Please recommend toddler-size flatware

[sansdieu]

Or should this go in the food forum? Not quite sure.

The title says it all: I'm looking for stainless (not plastic) spoons, forks, etc., that are toddler-sized that won't break the bank. I saw some at Ikea, but they seemed expensive (for Ikea, at least). Or if there's another alternative to plastic, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks.

[DrSally]

I was just going to say IKEA, but I haven't pd. attention to the price. I've gotten some demi-spoons at TJMax, but that doesn't help you with forks/knives.

[DebbieJ]

We have this IKEA set and like it very much:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60137571

I have also seen stuff at Target, but they only had forks and spoons.

[katydid1971]

I bought a couple of these for DC at Target because I don't live close to ikea. We are happy with them.
http://www.target.com/UTENSILS-GRBR-TDL-CUTL-SET3CT/dp/B00338IH3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=gerber%20fork&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-1&qid=1282195963&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=UTENSILS%20GRBR%20TDL%20CUTL%20SET3CT&node=1038590&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038590&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

[WatchingThemGrow]

I bought a couple of these for DC at Target because I don't live close to ikea. We are happy with them.
http://www.target.com/UTENSILS-GRBR-TDL-CUTL-SET3CT/dp/B00338IH3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=gerber%20fork&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-1&qid=1282195963&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=UTENSILS%20GRBR%20TDL%20CUTL%20SET3CT&node=1038590&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038590&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0
I looked all around too, IKEA (ok) and World Market (ok) but neither of their selections seemed to be super comfortable and grippy to use in my hands, much less in a kid's hands. In the end, I went with the same Gerbers b/c I believe that the easiest thing to use will result in a more pleasant mealtime experience, kinda like Ellyn Satter suggests. We'll graduate from the Gerbers to salad forks when they decide those are too "little" for them.

[sansdieu]

Hmm, I'll check out the Gerber set at Target. Didn't know that Gerber made anything that's not 100% plastic. Does anybody know how much it goes for?

The Ikea set was $4.99 (for 3 little pieces! it's more than $1 per - and I'd need a dozen at least), and indeed it didn't seem that comfortable to hold.

[DebbieJ]

Hmm, I'll check out the Gerber set at Target. Didn't know that Gerber made anything that's not 100% plastic. Does anybody know how much it goes for?

The Ikea set was $4.99 (for 3 little pieces! it's more than $1 per - and I'd need a dozen at least), and indeed it didn't seem that comfortable to hold.

you need a dozen? our dishwasher runs everyday, so we just bought two sets. That was plenty.

[katydid1971]

I don't remember how much the gerber sets were but I'm sure they were less than $5. FWIW the gerber sets are also sold at the store in sets of 3 forks and 3 spoons. That might be a better way to buy because little ones really don't need a knife. If you really want a knife too buy one set of spoons, one set of forks and one place setting giving you 4 spoons and forks and a knife if you want it for setting the table at dinner.

[ThreeofUs]

We got ours at Kohl's - Oneida stainless. These are very nice, have weight, no sharp edges (except the kid's knife), and a great finish. I also trust that these are actually 18/10 stainless. When they're on sale and you have a coupon, they tend to be reasonably priced, at about $17ish for the combined child plus toddler (6 pieces).

ETA: Here is just the toddler set: http://www.oneida.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/3-Piece-Child-Set/productID/3f0fb304-4a5c-4a38-9aa8-1573fc6b554b/categoryID/0b68c814-072f-4fe0-af14-9b85c9b6799c/

[TwinFoxes]

I bought a couple of these for DC at Target because I don't live close to ikea. We are happy with them.
http://www.target.com/UTENSILS-GRBR-TDL-CUTL-SET3CT/dp/B00338IH3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=gerber%20fork&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-1&qid=1282195963&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=UTENSILS%20GRBR%20TDL%20CUTL%20SET3CT&node=1038590&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038590&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

This is what our DDs use now, but I really feel they are outgrowing them. I loved them though. I think I might check the Oneida ones out.

Neither DC area Ikea has theirs in stock, or I'd check them out too.

Thanks for posting this OP!

[sansdieu]

you need a dozen? our dishwasher runs everyday, so we just bought two sets. That was plenty.

Yeah. I figure that's how many I have in the dishwasher by the end of the day that DD is at home (and not in daycare, where, I'm guessing, they eat out of plastic). Ok, maybe a dozen total, but that's still 6-8 spoons, and 4-6 forks. We also run the dishwasher daily. I don't know if it's because DD is super-messy, or because she uses different utensils for different parts of her meal (but I wouldn't use the same spoon for yogurt and soup myself, either), but she does dirty up a lot of dishes (plates and bowls, too).


I don't remember how much the gerber sets were but I'm sure they were less than $5. FWIW the gerber sets are also sold at the store in sets of 3 forks and 3 spoons. That might be a better way to buy because little ones really don't need a knife. If you really want a knife too buy one set of spoons, one set of forks and one place setting giving you 4 spoons and forks and a knife if you want it for setting the table at dinner.

Yeah, the knife is nice (to teach her proper table etiquette), but not essential at this point; one would be plenty. Forks and spoons I needs lots of. As you said, one set of spoons, one of forks, and a place setting might do it.


We got ours at Kohl's - Oneida stainless. These are very nice, have weight, no sharp edges (except the kid's knife), and a great finish. I also trust that these are actually 18/10 stainless. When they're on sale and you have a coupon, they tend to be reasonably priced, at about $17ish for the combined child plus toddler (6 pieces).

