Free Reindeer Food Printable & Magic Recipe
We’ve been making reindeer food since my son was in preschool, and it’s one of those Christmas Eve traditions that just stuck.
Over the years, the mix has gotten fancier, sprinkles, edible glitter, even a little note from Twinkletoes, but the excitement is always the same.
This reindeer food printable makes it easy to keep the magic going with a sweet little poem and a festive bag topper kids will love.
Simple to prep, fun to share, and something they’ll remember doing year after year.
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How to Make Magical Reindeer Food
Making reindeer food has become one of our favorite Christmas Eve traditions, and the best part is, it couldn’t be easier. You probably already have everything you need in the pantry!
Because this gets sprinkled outside, we always make sure it’s safe for any curious wildlife. Skip the craft glitter (it’s harmful to animals) and use edible glitter or sanding sugar instead, just enough to catch the moonlight.
What you’ll need:
- Oats – a classic base and totally safe for the backyard critters.
- Sprinkles – festive, colorful, and fun to mix.
- Edible glitter – optional, but it adds that magical sparkle kids love.
To make:
Stir everything together in a bowl (kids love helping with this part). Scoop the mix into a sandwich bag or festive pouch, and seal it until you’re ready.
On Christmas Eve, just before bedtime, head outside and sprinkle the reindeer food across your lawn. It’s such a simple activity, but watching your kids light up as they imagine reindeer flying overhead? That’s the real magic.
Reindeer Food Poem
This little poem has become part of our family tradition. We read it together right before heading outside to sprinkle the mix, and it always sets the mood just right:
Sprinkle on your lawn tonight,
The moon will make it sparkle bright,
As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam,
This will guide them to your home.”
It’s a simple way to add a little extra magic to the night.
Reindeer Food Bag Topper
Adding a printable bag topper makes the whole activity feel extra special. It turns a handful of oats and sprinkles into something kids want to keep, or gift to friends.
You’ll need:
- Printable Christmas bag toppers (two per page, print below)
- Cardstock
- Scissors (or a paper cutter for cleaner edges)
- Stapler
- Sandwich-sized zip-top bags (6.5 x 5.78 inches)
To assemble:
Print and cut the toppers, then fold each one in half.
Fill your bag with reindeer food, seal it, and place the folded topper on top. Add a fun note, we usually sign ours from Twinkletoes, and staple it in place.
We like to prep a few ahead of time and tuck them into our Christmas Eve box or leave them out with the cookies. It’s a tiny detail that really brings the tradition to life.
More Reindeer Activities to Enjoy
If your kids had fun with the reindeer food, there are plenty of other simple and festive ways to keep the theme going:
- Pair it with the If I Were a Reindeer writing prompt, great for sparking creativity and adding a thoughtful twist to the fun.
- Try our reindeer handprint craft template for a sweet keepsake that’s easy to make with little ones.
- Keep the excitement going with printable reindeer scavenger hunt clues, perfect for indoor fun or a cozy day at home.
- For younger learners, check out our reindeer worksheets for preschoolers or explore the life cycle of a reindeer with themed printables that mix learning with seasonal cheer.
Want all of our Christmas Activities in one Place?
Reindeer Books for Kids
After sprinkling the reindeer food, we like to settle in with a cozy story, especially one that keeps the reindeer magic going. These are a few favorites that pair perfectly with this tradition:
The Grumpy Reindeer – A sweet and funny story about a reindeer who’s not feeling the holiday cheer… until something changes his mind. Great for kids who enjoy a little mischief with their messages.
The Wild Christmas Reindeer – A beautifully illustrated tale about patience and teamwork as a young reindeer gets ready for the big night.
How to Catch a Reindeer – Silly and imaginative, this one is always a hit. Kids love trying to outsmart Santa’s reindeer with over-the-top traps and plans.
Get Your Free Reindeer Food Printable Here!
Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!
If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free bag topper.
Last Updated on 4 August 2025 by Clare Brown