Editor's Notes

September 17, 2020:

A standard set of chopsticks might not cut it for little ones, and will also pose somewhat of a learning curve for adults who have never used them before. That’s where these training sets come in handy, as they’re connected to keep them firmly in your hand so you can pick up your food properly and enjoy your meal. Once you’re used to them, you’ll find yourself graduating to a standard pair. Some sets, like the FinessCity Travel, even feature a design that lets you remove the hinge entirely if and when the time comes. We added in this pair so the list would have a travel-friendly option, as they come with a slim aluminum storage case that can be tucked easily into your purse or backpack. The sticks themselves are made of hard-wearing titanium, with a soft hinge that can be manually positioned on them as you see fit. They’re designed for children, featuring a length of less than seven inches. If you’re in search of bright, kid-friendly designs, our list has plenty to offer, as well. Today we added in the Plum Garden Learning, which comes with four sets of sticks, each designed as a cute and colorful animal friend. The animal tops can be removed from the sticks to be mixed and matched to your little ones’ liking. Each also comes with three finger grips to help them stay in the hands well during use. For a single-pair option that’s sure to provide some mealtime entertainment, look to the newly added Fred & Friends Shark Munchtime. Its jaws open as you press the hinged sticks together. It can make for a great party favor that children are sure to use once they get home, and is large enough for any adult shark fanatics to use as well.

We also added another cute animal-themed set, this one also being travel friendly, as it comes with a sturdy carrying case. The Goryeo Baby Portable is available in colorful designs in your choice of a chick, a monkey, a bear, and more. In addition to the training chopsticks with finger rings, you can also purchase a larger set that includes a fork and a spoon. For adults or teenagers who prefer a low-key design that doesn’t call much attention to itself, the Senior ICare Helper is worthy of a look. It’s a plastic hinge that fits over most standard pairs of chopsticks, and it comes with a set of sticks. For a pair that’s made of a single piece of plastic that’s safe for the dishwasher, check out the Joyce Chen Quick Sticks, which feature a bright shade of red that ensures they won’t become lost easily in your utensil drawer or silverware tray. No matter which set you choose to go with, if you’re giving them to a child, make sure to supervise them to help ensure a safe mealtime.

November 07, 2018:

Since both adults and kids can benefit from training chopsticks for myriad reasons, we endeavored to add a variety of selections that could assist with everything from manual dexterity issues in the elderly to fine motor skill development in young children. Added the Cleverstix Hello Kitty because of its superb construction and support from industry leaders, and the Fred Party People and Joyce Chen Quick Sticks for those that struggle with traditional chopsticks but don't require full training implements.