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Tips For A Delicious Playdate

This post is sponsored by NatureBox!

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Remember when I reviewed the snack delivery box company Naturebox? They asked if I wanted to try out some of their newer snacks (there are now over 100 options!). Yes please! Especially since I have a baby bird mouth to feed around the clock. Seriously – I’m always running out of toddler snack ideas!

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This year’s batch of snacks were even more impressive than the last. I am loving the PB&J Granola (which has CLUMPS of peanut butter oats inside!) and I love the Dark Chocolate Almonds for a healthier post-lunch dessert.

But all the rest of the snacks I put to the ultimate test: hungry toddlers!

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My friends and I take turns hosting playdates at our houses. Inevitably the kiddos get hungry and we often have run of the mill snacks available. A NatureBox makes such a fun idea for a party-in-a-box.

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Here’s my helper sweeping before our guests arrived

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I portioned out the snacks into little soufflé cups that toddlers would find especially enchanting. My toddler loves anything served in a cup!

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Little signs helped people identify each snack.

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More flavors were put into little paper bags

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Loved that Coffee Kettle Corn!!

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And finally I arranged the Whole Wheat Apple Pie Figgy Bars and Orange Mango Chews on a plate.

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To drink, the moms sipped sparkling water (which may or may not have been spiked) and the babies slurped lemonade pouches.

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Here he is in his official taste test.

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The Honey Macadamia Pretzel Balls were my favorite of all the snacks. Like malted milk balls – but healthier!

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He also thought the Apple Pie Oat Clusters a.k.a. “COOKIES!” were delicious.

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The party was a huge hit!

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The kids loved the snacks – especially after running around the yard and going up and down the slide on a hot summery day.

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And so…here are my tips for a successful snack-date!

Playdates

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If you aren’t familiar with NatureBox, customers can choose their snacks, starting with their 1st box! They have this cool feature called the Snack Pantry where you can “queue up” (a la Netflix style) all of the snacks that you want to receive month after month (or “lock in” your favorites to receive every month).

Everybody gets a snack discount! Get 50% off your first box with the code KATHEATS.

(Fine crumbs – promotion is good for 50% off any of our 3 box sizes. Valid only on the 1st month’s box. New customers only. Not valid on gift subscriptions and may not be combined with any other offers. Good until 6/20.)

AND – one person will win a year’s worth of snack boxes! USA only please. Giveaway runs for a week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by NatureBox!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  8. Allyson says

    All the Nature Box snacks look delicious! My little one would especially love to try the orange mango chews!

    Reply

  9. Anne Weber-Falk says

    I want to try the figgy bars. I’ve never had the Nature Box snacks but after reading so much about them I’m intrigued.

    Reply

  13. Kelsey K. says

    I just joined Naturebox this month to try it out and love the chipotle citrus chickpeas and sweet potato sticks!

    Reply

  21. Melissa says

    I have a 5 year old, so no longer a ‘toddler,’ but I’m sure she’d chow down on any of these! 🙂

    Reply

  31. Leah says

    They all look incredible- so hard to decide!! Definitely want to try the salted caramel pretzel pops!

    Reply

  45. Nicole says

    Anything with Apple Pie in the title has me sold but I’m also a big fan of roasted chickpeas…so both! 🙂

    Reply

  46. Heather R says

    I think they all look delish, I have been wanting to try this forever. I just need to do this.

    Reply

  51. Maria says

    I Love NatureBox. I currently subscribe, thanks to your post almost a year ago. My 2 kids love them. I’m very happy that they now allow you to customize and choose your monthly snacks.

    Reply

  54. Mary says

    Macadamia pretzels sound amazing! Such a cool selection of snacks. Great ideas on how to organize a playdate, Kath! My almost two-year old and his buddies (and my mommy friends) would love if I organized something like that!

    Reply

  59. Ashley says

    What a great idea for a play date! I think the portion cup/bag idea would work great for any type of party!

    Reply

  66. Kate says

    These snacks look great! I am always on the hunt for healthy, on-the-go options. The nature box cheddar and onion sunflower kernels look like nothing I’ve ever seen, and I would love to try them!

    Reply

  68. Stephanie says

    Those chocolate almonds sound divine, but any of them would be great I’m sure. I have a baby bird to feed too!

    Reply

  69. Rachel says

    I have a friend who started subscribing to this and she loves it. Those macadamia pretzel balls look so good!

