If you ask my kids, snacks should be fun, yummy, and portable. And if they can help make them, all the better.
These fruit necklaces definitely fit the bill as a fun kids snack. Plus they are healthy, which makes me happy.
Maia, Daphne, and Marlise each strung their own fruit necklace snack with fresh fruit “beads” yesterday during a playdate. Then they draped them around their necks and proceeded to eat them right away.
This was a spur-of-the-moment idea inspired by cheerio necklaces, popcorn garlands, and all of the colorful fresh fruit we had in the house.
How to Make A Fun Kids Snack
MATERIALS
- elastic cord
- yarn needle
- fresh fruit and berries
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wash fruit
To begin, wash a variety of fruit (we used grapes, strawberries, and blueberries).
2. Cut cord and thread needle
Then, cut two-foot lengths of elastic cord and thread each onto a chunky yarn needle (you could also use yarn or embroidery floss and an embroidery needle).
3. Thread fruit
Next, set out plates for each child to work on. Start each necklace with one piece of fruit knotted in place to hold all the fruit “beads” on the necklace.
4. Create a pattern
Create a pattern for your necklace. Maia and Marlise each made different patterns with their fruit.
First, Daphne strung a long row of grapes and then added some blueberries at the end.
By the way, she called hers a snake and didn’t want me to tie it into a loop.
Meanwhile, the older girls ate two necklaces each for their snack. Daphne snacked as she worked, then gave her snake to Marlise as a gift.
Fruit necklaces were definitely a fun kids snack for our playdate! I think they could be a unique addition to party or a picnic as well.
What do you think? Any other ideas for fun snacks for kids?
Pin It for Later
This is great Jean. I know my daughter would think this is awesome.
This is great. My daughter would like this as well.
How much fun and way more nutritious than the candy necklaces I loved as a kid.
My only hesitation in doing this is the thought that my 4 yr old would take his and turn it into a fruit lasso, running through the house with it twirling around his head…and fruit flying in every direction, going SPLAT. I think this will be an outdoor activity. :)
I love it! My kiddos would definitely dig these, and I am terribly curious as to what would win out for my 4 y/o… her desire to keep her pretty fruit necklace, or her voracious appetite for all things berry. I wonder how long it would last..? I am sure the small one would do as Daphne, and eat more than she strung. Thank you for sharing! And beautiful photos, as always. Love the “snake”, too. :D This is going on our to-do list…
We have a growing in the garden camp in two weeks and I am so going to make these with my kiddos=). We love to eat around here. The needles can be obtained at Micheals craft store. I do lots of yarn stuff. Get the metal ones instead of the plastic, the plastic can break really easily.
I think this was a good idea. Kid’s are eating while doing this necklace. This will gives more fun for them. We can also challenge them to express their talent.
Hi. That is a supercool idea, as was the contact paper stiockers from yesterday. We are going through a very difficult period in our family now, and my daughter needs all the cheering up and distractions that she can get. So some of these “non-messy” but still engaging crafts from your website do help in making her feel more confident. Thanks a lot
Kim, I’m so sorry your family is going through a difficult period right now! I’m glad you’re able to find some ideas here to engage your daughter. If you’d like help finding anything in particular, in the way of arts and crafts activities, please let me know.
Thanks for the tip about the plastic vs metal needles! And have fun with the fruit necklaces at your garden camp! :)
Hmm, perhaps you could also plan to make a necklace with non-edible beads that she can keep? THen maybe she won’t feel as torn about eating her pretty fruit necklace.
Perhaps a good idea. I’m sure you know your 4 year old (and his inclinations) pretty well. :)
Let me know if you try it, Melissa!
Thanks!
This was definitely a fun activity (and snack!) for them.
What a great idea thank you! my little girl loves necklaces and she loves fruit! Do you think she is a bit too young to have a go with a needle? She turns 3 next month?
Daphne is 2 3/4 and was totally fine with it. The needles we used were blunt, but she use a sharper needle recently (for a real bead necklace) as well and did fine. If you do it with her, I would suggest showing her how to use it carefully, talking about how the needle is sharp (if you use a sharp needle), letting her touch the tip to see how it’s sharp, and then supervising closely at least at the beginning.
You know your daughter best, though, so I would go with your gut instinct.
Does it stain their clothes? I LOVE the idea, but that would be my only hesitation.
How about using dental floss? Just an idea…
Love this; so fun and healthy! :) We would love to invite you to join us at Saturday Show & Tell on Cheerios and Lattes! We know our readers will love your ideas! Have a great weekend!
Mackenzie :)
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-20/
I love this idea…Does anyone have any ideas of what could be used for edible “string”? maybe fruit laces?