When we go to the zoo, we often spend the better part of a day there, so we need to bring snacks aplenty with us. We can’t really say enough great things about these handy and healthy fruit snacks by Peter Rabbit Organics. We recently found them on a road trip and were thrilled. They’re perfect for travel and our kiddos love them. There’s something totally fascinating about squeezing yummy fruit through a tiny hole. Made from pure, organic fruit, certified by the USDA, and whenever possible fruit is supplied by local suppliers in Oregon. Fruit has a thick, smooth texture and BPA free packages aren’t diluted with water or  juice. Not so sure these packages are recyclable, but maybe that’s next. Good stuff. $15.08 per 10-pack, here.

It’s not easy coming up with original meals for the kiddos, let alone options that are healthy, easy to transport and taste good. And we’re pretty sure they’re sick of almond butter sandwiches, so we looked to “My Lunch Box: 50 Recipes for Kids To Take To School” for inspiration. Author Hilary Shevlin Karmilowicz is a former chef and the author of “My A to Z Recipe Box”. Her recipes include salads, snacks and some very inventive sandwiches. We love the zucchini cupcakes.  6-1/2 x 4-7/8 x 4 in; 50 recipe cards, 15 blank cards, 2 sticker sheets, cutey full-color illustrations by Rebecca Bradley. $16.95, here.

Our tots aren’t quite ready for a lunch box of this stature, but we love this good looking and eco-friendly lunch box by Goodbyn, so much so, we think we might have to have one for ourselves. This modern take on lunch storage is a welcome alternative to some of the toxic options we’ve seen out there. Kid tested, the Goodbyn is lightweight, easy to carry and has an exceptional amount of space to hold food for the long haul.  Perfect for travel with kiddos and the stickers make the Goodbyn personal. Includes an 8.5-oz. bottle. $29.95, here.

 
Our toddler has retired their high chair, so we thought it was high time we invest in a booster seat. We researched quite a few and settled on the Prince Lionheart booster, here’s why. We love the fact that this seat is waterproof and slip resistant. Kiddo is going through a phase where she likes to spill her water and also stands up in her seat to reach across the table. With this material, we don’t have to worry that she’ll slip. Also, we love the bright, vibrant color of the Lionheart. It’s cheery. Measures 7″ x 14″. Manufactured in Canada. Includes nifty carrying case. Assuming the foam is not eco-friendly, so no chewing please. Price is right. $34.99, here.

One of the cleeo & bea tots has recently graduated from using her hands as utensils to the real thing and though we’ve tried a few other types we’ve really liked, we wanted to check out something new. We opted for boon’s bendable fork and spoon mainly because we were curious. And guess what? They work pretty well. Our little one is holding her spoon and food actually stays put, because the heads bend. Perfect for developing motor skills. Adjustable heads for wee hands that can be straightened as kiddo learns to hold and maneuver. BPA, phthalate and PVC free. 10% of boon’s profits go to children’s charities, kudos. $5.99 set, here.

We love these colorful silicone food bites jars by Kinderville. They’re great storage containers for berries, leftovers, you name it.  And our kiddos love having the ability to open and close them on their own. BPA, phthalate and lead free. Each storage jar measures 3 1/2″ x 2 1/4″, holds 3 1/2 oz liquid volume. Perfect storage for baby food, can be frozen. dishwasher, microwave safe. Kid safe. Four little bites jars per set. $19.99, here.

Finding new, healthy and interesting snacks for our kiddos can be a challenge, especially ones that won’t end up crushed in their car seats. This might seem like an odd thing to add to our list of gifts under $20 and maybe a stretch as a stocking stuffer, true, but why not? Organic food should be treated like the gift it is. We recently tried Plum organics mish mash snacks and they were a hit. This neat little package is like a chunky fruit drink that our kiddos can keep contained while on the go. Our one year old easily figured out what to do with the container and once she tasted the fruit within, she kept on squeezing. Each mish mash contains 100% USDA certified organic fruit puree with no sugar added in a self-contained package perfect for small hands. Child-safe, resealable cap requires adult assistance. BPA free packaging. Sold individually in Portland at New Seasons Market, beyond from $20.58, for 26 packs, here.