Non-Food Treat Ideas For Valentine’s Fun

Valentine’s Day can be a stressful holiday for families of children with food allergies, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac Disease, Eosinophilic Esophagitis and other medical conditions affected by diet. Additionally, the last thing our children need is more candy.

Make Valentine’s Day a more inclusive event by offering non-food treats. Some ideas popular at our house for the holiday include:

• Glow sticks
• Erasers (food or animal shaped)
• Necklaces
• Stamps
• Glow rings

Many of these items can be found at big box retailers or a dollar store.

If you do decide to send food items, contact the teacher in advance to determine if there are any food allergies in the classroom. Allergic reactions do have the potential to be fatal and according to the CDC – they are present in 1 out of 13 kids today.

Apart from checking labels to make sure the allergen is not contained in food, it is best if the allergen is not even used at the facility making the food item. Learn more from the American Academy of Asthma & Immunology for more information on how to find allergen information on a food label.

Those living with chronic diseases will feel loved when you make this holiday safer for them and feel included in its fun traditions.