancake and Waffle mix with 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg. It makes 4 waffles which means each one has about 13 grams of protein. You could put peanut butter between two waffle triangles to make a sandwich and add more protein
  • Greek yogurt – most Greek yogurt has about 12 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. Top it with some granola for even more protein
  • Blackberries – aprrox 1 gram protein
  • Cheerios- approx 2 grams protein

This lunch gives you about 28 grams of protein.

high protein toddler lunch idea

#2 – High Protein Cold Lunch Ideas – Sandwich, Egg & Cheese

  • Most brands of string cheese have 6 grams of protein
  • Hard-boiled eggs have 6 grams of protein so 1.5 eggs = 9 grams
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich – We use Brownberry Oat Nut Bread which has 4 grams of protein per slice. Peanut butter has 8 grams of protein in 2 Tablespoons so a sandwich with 2 slices of bread and 2 Tbsp peanut butter gives you 16 grams of protein.
  • Strawberries

This lunch provides about 31 grams of protein.

high protein kids lunch ideas 3

#3 Meal Prep Lunch Ideas – Pasta Salad

  • Pasta salad – There are lots of protein pasta options out there. This is Barilla Protein Plus which has 10 grams of protein in about 1 cup (but even regular pasta has 5-7grams). Plus an Al Fresco chicken sausage which has 9 grams and a chopped up cheese stick which has 6 grams. Finish it off with some cherry tomatoes and Italian dressing if you want and you have 25 grams of protein.
  • Clementine
  • Mini Larabar – This flavor and size has 3 grams of protein

This lunch provides about 28 grams of protein.

high protein lunch - turkey sandwich and cottage cheese

Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids – Turkey sandwich & cottage cheese

  • Half a turkey sandwich – This gives you about 9 grams from 2 slices of turkey + 4 grams from a slice bread + 6 grams from a slice cheese for a total of 19g
  • Cottage cheese – Most cottage cheese has about 13 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving
  • Grapes
  • Animal crackers

This lunch provides about 32 grams of protein.

easy lunch ideas for kids - tortellini and trail mix

#5 – Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids – Tortellini

  • Cheese tortellini – 1 cup of cheese tortellini has 10 grams of protein
  • Trail mix – I used a mix of crunchy edamame (approx 5g protein) + a mini beef stick with 4 grams + cereal, goldfish raisins for another 2g which means this trail mix has about 11 grams of protein.
  • Ants on a log with 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter – 4 grams of protein
  • Peaches

This lunch provides approximately 25 grams of protein.

Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids - Tortellini

#6 – Protein lunch ideas – Egg wrap

  • Pepperoni and cheese egg wrap – You get 6 grams from the egg + 7 grams from 1/4c shredded cheese + some pepperoni for a total of 13 grams.
  • Mini bagel – This mini bagel has 8 grams of protein.
  • Carrots + 2 Tbsp hummus is about 2 grams of protein
  • Go Macro Kids bar has 4 grams.

This lunch provides approximately 27 grams of protein.

cold toddler lunch ideas - chicken nuggets

#7 – Kids Lunch Ideas For School – Chicken Nuggets

This lunch provides approximately 29 grams of protein.

high protein lunch overnight oats

#8 – Protein Lunch Ideas – Overnight Oats

This lunch provides approximately 32 grams of protein.

Here are some ideas for high protein kids lunch ideas with 25+ grams of protein? Plus a breakdown of the protein in each item from a Registered Dietitian.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sandwich Ideas For Lunch Boxes

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If you’re looking for some new sandwich ideas for lunch boxes, here are 10 ideas for you! These sandwiches and sandwich alternatives are fun for kids and easy to make!

sandwich ideas for lunch boxes

Hi friends!

Now that school is back in session, I promised to share some more lunch ideas with you! I pack lunches for my first and third grader every day and love sharing!

If you’re in a lunch packing rut and looking for new ideas, be sure to check out:

Today we’re talking specifically about sandwich ideas for lunch boxes. This is a highly requested topic and people are always looking for new ideas.

I think one of the most important things to remember is that a sandwich doesn’t have to be just two pieces of bread with peanut butter and jelly in the middle! Don’t get me wrong, there are tons of great things you can put in a sandwich to help introduce new foods to your kids but you can also expand to some sandwich alternatives.

Sandwich alternatives are similar to sandwiches but use things like:

  • Tortillas
  • Slider buns
  • Pancakes
  • Mini bagels

and more to create things that have the feel of a sandwich but might be a little different or exciting for kids to eat!

