Adina Bailey, Take Them A Meal
Taking someone a meal is one of the kindest ways to say, I see you. As you know, I sometimes like to add a little something extra alongside the meal. My current favorite addition is a copy of Marianne the Maker, a new children's book by Kelly Corrigan (I love her podcast!) and her daughter, Claire. I had the opportunity to hear Kelly and Claire share the story of the book in Charlottesville, VA this past fall.
If you know Kelly's writing, you already know how thoughtful and heartwarming she can be. In Marianne the Maker, she brings that same charm to a story for kids. It's a sweet book that celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the joy of making things, perfect for reading together or gifting to a family with young children.
Reading this book reminded me how important it is for all of us to create. Whether it's baking, journaling, building, or painting, the means to create gives us a way to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves. It's especially healing in hard or transitional times.
I've seen this up close in my own home. When our son Owen was younger, his go-to materials were tape and paper. He built everything from airplanes to cities out of copy paper and scotch tape. Eventually, he graduated to sturdier supplies like cardboard and a glue gun (a milestone in our house!).
Now, as a young adult, Owen spends his free time making automatons, small mechanical sculptures that move using cranks and gears. It's a mix of creativity and engineering. His interest in building really took off thanks to a monthly STEM kit called Tinker Crate. Those early moments of hands-on exploration have a lifelong benefit.
A Simple DIY Kit to Include With a Meal
Inspired by Marianne the Maker, next time you drop off a meal (and the book!), include a little DIY craft kit. It's a sweet way to invite creativity and connection for the child and the grown ups in the home!
DIY Kit Idea
A mini watercolor set and brush
A few blank postcards, heavy paper, or a mini sketchbook
A glue stick or washi tape
A pack of colored pencils or washable markers
An envelope with pre-cut paper for a collage
A short note: "Paint your favorite place. Doodle a card for someone you love. Just make something."
This DIY art kit has items easily found at Wal Mart for under $6. The paint and cards fit perfectly inside the pouch for “on-the-go” creativity.
It doesn't have to be big or elaborate. It's just a small, thoughtful reminder that creating is a good distraction. Let's keep showing up-with food, good books, and maybe even a glue gun or two. Ha!
In Case You Missed It
1. This easy, mess-free Braided Calzone comes together in a foil pan, perfect for gifting a meal or stocking your freezer! Pair it with a simple salad and a sweet treat for a thoughtful dinner that’s as delicious as it is convenient!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
2. Caring for a family in the hospital? Here are three meaningful ways to help! Little acts of kindness like this can offer big comfort in hard moments!
3. With this hack, as long as you have parchment paper and scissors, you won’t need to buy muffin liners again!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the instruction link!
4. This Berry Tart recipe is easy to make, and it’s great to whip up for your family to enjoy for breakfast or include it with a meal. Not only do they look delightful, but they taste amazing!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe
5. Whether it's her first or her fifteenth child, every mom needs to take care of herself while she cares for her new little one. Here are some great ideas for taking meals, snacks, gifts, and/or encouragement to a mom of a new little one.
Easily Organize Meal Schedules for Friends
Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!
Send Love in a Box - Freshly Prepared Meals Shipped Nationwide!
Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals
Tested Recipes that Transport Well
Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes
Gifts & Such
Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!
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