    Reply

  70. Jane says

    I would love to try all of these! My husband and I are always trying to find new healthy snacks for our 3 children!

    Reply

  74. jacklyn says

    NatureBox sounds AMAZING! I would love to win a year supply! I can’t wait to try the PB&J granola- sounds like something I would love !

    Reply

  80. Paige c says

    The honey macadamia pretzel balls, coffee kettle corn, and salted caramel pretzels pops. I’m a huge snack fan

    Reply

  88. Rebecca says

    All of the dried fruit looks good but I think the Mighty Mix might be the most appealing snack! I love the way you can pick snacks based on your preferences – such as no sugar added. Great idea!!

    Reply

  91. Devon says

    I would love to try the siracha roasted cashews! All the nut mixes look to die for. I love their creative combinations!

    Reply

  98. Grace says

    Looks like a lot of fun! We always need more healthy snack ideas for our toddler (and ourselves!).

    Reply

  99. Lexi says

    The pretzel balls look scrumptious! Malted milk balls and the malted milk Easter eggs are some of my favorite candies, and the pretzel balls would be a wonderful healthier alternative to try!

    Reply

  103. Brooke Gregg says

    You had me at tastes like a malted milk ball! Honey macadamia pretzel balls for the win, I love me some Whoppers!

    Reply

  106. Pam says

    They do have delicious snacks. But on a limited budget, I couldn’t justify the cost. Would love to win a year’s worth. Blessed be, hugs!!!

    Reply

  108. Cathy Miller says

    I would like to try Blueberry Almond Bites and Sweet Blueberry Almonds. I love they have a Non-GMO option!

    Reply

  112. Catherine says

    Love the extra effort you made in decor/set-up (little cups, treat bags, hand washing!) – really took it to the next level! Looks like everyone had a blast!

    Reply

  119. Peggy says

    EVERYTHING sounds so, so good. Pistachio power clusters, praline pumpkin seeds, everything bagel sticks – I want to try it all!

    Reply

  122. Laura Reynolds says

    The Italian bistro pretzels look so good! I am getting hungry just looking at all of these!

    Reply

  126. Nancy says

    I’d love to try the PB&J granola – a favorite flavor combination. Would be awesome if NatureBox made pre-portioned snack options too so could grab a little individual serving bag to go.

    Reply

  128. Cassidy says

    Some of my favorites were:

    Salted Caramel Pretzel Pops, Pumpkin Cranberry Crave, Cinnamon Spiced Almonds, and Yogurt Dipped Pretzels

    But they all looked delicious!

    Reply

  130. The Zen Kat says

    Those shots of Mazen and his girlfriends are so cute! The dark cocoa nom noms look delicious 🙂

    Reply

  132. Alyssa says

    The chocolate almonds and coffee kettle corn sound amazing! What a great play date for the kiddos.

    Reply

  134. Tiffany says

    The chocolate almonds and roasted chickpeas sound so good! Need some good snacks to fuel breastfeeding our brand new little girl!

    Reply

  137. Ana says

    Wow, it is really hard to choose just one, there are so many of those snacks I know my family would like! But if choosing one for myself I like the Masa Crisps, sounds like a great crunchy and savory gluten free and dairy free snack, something I am always looking for!
    Ana

    Reply

  140. Allison B. says

    YUM! Everything you mentioned sounds amazing. I’m afraid I’d eat all of it and then there would be none left for my daughter 🙂

    Reply

  149. Alex @ Kenzie Life says

    I really want to try the whole wheat apple pie figgy bars! I’ve read about them on a few other blogs and they just look so good!

    Reply

  157. sara says

    Granola..especially peanut butter granola. I always try to make my own because there is never enough peanut butter in the store bought kind. 🙂

    Reply

  161. Jenny-Lee Maxwell says

    I keep seeing more and more about Naturebox and I think I’m going to have to give in and give it a try!

    Reply

  166. marie says

    I think the Honey Macadamia Pretzel Pops are my first choice, but it’s close–the Salted Caramel Pretzel Pops sound pretty good, too.

    Reply

  179. Shannon Bell says

    With a new babe around the house we’ll be entering snack time very soon and I think this would be a great option! I’m also a medical student…so snacks for a nursing mom are ALWAYS a win!

    Reply

  184. Liz Young says

    Those orange mango chews sound great! I’m always on the hunt for some “grown up” fruit snacks!

    Reply

  186. Tiffany says

    Would love any of the granolas – I haven’t found any I just “love” yet! And these would be AWESOME for playdates…I feel like we always do fruit and Annie’s Cheese Crackers.

