Question about allergies and birthday parties

Jermysgirl

My kids are allergy free, so I'm kind of clueless.  Her birthday party is coming up and there are at least four kids in her class who have various allergies.  What do you do when you go to a party?  Should I make a handful of vegan cupcakes for the kids with allergies?  I don't like the idea of them missing out.

lalamakita

Yes, that would be a lovely gesture.  I know I'd be touched by your thoughtfulness.  

But it is possible the kids or parents may still not be 100% comfortable due to possible cross contamination.  

what I've done is to email the parents and tell them your concern and plan and see what they say. They might be ok with your cupcakes, or they might just send a treat with their child to eat during the party.  

What might be good too, would to serve treats all the kids can enjoy, fruit kabobs, rice Krispy treats, depending on the allergies.

You are certainly not clueless, it's a nice instinct.  From a mom w a food allergic kid, thank you.  

macchiatto

lalamakita:

Yes, that would be a lovely gesture.  I know I'd be touched by your thoughtfulness.  

But it is possible the kids or parents may still not be 100% comfortable due to possible cross contamination.  

what I've done is to email the parents and tell them your concern and plan and see what they say. They might be ok with your cupcakes, or they might just send a treat with their child to eat during the party.  

What might be good too, would to serve treats all the kids can enjoy, fruit kabobs, rice Krispy treats, depending on the allergies.

You are certainly not clueless, it's a nice instinct.  From a mom w a food allergic kid, thank you.  

I agree with all of this!

Jermysgirl

I didn't even think about cross contamination.  I'll ask the moms tomorrow at school and see what they think.  I know a couple of the kids aren't severe, but one of them I think is, and I would be so devastated if I did something that hurt him.  I'll definitely do the fruit kabobs - I love that idea!  

I do hate the idea of inviting someone to a party and having them just sit and watch everyone else eat food that they can't have.  That just seems so rude and awful, especially to a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds  

If anyone else has any ideas of allergy free food I could make or buy, I would love some suggestions.  We're having a cowgirl themed party, so the food is kind of cook-out stuff - hot dogs, baked beans, mixed fruit, salad, etc.  I'll check back! 

tnd81

That is such a nice gesture and like PPs said, it means so much to moms of food allergic kids. I would find out what exactly the allergies are and then see if you can accommodate with snacks or something. The burgers and hot dogs are good, other than that I probably wouldn't serve my DD anything made from someone's kitchen. You just don't know exactly what they used or how they prepared it. And I don't like grilling them after they were kind enough to go through the trouble. I personally hate parties because its so scary for me, even tho my DD knows to ask me if she can have something. We still go to everything but I find out what's being served, bring anything I think she'll need and bring her own special cupcake. But she's almost 3 and doesn't notice or care much about food at parties.
Thank you for asking, you are very thoughtful!!

magdusia

really nice of you to think of them!  but if the kids are anything like mine, they are not allowed to eat from someone elses kitchen unless i see a package and ingredients listed.  I always bring a safe cupcake for my son when we go to a party. We've been to a few birthday parties where the parents have brought my son (and other kids with FA) a package of safe cookies and i am able to see the ingredients list.

If you buy a box of enjoy life cookies (assuming they are allergic to one or few of the top 8 allergies) they will be happy.

https://www.enjoylifefoods.com/#page=page-1

Jermysgirl

Thanks so much for that link!! It looks like our grocery store carries those cookies, or I can get them on Amazon too (oh Amazon Prime, I can't quit you!) I am so glad I posted...I am loving the suggestions!

SunAndRain

The combination of allergies from four different kids could be really difficult to accomodate (eggs, dairy, berries, soy, nuts, wheat, banana.....).  I do like the idea of asking the moms what they think but I just don't know how you can be expected to cater to all of them. They must encounter this on a regular basis so they probably have solutions all figured out. Maybe they'll offer to pitch in a dish or dessert that is allergen free?