10 Sandwich Ideas for Lunch Boxes

sandwich ideas for lunch - turkey, cheese and avocado

#1 – Cold Lunch Ideas – Turkey, cheese & avocado sandwich

  • Turkey or ham + cheese + mashed avocado on bread
  • Pretzels
  • Grapes
  • Carrots
pancake sandwiches for lunch with cream cheese and strawberries

#2 – Meal Prep Lunch Ideas – Pancake Sandwiches

  • Pancakes make a great sandwich bun! Try adding some cream cheese and sliced berries in between.
  • Yogurt
  • Made Good Granola Minis
  • Blackberries
cold lunch ideas for kindergarteners - peanut butter apple wraps

#3- Vegetarian Lunch Ideas – Peanut Butter Apple Wraps

  • Try a tortilla to make a wrap! Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, top with thinly sliced apple sticks and chocolate chips and roll it up.
  • Cottage cheese
  • Goldfish
  • Strawberries
meal prep lunch ideas - pulled chicken sliders

#4 Lunch Meal Prep Ideas – Pulled Chicken Sliders

  • Slider buns are the perfect size for lunch boxes! Try mixing shredded chicken or pork and some bbq sauce to make sliders.
  • Baked beans
  • Apple
  • Snickers bar
kids lunch ideas - mini bagel sandwich

#5 Sandwich ideas for lunch – Smoked Salmon Mini Bagel

  • Mini bagels are also a great size for lunch boxes. They actually have a decent amount of protein so sometimes I put them in plain or with cottage cheese but you can also add smoked salmon or some turkey!
  • Wheat thins
  • Peppers
  • Clementines
cold lunch ideas for kids- chopped italian sub

#6 – Cold Lunch Ideas For Kids – Chopped Italian Sub

  • Novelty is fun for kids. My oldest loves this chopped Italian sandwich. I chop turkey, pepperoni, salami, cheese and banana peppers, plus some lettuce and put it on a sub bun or hot dog bun.
  • Ants on a log
  • Canned peaches
  • Doritos
toddler lunch ideas - pbj squares

#7 – Toddler Lunch Ideas – PBJ Squares

  • Sometimes a big sandwich can seem overwhelming to kids, especially younger kids or those who have to eat quickly. Try making the sandwich and then cutting into bite-sized little squares to make it easier to eat!
  • Granola bar
  • Hard-boiled egg
  • Fruit salad
bento box lunch ideas - banana sushi

#8 – Bento Box Lunch Ideas – Banana Sushi

  • This is modeled after the look of sushi slices but is so easy to make. Add peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to a tortilla and wrap it around a banana. Then slice into pieces. You can pack it with the slices pressed together to help keep the banana from turning brown.
  • Cheese
  • Kix cereal
  • Kids Go Macro bar.
easy kids lunch ideas - chicken nugget parmesan sliders

#9 – Easy Lunch Ideas For Kids – Chicken Nugget Parmesan Sliders

  • Pull out those slider buns again to make this twist on chicken parmesan. Microwave the nuggets, then add 2 to each bun, top with a little marinara sauce and cheese and microwave to melt the cheese.
  • Animal crackers
  • Applesauce
  • Yogurt tube
breakfast sandwich ideas for lunch

#10 – Protein Lunch Ideas – Egg Sandwich

  • Don’t forget about breakfast for lunch! A simple egg and cheese sandwich can be great in a lunchbox. Or jazz it up by adding some bacon.
  • Sausage
  • Grapes
  • Cucumbers
If you're looking for some new sandwich ideas for lunch boxes, here are 10 ideas for you! These sandwiches and sandwich alternatives are fun for kids and easy to make!

What’s your favorite lunch sandwich?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

25+ Elementary School Birthday Gifts

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Looking for elementary school birthday gifts for the next party your child gets invited to? Here are some of our go-to gifts!

birthday gift ideas for elementary school kids

Hi friends!

School is back in session and for us that tends to mean a fair number of birthday party invites. Now that my kids are in elementary school and we’ve been to a few years of parties, I wanted to round up a list of some of our go-to present ideas.

I know the amount of money spent on gifts varies by family so I’ve tried to include a varitey of price points. Some gifts are up to $30 – maybe something you would gift a close friend, while others are under $10 and a great choice for a school classmate you may not know all that well. Most are around $15 – $20.

I’ve tried to provide a link for each option but remember that there are tons of different brands out there and that often things go on sale throughout the year. If you find a gift you like and are able to, stocking up on a couple of them when they go on sale can be a great option!

Or if you see an idea you like, but it’s too expensive, try searching for a different brand!

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list…just 25 or so of our favorite ideas to get those gift-giving creative juices flowing.

If you need more gift guides, check out:

So here we go! The links below are affiliate links which means if you purchase using them I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

arts and crafts birthday gifts

Arts and Crafts Birthday Gifts

games and books birthday gifts

Games & Books Birthday Gifts

imagination and active birthday gifts

Imagination & Active Birthday Gifts

Other Birthday Ideas

  • A gift card to local businesses – ice cream, mini golf, arcade, art studio, etc.
  • Squishmallow – tons of different size and character options
  • Notebook + markers + water bottle stickers. Buy this pack and include a few in each gift for the year!
  • Pencil pouch with their initial on it
Looking for elementary school birthday gifts for the next party your child gets invited to? Here are some of our go-to gifts!

Share your favorite birthday gifts to give in the comments below!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–