Inside: Stickers, crowns, recess fun & other creative and fun ways to celebrate birthdays at school without food (and that kids will love!).
I love cupcakes as much as the next person.
I have sweet memories of the birthday cupcakes my mom brought to school.
But for better or worse, cupcakes at school are on their way out.
High rates of food allergies mean homemade cupcakes aren’t safe for everyone anymore–and concerns about how many sugary treats kids are getting (and how frequently they’re getting them) are making more parents uncomfortable with this tradition.
Below are 10 creative ways to celebrate birthdays at school without food.
These suggestions are geared toward younger children in preschool or elementary school. Maybe you can use one of these suggestions at your child’s school!
Get More: See All My Posts About School Wellness
15 Ideas for School Birthdays Without Food
1. Make the school snack special
Bring in fun party napkins, plates, or party hats to use with the usual school snack.
2. Be the boss at recess
Get a special “recess pass” and choose the main activity the class does at recess time.
3. Share a book
Bring in your favorite book and the teacher will read it to the class–or have your parent come in to read it.
4. Give a gift
Give a gift to the class, such as a book (write an inscription inside), a toy for the play area, or a game.
5. Be a big deal
Be “VIP For the Week”. Make a timeline of your life, have your parents read to the class one day, and have other students interview you about your favorite things.
6. Receive a class card
Get a card from the class. All the students sign it saying what they like most about you.
7. Get recognized
Have your name read over the morning announcements.
8. Wear it with pride
Get a special sticker or crown to wear at school all day.
9. Supply a craft
Have your parents provide a special craft for the class that day.
10. Pick a prize
Pick out of a birthday prize box that includes fun pencils, temporary tattoos, stickers, and small toys.
11. Snag a privilege
The birthday kid gets to sit in a special chair or beanbag or do a coveted classroom duty.
12. Pass out goodies
Bring non-food treats for the class, like stickers, small toys, pencils, or temporary tattoos.
13. Show and tell
The birthday student gets to bring something in from home to share with the class.
14. Have a bubbly recess
Bring small bottles of bubbles and have the class blow bubbles at recess.
15. Dance!
Play a song in the classroom and let everyone have a mini dance-party. Bonus: It helps get the wiggles out too!