    Reply

    • Diane says

      Didn’t read the instructions until after I commented – I think the dark chocolate nom noms looks especially tasty!

      Reply

  188. Brittany M says

    I love Nature Box! My favorites right now are the sourdough cheddar pretzels and the honey macadamia pretzel bites.

    Reply

  194. Christina W says

    Wow, lots of those look delicious! I seriously want all of them. That Coffee Kettle Popcorn is doing it for me right now!

    Reply

  198. Lisa @bitesforbabies says

    Hey Kath, when you run out of toddler snack ideas you can stop by my Blog! You might find some interesting recipes there 😉

    http://bitesforbabies.com/

    Reply

  200. Christine says

    Any of the whole-wheat bars. I used to love Fig newtowns, but can’t have them because of a corn allergy. I’d love to have this version of them!

    Reply

  206. Kathleen says

    The party was such a cute idea! If all the snacks were “kid approved” I’m sure everyone would love them! 🙂

    Reply

  211. Joci Schumann says

    I have wanted to try NatureBox for awhile but was never sure if I would like the snacks or not. Thanks for doing a review!!

    Reply

  214. Leigh says

    I’m so glad you mentioned Nature Box before this! I’ve given two gift subscriptions, which are reasonably priced and oh-so-well received. (Nature Box website needs a little work to be more customer-friendly, but all in all, I’ve been happy with them.)

    Reply

  215. Stacy K. says

    This would be awesome to have on hand with a Toddler and soon to be new baby. I think we would love the whole wheat figgy bars the most!

    Reply

  223. Hilary says

    I think I would most like the Salted Caramel Pretzel Pops or the Toasted Cheddar Stix!! They both look incredible!!

    And thank you for the playdate tips! We’re not in to playdate territory yet but will be soon so it’s nice to have ideas now.

    Reply

  225. stacey says

    Your party set up is adorable! I have been wanting to try Nature Box for a while. I would love to win.

    Reply

  234. Liz Orr says

    Browsing the website, 99% of the snacks looked like something I could devour in two shakes of a tail feather. I am currently craving the Dark Chocolate Berry Trail Mix. Get in my tummy! I have two trips planned this summer and have been wondering what I should bring on the plane for a treat/snack. I’m thinking this trail mix would be perfect for that!

    Reply

  240. Amy says

    Hello Kath,
    OH. MY. GOODNESS! I would so totally love to with this GIVEAWAY for one year’s worth of Nature Box deliciousness!
    First, I have to say…what a brilliant idea to “host” this toddler “taste-testing” date (with parents, of course). Also, just beautiful photos.
    To answer your question for the Giveaway, I would REALLY love to try the PB&J Granola, Cranberry Almond Bites, the Whole Wheat Apple Pie Figgy Bars…and so much more…but those are my top 3.
    I hope I win! I would eat and do so much with these Nature Box snacks! (Plus, I’d be a forever fan of the company!)
    ~Amy 🙂

    Reply

  242. Laura E. says

    All there snacks sound wonderful! The salted caramel pretzel pops caught my eye though! Thank you for the opportunity.

    Reply

  255. anotherLaura says

    Great idea using tiny cups idea for play dates.

    I’d love to try the banana bread granola and thecCranberry almond bites – nom nom!

    Reply

  261. Crystal C. says

    The PB and J granola sounds sooooo yummy! With a little one who is starting to get into “real” food (not pureed), Naturebox would be a great option to find new snacks he might like. 🙂

    Reply

  265. Elizabeth says

    I can’t choose between the Cranberry Almond Bites and the Salted Caramel Pretzel Pops. Really I would probably end up eating either snack all in one sitting!

    Reply

  266. Claire McC says

    Yum! I would love to try Nature Box! Sounds like a great way to save time and snack in a healthy way! Love the idea of the PB oat clusters 🙂

    Reply

  267. Britta says

    Yum! I would totally love to try NatureBox. And my toddler Sebastian would love it too. Can’t wait to try the Cocoa Waffle Wafer. Remind me of Dutch stroop wafels.

    Reply

  271. Lesley says

    I think the apple pie oat clusters look really good. Great tips on play dates and snacks. One other tip would be to ask about allergies. I became much more aware of this after several of my toddler’s buddies were diagnosed with nut allergies. I don’t set out anything with those ingredients so no one is tempted to eat something they can’t have. The other moms really appreciate it!

