In our extended family and our circle of friends, there are nut allergies, soy sensitivity, and wheat & gluten intolerances. Because of this, when everyone gets together (which is typically at birthdays), it is really important that we can find a way to make sure no one feels left out by the food options available.
It’s hard enough as a child to have a food allergy, so a little extra effort to be allergy friendly goes a long way.
In today’s world, there are food allergies our children deal with on a daily basis. So whether we’re looking for great ways to bring allergy-friendly snacks to a class party or we’re trying to host large gatherings in our home for multiple kids who could have allergies, it’s a valid concern.
For us, we not only like to make sure everyone feels like they have a place in the celebration, but we also love finding tasty and healthy snacks we can share with all of our friends. Recently, I was asked by Perfectly Free™ to try their frozen treats to share with you and they are now a family favorite and a go-to party platter that everyone seems to enjoy. They’re a quick, guilt-free treat at 35 or less calories each, but taste like a little bite of heaven.
How to host an allergy-friendly party
Forgo a traditional cake.
You can make your own coconut milk ice cream cake, a cake that’s actually entirely fruit, one with safe icing, or another creative cake option that is allergy friendly.
For most, the standard cake is where most kids run into trouble because dairy, wheat, and eggs are high on the allergy list.
Take a poll of the main allergies, and come up with a great focal piece that everyone can enjoy!
Choose a kid-friendly Hors D’oeuvre style set-up including Perfectly Free™ frozen treats
Perfectly Free™ is a delicious, frozen treat that is free of the big 8 food allergens, meaning it’s a great choice to have on your snack and graze table at the party. Plus they have some awesome flavors like Salted Caramel & Vanilla. They’re sure to be a great addition for both the adults and kids alike just like my daughter had to try my treat and now loves them!
Other great snacks that would be allergy friendly food grazing include fresh fruit, popcorn, raisins, veggies served with hummus, among others.
Host a cookout where each family brings a side or entree.
One of the best ways to ensure that every person attending has a go-to item, you can ask families to make their favorite side, entree, or dessert. Just ask that they also bring a label. It can indicate something like “Gluten free brownies” or give a name plus what allergens it does have.
It’s a wonderful way to make sure everyone at the party can enjoy some food and no one feels left out.
Make apple cider or serve 100% fruit juice.
It’s always been a family favorite to serve apple cider at gatherings with friends and it’s something that not overly sugary, but also something that most people like and can drink.
Stick to non-food party favors & activities.
If you’re handing out little party bags or planning on doing any crafts, stay away from foods and candies that could have at the very least the top food allergens: dairy, soy, wheat, nuts, fish, and eggs.
Because there are also many cases of kids reacting to the wheat in play doughs, fill the bags with stickers, instructions and supplies to make a bracelet (such as from paracord which is even “boy-ish), and even something like crazy straws.
Healthy Recipes & Party Ideas
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Perfectly Free™. The opinions and text are all mine.

Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 5 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!

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