When it comes to kids in the kitchen, there’s often a thin line between productive and destructive. Don’t touch the knife. Here, let’s wipe up that spill. It can be exhausting when kids “help!” But letting them work by your side will enable them to build confidence and some basic culinary skills that could lead to real help in the future. They’re more likely to try new foods if they’re involved in their preparation. These kid-friendly kitchen tools will lure your kids into the kitchen and will keep them from wreaking too much havoc. Pretty soon they’ll be your little prep chefs.
ANIMAL PAW OVEN MITT
These silly oven mitts offer real protection from hot pots and pans. Sized large enough to fit older kids (and fun-loving adults). By Kina Ceramic Design, available on Etsy, $23 
NESTED MEASURING CUPS
The mother hen opens to reveal an egg, which then opens to a little chick inside—the whimsical cups give accurate measures from 1/4 to 1 cup. They make measuring even more fun. Available at Fred and Friends, $12
GREEN SALAD SPINNER
Round and round—kids can’t get enough of spinning and drying greens; they may even eat the salads they produce. This OXO spinner features a quick-stop button that ups the fun. Available at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel, $30
YOLK SEPARATOR
Meringues and egg white omelets are a breeze when your little ones are separating the yolks for you. Your only problem will be getting them to stop. By Peleg Design, available at Monkey Business, $13
2-IN-1 SILICONE TWIST WHISK
Is there any kitchen task kids love more than whisking? They’ll love the rainbow hue of this Joseph Joseph tool that acts as two whisks in one—both a flat and balloon whisk—and has siliconecoated steel wires to protect your non-stick surfaces. Available at Bloomingdales, $10
NONSLIP NESTING MIXING BOWL SET
Five bright nonslip, no-spill bowls won’t necessarily make your kids want to work more in the kitchen but they will sure leave you with fewer messes to clean up when they do. These bowls are the real mother’s little helpers—even their angled rims help keep food contained. Available at Crate and Barrel, $50
3-PIECE NYLON KNIFE SET
The youngest chefs can build confidence by learning to cut their own fruits and veggies with this 3-piece nylon safety knife set. Even the handle is sized for their smaller hands. Available at Curious Chef, $9
APPLE PEELER/CORER
Kids will be eager to make their own after-school snack when they see how easy it is to prep perfect apples. A few turns of the crank produces peeled and cored spirals (spirals!) of crisp, delicious apple. This tool is likely to be voted “most fun” by your kids. Available at Williams Sonoma, $30
CORN STRIPPER
Outsource the making of your summerfresh corn salad to your kids with this fun gadget. No more sharp knives and wobbly cobs, this OXO tool easily strips kernels and collects them in the attached container. Available on Amazon, $14