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      These were my friends and I knew there were no allergies. But as a general playdate tip for hosting new people, it would be wise to ask. Agreed.

      Reply

  280. Jeri says

    Kath, I’m learning how to dehydrate my own mangos. Fell in love at Whole Foods, but for $10.99 a pound, I don’t mind a lesson or two.

    Looking at you and Mazen makes me wish I could have been a stay at home mom instead of in the Navy missing all the firsts. Maybe that’s why I act like June Cleaver now. Or try to. Love that idea of healthy snacks for playdates. That would work out well for parents of kids who play sports and need to bring snacks for games.

    And your set up? YUM!

    Reply

  281. megan says

    The dark chocolate nom noms look good, and I know my toddler would love the figgy bars in every flavor! Love the snack party idea!

    Reply

  283. Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says

    Whole Wheat Figgy Bars – was always a sucker for those health food store versions of Fig Newtons sold by the cash register…

    Reply

  284. Brittany says

    All the snacks look so good! I love the idea of those fig bars, perfect for taking on a long bike ride.

    Reply

  287. Erin Rasmussen says

    Everything looks healthy & scrumptious, but I guess I’ll pick the pear praline crunch
    I would totally love to win this!!!

    Reply

  292. Stephanie says

    So many delicious options! The whole wheat strawberry figgy bars would definitely be a favorite of mine and my toddlers.

    Reply

  300. Frannie says

    This was a great way to spin the promo. I enjoyed seeing how you used all the types of snacks in one event!

    Reply

  301. Whitney Disteano says

    I just registered for my first month of nature box last week and am anxiously awaiting my first delivery.

    Reply

  302. Sarahdd says

    I love chick peas. I’m kind of wondering, though, a lot of those foods seem like choking hazards for toddlers, especially the popcorn and the nuts.

    Reply

  306. Beth says

    Oh, I’ve been wanting to try Nature Box. I would definitely want to try the raspberry figgy bars, the baked sweet potato fries & apple pie oat clusters.

    Reply

  314. Lauren says

    There are so many delicious options to choose from! The Lemon Pucker Pistachios sound really different–I would love to try them!

    Reply

  320. Krissy says

    Wow everything looks very good my boys love fig bars so I would try those and the PBj granola and edamame mix so many choices
    I have a lot of play dates thank you for your tips

    Reply

  321. Sarah says

    Awesome snacks!! Perfect for adults and kiddos alike and healthier options than standard on the go foods. I will eat any granola…but the pb clumps………omg

    Reply

  325. Katie says

    I’d go for macadamia pretzel bites first! I have to say though, that as a mom of a 3 year old, it concerns me that you had kettle corn and almond bites out for toddlers. Those just seem like choking/allergy hazards and I would not call it a good play date if I showed up somewhere and a mom had snacks like that out for grabby hands. (Popcorn can get inhaled into the lungs) I’m glad you didn’t have any issues, but it seems like you could be more responsible about those things especially around other peoples’ kids.
    (Hope this comment gets published even though it’s maybe a bit critical, I’d love a chance to win!)

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      The snacks were for moms to give out so they could make the call on what their kids could have. We don’t have any allergies in our play group so that wasn’t a concern. The moms loved the popcorn.

      Reply

  327. leanrunnerbean says

    Hi Kath – the snacks all look so good! Thanks for sharing 🙂
    Do you plan on launching a recipe book or e-book?
    Thanks, Kate 🙂

    Reply

  331. Erica says

    Little man is getting SO big! What a great idea for a play date. The food looks delicious! I want to try the dried granny smith apples. I’ve never seen a dried apple that wasn’t red

    Reply

  342. Kelly says

    All the snacks look pretty delicious, but I think the blueberry almond bites look especially yummy.

    Reply

  344. Kim says

    Now you have me wanting to try the PB&J granola. Sounds yummy. Looks like you guys had a great party!!

    Reply

  346. Katie says

    I actually JUST got my first Naturebox yesterday–what are the odds?! I absolutely loved the roasted garlic pumpkin seeds and the PB&J granola. My boyfriend especially enjoyed the carrot strawberry chews. For my next box I think I’m going to choose another variety of sunflower kernels (either honeycomb or Southern BBQ) to use as salad toppers!

    Reply

  356. Brenna P Caldwell says

    I’d love to try the chocolate quinoa granola – yum! But I am also a huge dark chocolate covered almonds fan. One of my favorite treats ever. Have you ever had the trader joes ones covered in sea salt? They are amazing!

