Magic Reindeer Food - Poem with Free Printables
Christmas is right around the corner, and one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is with a simple little tradition that feels big to little kids: making “magic reindeer food” for Santa’s reindeer.
This fun activity is quick, inexpensive, and perfect for small children—especially if it’s their first time participating in Christmas Eve traditions. And the best part? You’ll have an easy recipe, a printable poem, and a free printable tag (plus some other free printables) to turn a tiny bag of sparkle into pure Christmas magic.
If you want some people reindeer food this Christmas Reindeer Chex Mix is perfect for snacking and these Hot Cocoa Ornaments are another wonderful easy Christmas craft idea (it's a great gift for teachers and neighbors!).
Most recent update: 12/15/2025 - previous update: 12/21/2016
What is “Magic Reindeer Food”?
Also called “magic dust,” this magical food is a glittery mix you sprinkle on the front lawn, or any outside lawn Christmas Eve night. The shimmer is said to help Santa’s sleigh spot your home as the reindeer fly and roam—and it gives them a sweet little snack along the way.
So what is this magical food? Let's take a closer look!
In addition to this simple recipe you'll also find free printable tags and printable bag toppers, a reindeer food poem, and complete instructions for how to make a batch of reindeer food for this fun Christmas tradition.
Jump to:
- What is “Magic Reindeer Food”?
- Easy Magic Reindeer Food Recipe
- 🦌Ingredients (simple ingredients you may already have)
- ☃️Instructions for How to Make Your Own Reindeer Food
- 🎁Supplies
- 🎅Printable Options
- 🎄Printing Your Images
- 🦌Download Your Magic Reindeer Food Printable:
- ☃️Tips for Making Ahead
- 🎅Sharing Ideas
- 🎁Other Printables You May Enjoy
- 🎄Equipment
- ⭐Top tip! Important
Easy Magic Reindeer Food Recipe
This simple recipe makes one small batch of reindeer food—enough for about 4 treat bags.
*This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here.
🦌Ingredients (simple ingredients you may already have)
- 2 cups plain, uncooked oats
- 1–2 tablespoons green sugar crystals, edible glitter, or Christmas-colored sprinkles
That’s it! This easy reindeer food recipe is all about keeping it simple (and magical).
☃️Instructions for How to Make Your Own Reindeer Food
- Add everything to a large bowl.
- Stir well (a wooden spoon works great) until the sparkles are evenly mixed.
- Scoop about ½ cup into each treat bag—cellophane bags, sandwich bags, a Ziploc bag, or any small plastic bag works.
- Finish with your reindeer food labels: tape or staple on a tag, or add a treat bag topper / printable bag topper for an extra polished look.
🎁Supplies
If you’re assembling a bunch for neighbors, classmates, or party favors, these make things easier:
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
- Stapler or tape
- Ribbon + a hole punch (for hanging printable tags)
- Treat bags (cellophane or zip-top)
You can use regular scissors to cut the tags apart or a paper cutter like this one, and then a hole punch and ribbon if you would like to attach the tag to bags. My favorite bags are these but any small plastic bag will work just as well.
If you want to make your reindeer food tags to be a bit more creative and personalized, you can customize the ribbons. Custom ribbons can not only be used as card decorations but also can be used to decorate gifts for a Christmas get together, making your party more festive.
🎅Printable Options
- This printable is for personal use only.
- There are several options available to download for free - please see the details below.
🎄Printing Your Images
- Each option is perfect for at-home printing and should be printed on standard-sized white cardstock which is heavier than regular printer paper.
- You can purchase compatible cardstock on Amazon using this link or at your favorite store.
🦌Download Your Magic Reindeer Food Printable:
- Download option one here. (print in landscape mode)
- Download option two here. (print in landscape mode)
- Download option three here. (print in landscape mode)
- Download option four here.
- Download option five here --- (print in landscape mode) this is the first option I shared back in 2009!
☃️Tips for Making Ahead
- Mix a bigger batch early in the season and store it in an airtight container (or a gallon ziploc bag).
- Print and cut your reindeer food labels ahead of time.
- Or fully assemble the bags and stash them away until outside tonight becomes “Christmas Eve night!”
🎅Sharing Ideas
These bags make a sweet fun gift for:
- classroom treats
- neighbors
- church groups
- a holiday party favor table
- anyone who loves fun traditions and a little magic of Christmas
If you share your finished bags on social media, it’s always fun to show the tag design you picked—especially if you made a few styles to match different themes.
🎁Other Printables You May Enjoy
- Free Printable Christmas Money and Gift Card Holders
- Free Farm Fresh Trees and Vintage Truck Printable
- Magic Reindeer Food Tags and Gift Bag Toppers
- The Ultimate Christmas Planner
🎄Equipment
I use my HP Envy printer for all the printing I do for home décor, photo printing, and business needs. Right now you can get two (2) years of free ink delivered right to your door (that's the option I use!).
⭐Top tip! Important
Skip craft glitter. If there’s any chance animals might nibble, use edible glitter or colored sugar so it’s as safe as possible.
This is a great post! I love the poem and the printables are so helpful.
I absolutely love this page so many fun, inspiring idea's Thank You for Sharing your Talent/Knowledge/Secrets/Acts of Kindness ❤️
Hi, we have a christmas stall evening in school and my class are making goods to sell. All profits are going to outside play equipment for the children
Could I please use your reindeer food printable?
Hello, Anya. Yes, you absolutely can use the free Reindeer Food Printable for your project. Thank you for asking. I appreciate the courtesy.