Want to know how to make reindeer food and bring a little magic to your lawn Christmas Eve night? This fun Christmas craft is a delightful way to prepare for Santa’s reindeer while creating joyful memories with your little ones.
Combining oats and festive sprinkles, the perfect toddler-friendly craft keeps hands busy and imaginations soaring. Sprinkle it outside to guide Santa’s team, or package it as a heartfelt holiday gift—either way, it adds sparkle and excitement to your celebrations.
With simple steps, allergy-friendly options, and endless ways to customize, this tradition is a magical holiday highlight for the whole family! Let’s get started!
Are you looking for more kid-friendly Christmas ideas? Don’t miss our Christmas color sorting printable, 9-month-old baby gifts for Christmas, and Baby Proof Christmas Tree Ideas!
Why Make Reindeer Food?
Magical reindeer food is more than just a craft—a fun activity that makes this time of year feel extraordinary. Toddlers adore the excitement of helping Santa by preparing a treat for his reindeer, and it sets the stage for storytelling and holiday cheer.
For parents, it’s a chance to create cherished moments of wonder and creativity long after the season ends. Simple, festive, and requiring just a few supplies, this recipe for reindeer food is perfect for busy families looking to add a sprinkle of magic to their Christmas traditions.
Holiday Fun Meets Toddler Engagement
This activity is tailored for toddlers, combining sensory play and fine motor skill development with holiday fun. Pouring oats, stirring in colorful sprinkles, and scooping the mixture into bags keep little ones engaged and delighted.
For parents, it’s a chance to foster independence while sparking creativity and imagination. The best part? It’s simple and mess-free, perfect for involving even the youngest family members in your Christmas traditions.
How to Make Reindeer Food
Making Christmas reindeer food is a fun and easy activity that adds magic to your Christmas celebrations. Follow these simple steps to create this special treat for Santa’s reindeer!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup oatmeal
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Variety of Christmas sprinkles
- Plastic baggies or airtight containers for storage
Quick and Easy, with Allergy-Friendly Options
- If someone in your household has an oat allergy, swap the oatmeal for rice cereal, crushed cornflakes, or puffed quinoa.
- Some sprinkles may contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or artificial dyes. Opt for dye-free or natural sprinkles, or check labels for allergen-safe brands.
- Choose certified gluten-free oats or use gluten-free cereal as a base for gluten sensitivities. Always double-check packaging to avoid cross-contamination.
- If you’re sprinkling your magical reindeer food outside, ensure the ingredients are safe for wildlife. Avoid glitter or non-edible decorations, and stick with natural sprinkles or dried cranberries for a pop of color.
What You’ll Do
Measure and Pour
Start by pouring 1 cup of oatmeal into a mixing bowl. This will form the base of your reindeer food and give it the hearty texture Santa’s reindeer love!
Add Some Sparkle
Sprinkle in a variety of festive Christmas sprinkles to add a colorful and magical touch. Feel free to get creative and use your little one’s favorite shapes and colors!
Stir It All Together
Use a spoon to mix the oatmeal and sprinkles thoroughly, making sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed. This is a great step for toddlers to help with as they’ll enjoy seeing the mixture come to life.
Package the Reindeer Food
Scoop the mixture into plastic baggies or divide it into airtight containers. If you’d like, add extra sprinkles directly to the bags for a vibrant final touch that stands out.
Store or Sprinkle
Keep the bags of reindeer food stored in an airtight container until Christmas Eve. When the time comes, sprinkle it across your lawn to guide Santa’s reindeer straight to your home!
Add Your Family’s Unique Twist
This easy reindeer food recipe is a fun way to create a favorite Christmas tradition your family will cherish. Add a dash of edible glitter for extra sparkle (ensure it’s safe for wildlife if sprinkling outside), or mix in dried cranberries for a festive pop of color.
Looking for a fun gift idea? Layer the oats and sprinkles in mason jars for a beautiful keepsake that spreads holiday joy to friends and neighbors. However you choose to make it, reindeer food adds a magical and meaningful touch to your holiday celebrations.
As you prepare your bags of reindeer food, you’re not just crafting a fun Christmas Eve tradition—you’re creating a magical moment your family will remember for years to come. Sprinkling this special treat outside is a simple yet enchanting way to spark joy and wonder in your little ones, filling the night with holiday magic.
Whether you share it with friends, gift it to neighbors, or keep it for Santa’s reindeer, this heartfelt activity brings everyone closer during the most wonderful time of year. Enjoy the magic, and may your Christmas Eve be full of sparkle and cheer!
Christmas Reindeer Food Recipe
Create magical reindeer food with oats and festive sprinkles—an easy, toddler-friendly recipe perfect for sprinkling on your lawn Christmas Eve night to guide Santa's reindeer!
Ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Pour the oatmeal into a mixing bowl.
- Add the Christmas sprinkles and stir until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into plastic baggies or airtight containers.
- Sprinkle the reindeer food on your lawn Christmas Eve night to guide Santa’s reindeer or store until ready for use.
Tip: Add more sprinkles directly to the bags before sealing for an extra festive touch!