Should I sell reindeer food at my upcoming Xmas Market.

[LauraSaidIShouldBeNicer]

I have a Xmas Market coming up on the 20th Nov selling homemade pet things and natural treats (I have all official stuff, insurances and bits sorted) am wondering should I make some reindeer food bags up? Would they look out of place with the dog and cat treats?

My first market is in a specialist school.

Sounds lovely, glad the no glitter message had got through more widely.
Bear in mind the suet will be greasy, so packaging in paper bags will be a problem - they will look yucky by Xmas eve. You might need to give storage instructions?
That said I do prefer that idea to bird seed because I hate the way that missed seed sprouts into crops growing in my lawn!

I think it’s a great idea but no edible glitter!

The birds will eat it and be in desperate need for it if it’s a cold winter!

You could also do a ‘snacks for robin redbreast and his friends’ and do fat balls/bird seed hangers for birds.

I would happily buy eco reindeer food in paper bags, no way would I buy it in plastic bags.
I hope you have a great Christmas fair

I can maybe wrap them in grease proof paper (always have loads in the house for baking ect) then place in the envelopes.

If it's going to be thrown in the garden on Christmas Eve, you'd be better off labelling it Rat Food!

What is the 'reindeer food'? Is it really bird food or something?

Yup, a local shop always sells them here for €3 for charity. I've often picked up one or two for nieces/ nephews. They get a little kick out of it. If it wasn't for charity I probably wouldn't pay more than €1

Reindeer food is my hill to die on... utterly disgusting people mix plastic with food and sprinkle it around, plastic straight into the ground and killing wild animals.

Even people suggesting edible glitter are setting a terrible example because you KNOW people see that and make their own with real glitter - my kid's school makes and sends the awful stuff home every year, that's 240 lots of the stupid useless plastic stuff being sent home.

There's just no need for any of it, reindeer food if needed is a carrot - practical, safe and responsible.

@dooders

What is the 'reindeer food'? Is it really bird food or something?

Yeah. It’s oats and seeds and glitter (well it used to be before people thought that’s not very environmentally friendly).

@LauraSaidIShouldBeNicer

I wasn't going to put glitter in it definitely not. I was going to do bird seeds or muesli mix with sugar sprinkles.

If it's this then I say definitely yes! If it's natural and healthy and can be eaten safely by other animals then it's doing no harm and actually benefitting the birds etc. Calling it reindeer food is cute and seasonal. If you're making up the packaging yourself you could perhaps label it "Reindeer food (also suitable for garden birds)", or something to make the point. I'd buy it

@MrsFin

a)Leave out the sugar sprinkles b)be prepared for rats to eat it, not the pretty birds you imagine

this ^

@ifIwerenotanandroid

I hate to be a party pooper but I know of a garden centre which has actual, live reindeer for quite some time pre-Christmas. My first thought on reading your title was that you were going to sell food for children to feed actual reindeer which they went to see.

So in case there's anyone else as middleclass out of touch with modern Christmas traditions as I am, maybe you should put a warning on the bag not to feed to actual reindeer; but that would spoil a few Christmas fantasies.

Yes this. We have reindeer too & my first thought was about pinging OP to send me some lol. Def make it clear what it is when you’re selling OP!!

I remember leaving chopped up carrots in the garden as a child and that was exciting enough!

Maybe the glitter is just a bit OTT and the actual edible stuff for animals is enough. Seems like a nice idea if you can make sure it's not damaging for wildlife!

sell it as wind in the willows food, that way no one will be surprised when Ratty turns up

@LauraSaidIShouldBeNicer

Should I put it in a clear bag with a sticker on or a brown paper envelope with a sticker?

Its not something I would usually buy because most reindeer food contains glitter so I think if you are going to put it in paper bags where people can't see the Contents you would need to have a sample on display.

Paper envelope, no sticker. Make the packaging as recycling-friendly as possible.

Remember some kids in a specialist school have sensory issues or may not understand that it's not edible. I wouldn't do this for a specialist school in case a child accidentally ate something they're not supposed to.

We always bought them at school Christmas fair when dc was younger. Fond memories.

I was already going to put a sample display version out in a clear bag.

My local school fair sold ‘reindeer poo’

Isn't 20th November really early to be buying food which is unwrapped from its original container and won't be used for over a month? Where/how are the families supposed to keep it in the meantime? If you're going to sell it at all, surely it needs to be in an airtight container?

No don’t make it. Everyone does reindeer food…no one wants it though.

@LauraSaidIShouldBeNicer

I wasn't going to put glitter in it definitely not. I was going to do bird seeds or muesli mix with sugar sprinkles.

My initial reaction was no, but reading this - I'd say go for it!

I made some reindeer food with my children that was basically oats with a small amount of spices and dried apple. Going to sprinkle a bit on the lawn on Xmas Eve and the rest can be our breakfast (made into porridge).

Why not?