18 Playful Mealtime Tools These Nutritionists Use to Get Their Kids to Eat Better

You likely already have one of these stashed in your cabinets, so why not use it to inspire your kids to explore different textures and flavors? Use a muffin tin to deconstruct dinners you're eating, like a Cobb salad, or to come up with an easy, last-minute dinner using whatever leftovers are in the fridge.

Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6-Cup Standard Muffin Pan, Set of 2, Silver ($11)

These colorful baking cups can be used for so much more than baking! Use them to separate different foods on plates and in lunchboxes or to hold dipping sauces to enjoy with fruits, veggies, and crackers.

AmazonBasics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups, Pack of 12 ($8)

Even the most ordinary foods can engage kids when they're set on a playful plate.

Personalized Drivers Plate ($28)

With this lion plate, tangerines transform into a lion's mane. The food play options are almost endless.

Lion Dress Up Plate ($18)

This construction vehicle fork makes a serving of bell peppers look irresistible.

Constructive Eating Construction Combo With Utensil Set and Plate ($35)

Adding some veggie letters to spell out a message and cute picks to make vegetables and fruits more appealing is an instant mood booster.

LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box ($20)

Torune Food Picks ($4)

Benbo Vegetables Fruit Cutter Shape Set ($14)

Balls of rice become cuddly pandas with a rice mold.

CuteZCute Panda Rice Mold Kit ($9)

Have a pill organizer? It works brilliantly as a travel case for stashing small bites of food.

Craft Mates Lockables Double Extra Large Organizer ($9)

There are lots of ways to cook and consume an egg, but this sweet fish-shaped egg mold feels extra special.

Fiesta Uarter Egg Press Mold ($31)

If your child is opposed to trying a certain fruit or vegetable, you might be surprised by their willingness to try it when it comes in an interesting shape.

Lenk Vegetable Cutter Shapes Set ($9)

Instead of lumping everything together on a plate, try deconstructing dinner using a compartmentalized plate in a cool shape.

Innobaby Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter ($18)

Branch out from offering just forks and spoons as utensils. Offer unexpected tools, like small tongs, or introduce kid-friendly chopsticks.

Sensory4U Water Beads With Fine Motor Sensory Toys Set ($18)

Plum Garden Learning Chopsticks ($10)

Fruit and veggie kebabs are a visually enticing way to present a rainbow of fruits and veggies. All you need are bamboo cocktail skewers.

Tongye Bamboo Cocktail Skewers ($8)

Let tiny fingers explore different foods with a pick. It's more fun and easier to use than a fork, and it keeps those fingers from getting sticky.

Yangcan0507 Fork Picks For Kids ($8)

This silicone mat shaped like a face adds an element of play and keeps food separated.

EZPZ Mini Mat ($20)