Nothing beats the sparkle in a child’s eye on Christmas Eve. One of our favorite Christmas Eve traditions for kids is sprinkling magic dust on the lawn to guide Santa’s sleigh. However, we want to make sure we treat nature with kindness while we make memories.
As a mom of three, I love simple crafts that don’t destroy my kitchen. This wildlife safe reindeer food recipe is fast, mess-free, and safe for the local birds. If you have been wondering Is glitter safe for birds and wildlife?, this guide solves that problem instantly.
We ditch the plastic and use edible ingredients. This Magic reindeer food with free printable poem is the perfect guilt-free activity for your family. It is also one of the best Christmas Eve box fillers ideas for toddlers and big kids alike.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Wildlife Safe Reindeer Food in cone bags, styled on a mantle with twinkle lights and a printed poem tag.]
🎁 Free Download: Magic Reindeer Food Poem Tags
Make this craft way easier! Click here to download my free PDF template so you get the perfect shape every time. The rhyming poem explains exactly what the kids need to do on Christmas Eve!
📝 Key Materials
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab.
- Rolled Oats (uncooked), Red & Green Sanding Sugar (or Edible Glitter), Clear Cellophane Bags, Cardstock (for tags).
Supplies & Equipment
Consumables:
- Rolled Oats (Instant or Old Fashioned both work).
- Edible glitter for crafts (Sanding sugar or cake sprinkles).
- White Cardstock (for the printable poem).
- Ribbon or staples.
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl.
- Mixing spoon.
- Scissors or Paper Trimmer.
- Stapler or Hole Punch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the “Magic” Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in your rolled oats. This creates the base of your Oatmeal reindeer food.
Next, add the sparkle! This is where we swap dangerous plastic glitter for Safe reindeer food for birds. Pour in your red and green sanding sugar or colored sprinkles.
Use a ratio of about 4 cups of oats to 1 cup of sugar. Stir it well until the colors mix evenly.
⚠️ WILDLIFE ALERT: DO NOT use craft glitter. Even “biodegradable” craft glitter can be harmful if ingested by wildlife. Stick to the baking aisle!
📸 [Image-2: A top-down shot of a large mixing bowl showing uncooked oats being mixed with red and green sanding sugar.]
Step 2: Fill the Bags
Scoop the mixture into your bags. I prefer using clear cone-shaped bags because they look like carrots for the reindeer.
Leave about two inches of space at the top of the bag. This ensures you have plenty of room to tie it shut.
📸 [Image-3: A close-up shot of a hand pouring the oat mixture into a clear cone bag.]
Step 3: Attach the Poem
Print out your poem tags on white cardstock. Cut them out carefully with scissors or a paper trimmer.
Fold the top of your bag over or twist it tight. Staple the tag directly to the bag, or punch a hole and tie it with a festive ribbon.
📸 [Image-4: A photo showing the printed poem tag being stapled onto the top of the filled reindeer food bag.]
Step 4: The Christmas Eve Ritual
On Christmas Eve, take the kids outside just before bed. Read the poem on the tag out loud together.
Sprinkle the How to make reindeer food without glitter mix onto the lawn or driveway. The sparkles help the reindeer see your house, and the oats give them energy!
📸 [Image-5: An action shot of a child’s hand sprinkling the oat and sugar mixture onto snowy grass.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
*Is glitter safe for birds and wildlife?*
No, standard craft glitter is essentially microplastic. If birds or small animals eat it, it can cause severe internal damage. Always use colored sugar or edible cake sprinkles instead.
*Can dogs eat magic reindeer food?*
Generally, yes. Since this recipe uses oats and sugar, it is not toxic like plastic glitter would be. However, keep large amounts away from pets to avoid tummy aches from the sugar.
*What to use instead of glitter for reindeer food?*
You have several great kitchen options. Red and green sanding sugar works best because the crystals are large and shiny. You can also use cookie sprinkles or edible cake dust found in the baking aisle.
*When do you sprinkle reindeer food?*
Sprinkle it on Christmas Eve just before the children go to bed. This helps build anticipation for Santa’s arrival. The birds will happily eat the leftovers the next morning!
Final Thoughts
This Eco friendly reindeer dust DIY is such a sweet, simple way to add magic to your holiday. You get to enjoy a screen-free moment with your kids, and the local wildlife gets a holiday treat. It is a win-win for everyone, including Santa!
Merry Christmas and happy crafting!
Nancy