ETA: Here is just the toddler set: http://www.oneida.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/3-Piece-Child-Set/productID/3f0fb304-4a5c-4a38-9aa8-1573fc6b554b/categoryID/0b68c814-072f-4fe0-af14-9b85c9b6799c/

Awwwwww! I used to have a set just like one of those listed - the one with teddy bears - when I was little. I gotta get DD one of those. Where do you people get Kohls' coupons? I never shop there, so I don't have their cc or anything.

[elliput]

Bed Bath and Beyond carries the Gourmet Settings Windermere (http://www.gourmetsettings.com/windermere) pattern as open stock. The pieces are priced at about $2 each- use BBB 20% coupons and they come to $1.60 each. The salad fork and teaspoon are the perfect size for toddlers. I have four of each.

[JBaxter]

we use these
http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=25771&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-feeding%20&%20nursing|dishes%20&%20utensils|utensils-_-YK-098&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=YK-098

http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25770

[Katigre]

We love the Gerber utensils - even DS still uses them at 4.5 though they're getting a bit small. I called Gerber and asked about the thermal material in the handle and whether it had pthalates or lead or other nasties and they confirmed it does not (which Z Recommends Guide also has them listed as a safe option).

The actual utensil part is stainless steel and really a great size - the fork spears food, the spoon is good for little mouths. We love them and have a dozen. Even the utensils that are three years old are still in excellent condition and have held up over time.

[DrSally]

We got ours at Kohl's - Oneida stainless. These are very nice, have weight, no sharp edges (except the kid's knife), and a great finish. I also trust that these are actually 18/10 stainless. When they're on sale and you have a coupon, they tend to be reasonably priced, at about $17ish for the combined child plus toddler (6 pieces).

ETA: Here is just the toddler set: http://www.oneida.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/3-Piece-Child-Set/productID/3f0fb304-4a5c-4a38-9aa8-1573fc6b554b/categoryID/0b68c814-072f-4fe0-af14-9b85c9b6799c/

I like these! Do they have them in store or do you have to order online?
We have the gerber ones, and I really like the forks (I need more).

[ThreeofUs]

Awwwwww! I used to have a set just like one of those listed - the one with teddy bears - when I was little. I gotta get DD one of those. Where do you people get Kohls' coupons? I never shop there, so I don't have their cc or anything.


I always check slickdeals for coupons. But I do have a card, just for the 30% off plus free shipping I can get on items like these. :)



I like these! Do they have them in store or do you have to order online?
We have the gerber ones, and I really like the forks (I need more).

I'm an on-line shopper! My two little hurricanes are *ahem* not ready for store shopping much.... (insert rolling eyes here) But I'd bet they're in store, too.

[TwinFoxes]

While looking on BBB page for the Oneida and Gourmet Settings sets, I came across these:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=117804&RN=504&

I'd like to see them in person, but they look pretty nice. A little more than OP wants to spend, but just an FYI for anyone else. :)

[ThreeofUs]

While looking on BBB page for the Oneida and Gourmet Settings sets, I came across these:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=117804&RN=504&

I'd like to see them in person, but they look pretty nice. A little more than OP wants to spend, but just an FYI for anyone else. :)


Hey! They also have the teddy bears and my paul revere style!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16554430

Lots of 20% off coupons floating around....

[sansdieu]

We love the Gerber utensils - even DS still uses them at 4.5 though they're getting a bit small. I called Gerber and asked about the thermal material in the handle and whether it had pthalates or lead or other nasties and they confirmed it does not (which Z Recommends Guide also has them listed as a safe option).

The actual utensil part is stainless steel and really a great size - the fork spears food, the spoon is good for little mouths. We love them and have a dozen. Even the utensils that are three years old are still in excellent condition and have held up over time.

That's good to know; I didn't even think to check for phtalates (and I'm sure the handle ends up in the mouth just as much as the utensil part).


Hey! They also have the teddy bears and my paul revere style!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16554430

Lots of 20% off coupons floating around....

Yep, gotta do some comparison shopping. Sent my MIL over to BBB stores to investigate.


While looking on BBB page for the Oneida and Gourmet Settings sets, I came across these:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=117804&RN=504&

I'd like to see them in person, but they look pretty nice. A little more than OP wants to spend, but just an FYI for anyone else. :)

I did look at the Panda sets at amazon yesterday, but something about those handles threw me off. I think these aren't particularly dishwasher-resistant or durable (again, we had a similar adult set back in the ...ahem... 70s, when I was growing up).

[sansdieu]

Bed Bath and Beyond carries the Gourmet Settings Windermere (http://www.gourmetsettings.com/windermere) pattern as open stock. The pieces are priced at about $2 each- use BBB 20% coupons and they come to $1.60 each. The salad fork and teaspoon are the perfect size for toddlers. I have four of each.

Thanks, will definitely check it out. I'd prefer something that could do double duty. I was hoping to find some whimsical dessert forks and spoons at Marshalls that I could pass off as toddler flatware, but failed miserably.


we use these
http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=25771&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-feeding%20&%20nursing|dishes%20&%20utensils|utensils-_-YK-098&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=YK-098

http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=25770

Yeah, these look like the Gerber ones that so many people recommended. Might be a good short-term solution at least.