    Reply

  357. nancy says

    I used our Natures Box snacks to feed hungry teenagers and a husband who likes to snack. My 15 year old cross country runner can eat an entire snack bag of something from our box in one sitting. So much better than them reaching for cookies or chips. Totally worth the cost but it would be awesome to get it free too 🙂 I’ve also suggested Natures Box to friends as we sent kids off to college last year. Great way to keep healthy food available even when they are far from home.

    Reply

  368. Lauren Martin says

    I can’t even pick, everything looks so delicious. I’m partial to the coffee kettlecorn I think.

    Reply

  377. Judy says

    The bruschetta pretzel pops look yum! My sis gets these snacks and love them, I want me some, too.

    Reply

  381. brianne says

    Ok the options are all TOO GOOD to choose just one…it’s really difficult. I guess I would pick the bruschetta pretzel pops just because it sounds so different!

    Reply

  400. i heart salt says

    Salted Anything!!
    Hey Kath,
    How much do the boxes cost? I don’t want to sign up without knowing.
    Gracias~

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      There are multiple sizes and multiple subscription options, so the best thing to do would be to create a free account and noodle around in there : )

      Reply

  401. Katie S says

    I tried NatureBox for the first time at a friend’s cocktail party last night! The coffee kettle corn and apple pie oat clusters were my favorites!

    Reply

  402. Kristina says

    I just graduated college with a Bachelor in Nutrition to become an RD and I am always looking for healthy snacks to take on the go! I would love to win this giveaway to try out NatureBox, the honey macadamia pretzel pops sound delicious!!

    Reply

  404. Kristina m says

    What a great idea snacks mailed to your door. I have a picky three year old and I’m always running out of healthy snack ideas and going to the store can sometimes be just a pain. The French toast granola sounds super yummy on top of yogurt or smoothly bowls.

    Reply

  416. Kay Lynn says

    Ok, I’ll bite! Those are great play date snack ideas….especially the market for parents’ glasses and the individual portions for kiddos!

    Reply

  424. Megan says

    Wow! I’d never heard of this. I have a 9 month old that is just about ready to start snacking. This is definitely going to be on my list of things to try for her! Apple Pie Oat Clusters sound perfect.

    Reply

  429. Kelly says

    Hi Kath, long time reader first time commenter!!! I’ve been following you for over 5 years and am just so delighted to see things are going so well for you!! You look great as well, so fit! I saw the documentary Fed Up today about the obesity crisis and the amount of sugar in processed foods. I know you’re quite a busy mom these days but I am sure I am not the only poster who would love to see your thoughts as an RD on the subject!! Please let us know!!!

    Reply

  437. sarah says

    I’ve been hearing so much about Nature Box I would love to try this especially since my little one will be eating soon I’d love to give him healthy snacks!

    Reply

  438. sarah says

    The apple pie oat clusters looks like something me, my husband and (when he can eat) son would love!!!

    Reply

  449. Kristen M says

    The figgy bars look great, as does the chocolate quinoa granola. All the items are the kinds of treats I try to stock up on for family camping adventures since they pack a positive nutritional punch and tend to travel well.

    Reply

  450. Brooke says

    I love the idea of healthy snacks delivered right to the front door! Such festival packaging for your taste test—who wouldn’t want to participate?

    Reply

  452. Kelsey says

    I LOVE NatureBox! My favorite thing I’ve tried so far is the Whole Wheat Apple Pie Figgy Bars. Everything sounds good except for the chocolate stuff, since I can’t eat it! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

    Reply

  455. Kelly E. says

    The PB&J granola and the Whole Wheat Strawberry Figgy Bars sound so good right now! Thank you for the chance to win!

    Reply

  457. Patty says

    Another awesome giveaway, I’ve been thinking about signing up for this for a long time! Who doesn’t love snacks?!

    Reply

  463. Kayla N says

    My roommate got NaturBox for a gift from her sister and we downed the snacks because they were such a treat compared to cafeteria food. I especially loved the dried and salted chick peas 🙂

    Reply

  464. Charise says

    I am a savory snacks person, so most of those look good – I am especially intrigued by the every bagel stix and and seaweed rice pops.

    Reply

  465. Amanda says

    Oh my! The coffee kettlecorn and Chocolate Quinoa Granola look delicious! It’s been awhile since my subscription, I may have to renew it.

    Reply

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