10 Budget-Friendly Mud Kitchen Accessories

Cooking with dirt is fun for kids, which is why mud kitchens have gained popularity in recent years. While it’s totally not necessary (I used to bake mud pies in the sun with just a few throwaway pans) a mud kitchen and accessories can make outdoor play even more fun for kids. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best mud kitchen accessories for your kids to bake mud pies for hours!

What do you put in a mud kitchen?

A mud kitchen can have a variety of accessories and toys for your kids to play with and use in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ideas – read further for my best recommendations:

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1. Pots and Pans – My favorite budget-friendly set (even includes storage container!)
2. Utensils
3. Baking Pans – Muffin and Small cake pans
4. Pitcher
5. Collapsible Colander
6. Water Dispenser – essential for making MUD 🙂
7. Measuring Cups & Spoons
8. Bucket – We have and love this set…also perfect for the beach!
9. Spice Jars – Give the kids your old ones!
10. Tote or Storage Container

Best Mud Kitchen Accessories

Here are some great options for accessories to stock in your kid’s mud kitchen. Obviously, I would raid my own cabinets first and give them anything I was done with that would work well. Purchasing things at thrift stores is another great budget and eco-friendly option. However, if you can’t find what you are looking for or want to stock it with all the best supplies then here are some of my top accessory recommendations.

1. Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are always a great place to start whether accessorizing a toddler’s toy kitchen or a mud kitchen. I do recommend stainless steel since they will be played with outside and in the mud, sand, etc. Here are a couple of great options:

KEJIH Cooking & Utensils Set Stainless Steel Kitchen Toys 

This is a great pot and pan set for a mud kitchen as it comes with a tote and many accessories that are perfect for a mud kitchen including a strainer, pots and pans, utensils, and even small plate-like dishes. If you are looking for one set to go along with a mud kitchen – this would be a great versatile set.

IKEA Kids Duktig Pots & Pans

My mom has this set for her indoor kid’s kitchen. It’s an affordable option that includes child sized yet sturdy pots and pans. If you have an IKEA nearby I definitely recommend heading over as you will probably find other great options to accessorize your kid’s mud kitchen as well.

2. Utensils

Again, IKEA can be a great place to get inexpensive utensils, whether you get the kids set or just in the kitchen department. Here are some other great options. Additionally, if you purchased the KEJIH set above it includes both cookware and utensils!

Melissa & Doug Stir and Serve Utensils

These utensils include a whisk, spoons, and spatulas which will be sturdy for the mud kitchen. Melissa & Doug’s toys are very durable which makes them a favorite for our family.

3. Baking Pans

Small Cake Pan Set

These small round pans would make perfect mud pies, or you could opt for this silicone small cake pan set instead.

Muffin Pan

Buy a muffin pan at the thrift store or a small muffin pan like this more your toddler’s size would work great as well.

4. Pitcher

A small to medium size unbreakable pitcher is also a great addition to your kid’s mud kitchen. It gives them something to pour water from. You can probably find one in your cabinets or the thrift store, but if not a plastic liquid measuring cup pitcher like this is fairly easy to find and works well for kids. Younger toddlers might be better suited for a smaller-sized one such as this 1 cup pitcher measuring cup.

5. Strainer

These collapsible colanders would work great if you don’t have an extra strainer that you can pass down to your kids.

6. Water Dispenser

I’m not sure there is anything a toddler enjoys more than pouring water. Having a water dispenser near the mud kitchen will allow them an easy to access water station to play with. A simple, basic, (mostly) unbreakable water dispenser like this would probably be my choice.

7. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Why not give your kids your old measuring cups and spoons and buy yourself a nice new set for yourself?! However, if you already have a set you love you can buy your kids measuring cups and spoons cheaply at the dollar tree or they would probably enjoy this colorful set.

8. Bucket

Again, it’s easy to find kid’s buckets at the Dollar Tree, especially around Easter time. If you’re looking to invest in something a little nicer, we love collapsible buckets because they can be easily packed away for the winter (and double as great space-saving buckets to take on a beach vacation.)

9. Salt & Pepper or Spice Jars

If you buy your spices in disposable spice jars simply hand these down to your kids. They can have fun shaking dirt, sand, or water. If you buy spices in bulk, you can find spice jars at the thrift store or buy salt and pepper shakers at the dollar tree.

10. Tote or Storage Container

A storage tote or container is helpful for storing the mud kitchen accessories not only for the winter but in between play sessions to ensure they keep track of their containers.

Mud Kitchen FAQs

Are mud kitchens worth it?

Mud kitchens are a perfect way for kids to have hours of creative play outdoors. Spending time outside in this sunlight and fresh air is very good for kids and a mud kitchen is something they can play with day after day without tiring. If your family has a good space for a mud kitchen and prioritizes outdoor play, a mud kitchen will be worth it for your family.

What mud do you use in a mud kitchen?

If you don’t have a great source of mud or dirt (which can be easily made into mud with the addition of water), then you can buy sand, topsoil, or potting soil. I would be sure to buy without added fertilizers etc to keep it chemical-free for your kids.

How do you accessorize a mud kitchen?

All of the mud kitchen toys above will give you some ideas of how to accessories your mud kitchen. The best way to start accessorizing your kitchen is to clean out your cabinets and use your imagination!

Do your kids have favorite mud kitchen accessories?

Mud kitchen accessories can be a great way to provide hours of fun for your kids. They can use these accessories to create mud pies, cakes, and other delicious creations. Do your kids have favorite mud kitchen accessories? Please leave any favorite ideas for mud kitchen play in the comments below.

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