12 Allergy-Friendly Treats for Classroom Celebrations

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When our son was 8, we discovered he had severe allergies to a variety of things, including cats, dust mites, and penicillin. Testing revealed he also had trouble with several foods and environmental allergens, resulting in a total of over 30 different allergens on his list. Yes, he’s even allergic to carrots. It was a real eye-opener for us!

After numerous consultations with his school nurse, doctors, and allergists, we devised a plan to ensure his safety in the classroom. Although we’ve adapted to our new reality, I still feel a sense of anxiety during holiday seasons. Classroom celebrations can be quite challenging for kids with allergies.

Before navigating these situations, I admit I rarely considered what snacks I sent for school parties. However, one of the toughest aspects of having a child with allergies is managing the chaos of classroom treats. From reaching out to the room parent at the start of the school year to confirm my child’s dietary needs, to sending emails when spring allergies hit, it can feel overwhelming.

It can be frustrating when other parents don’t fully grasp the importance of providing allergy-friendly snacks. I’ve encountered resistance from parents who struggle to understand that some kids need alternatives to the typical cookies and juice. It’s essential that classroom celebrations are inclusive for all students.

To make things easier, focus on brands that avoid the top 8 allergens: eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Brands like Enjoy Life cater to these needs and are also gluten-free and non-GMO. While they may be pricier, remember that anything prepackaged often carries a higher cost.

If you’re considering sending snacks for the party, think about options like fruit snacks, fruit leather, or gummy candies (like Sour Patch Kids or Skittles). Just make sure to read labels carefully. Hard candies like lollipops or gummy bears usually present fewer risks.

Personally, I often opt to skip food entirely for classroom treats. Here are some fun alternatives we love to contribute:

1. Create a playlist of your child’s favorite songs and share it with the class.
2. Bring along puzzle books—Sudoku and crossword puzzles are still popular!
3. Purchase affordable books from services like Scholastic Book Club, especially during their $1 book specials, which also benefit your child’s classroom.
4. Stock up on crayons during back-to-school sales; kids always appreciate new supplies!
5. Holiday-themed rubber stamps and ink pads can add a delightful touch. Include a note with cute messages like “Happy Holidays!”
6. Consider jump ropes, inflatable beach balls, or Frisbees to encourage active play.
7. Mechanical pencils are a huge hit, and you can buy them in bulk.
8. Tokens for local entertainment venues, like Chuck E. Cheese, can be a fun treat.
9. Glow sticks are perfect for Halloween fun. They help parents keep an eye on their kids in the dark!
10. Add some whimsy with stick-on mustaches or fuzzy eyebrows—add plastic glasses for extra silliness!
11. Photo props for classroom selfies are great for creating memories, especially with tweens.
12. Look for fun trinkets like bouncy balls, magnifying glasses, or other age-appropriate items. Craft stores often have a variety of affordable party favors.

Any parent who makes the effort to ensure that their snacks are suitable for all children deserves a high-five! A simple message to the parent of a child with allergies asking for suggestions goes a long way. Most importantly, by providing safe snacks, you’re potentially ensuring a child’s safety, making you a true hero. You could even wear a cape if you want—no judgment here!

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Summary

Navigating classroom parties with children who have allergies can be challenging, but with careful planning and the right alternatives, it’s possible to create an inclusive environment. From offering fun trinkets to suggesting safe snacks, any effort to include all children is appreciated.