I was talking to my friend Jen recently about her daughter’s upcoming birthday and she said something that blew my mind. Her kids’ school now bans birthday sweets. I mean on the one hand, I get it. But on the other hand, I can’t tell you how many hundreds of cupcakes I baked for my kids’ parties at school. And they were some good cupcakes!
So if you are in the same boat and not sure what to do to help make their birthday celebrations at school sugar-free but equally awesome, here are some of my suggestions:
1. The $1 books from Scholastic Books. Every month they feature a $1 book available online or through your child’s class book orders. There are some great titles, and when you order, your child’s class receives free books. Double score!
2. Children’s Artist Aprons. These run as low as $.50/apron and can be decorated with fabric markers so the kids can customize them!
3. Mini Play Doh packs. Play Doh is always a hit {unless you ask the mom or janitor trying to get it out of the carpet!}.
4. Mustache Lip Whistles. Okay so I know every teacher on the planet will hate me, but I also know almost every child on the planet will love these!
5. Wooden Paddle Ball Game. I played a version of this for hours on end growing up. I know with all the gadgets kids have these days, they might not be quite as exciting. But I still think they’ll get some great use out of them!
6. Sand Pail Beach Play Sets. These are perfect if your child has a summer birthday, and they can be purchased for under $1.
7. Lego Crayon Sets. Any little box of crayons will do, but these little Lego guy crayons are too cute for words!
8. Sticky hands. These things feel totally gross, but I’m always seeing kids play with them for hours!
9. LED Finger Lights. Of all the items listed, these are the only ones, as an adult, I’d actually want. They are so fun!
10. Fun Pencils. Sometimes it really is best to keep it simple!
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kcb says
As a 3rd grade teacher of 30+ years, I 100% support this! At one time, my school had a Super that “banned” all homemade items at class parties. This was because brownies were served at school by a parent who tested positive for TB. Lots of TB screening had to be done after that.
Marie says
Sad but so true! I’m sure your cupcakes were over the top but some have arrived in classrooms that were under baked, burned on the bottom, “laced” with a plastic toy or even missing some key ingredients ( butter-marg-oil….). With the advent of 2 adults working these days, many families do not have the time or energy to provide such a wonderful treat at school. Ever notice how many kid party places have sprung up lately in urban environments? A parent purchases a cake, purchases treats & send kids home with preassembled party bags. Monkey boy & the girl who thinks she is a bird take note-maybe you did not own the latest & greatest things growing up but Mom really did fill your life with unforgettable memories!
Libby says
This is the rule at my kids preschool and I bring big slices of watermelon instead. The kids always go nuts for it, and line up for seconds.
Ashley says
My daughter isn’t allowed to bring in any type of food. Something about a federal food rule…. Thanks for all the ideas!
Tabitha says
Great ideas! We don’t have the food rule here, but one year we did the organic lollipops. My daughter was allowed to pass them out at the end of the day and her several allergic classmates were included in the mini celebration. In kindergarten, we also did a mini craft kit. The teacher used it as a craft project in class and kids had a great time.
Rebeka says
Our school will allow food but it has to be prepackaged and have the food and allergy information on it, sine there are so many kids in the class that have food sensitive allergies to the point one has a EpiPen.