Birthdays at school

[OrionGrad]

DS1 just started preschool last week, and his third birthday is next week. Is it typical for parents to bring something in to school on their kids' birthdays?? I don't think you can bring edible things into the school because of allergies, but I'm not sure about favor bag-type things.

[ides]

Ask the teachers. They will let you know what they allow.

[MrsK]

Each school and classroom is different. I've had classrooms that allow packaged kosher treats, teachers who bake cakes themselves, and a school that requires packaged treats off of a pre-approved "nut safer" list. Personally, I'd prefer that they didn't make a big deal at school because it's enough for me to plan a birthday party and family party outside of school. I mean, if the whole class has to be invited to the birthday party anyway, what's the point of sending oreos to school?

[Thirteen]

I brought something in, but it was gluten free and made by me.


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[scrub-jay]

Our school doesn't have parents bring anything, they have a unique celebration with a special song and circle time. We have to send a picture of our kid at each age (newborn through present) and they make a special timeline. As a parent of a multiple food allergy kid, I very much appreciate the non-food focus.

[OrionGrad]

Ok, I went ahead and emailed the director. I tried to make it clear I'd just like to do whatever the norm is there. We're just so new, no other kids have had birthdays since we started.

[Ladybug]

Our school just released a new policy this year that birthday celebrants will be recognized over the speak and receive a special (non-food) token. No treats allowed. It's the food allergy issues. We talked about moving to this at the school I previously worked out. We didn't not allow any home-made food because of possible cross contamination of cooking utensils and surfaces. Even bringing in purchased, ingredient-labeled food brought issues. Parents would blatantly ignore classmates with food allergy restrictions. Somebody would get left out. It was a nightmare. I'm glad to hear the district is moving to non-food treats. That, plus I would typically drop $20-60 on treats. The healthier the treats (fresh, cut fruits) the more expensive.

[scrub-jay]

[MENTION=1048]Ladybug[/MENTION] Honestly, the inclusive "only bring labeled store bought treats" always ended up excluding my allergy kid who has multiple (4) anaphylactic food allergies.

[Michele]

Here they allow whatever. To make it easier on the teachers, I send cookies and juice boxes. I'm told the allergy kids have treats at school sent in by their own parents to be given during birthday celebrations. I have no idea how true this is. But I know that there is the gamut from parents who basically throw full parties at school with themes and favors to parents who do nothing. I go for the simple cookies and juice approach because my sister the teacher says it's the easiest.

[scrub-jay]

Here they allow whatever. To make it easier on the teachers, I send cookies and juice boxes. I'm told the allergy kids have treats at school sent in by their own parents to be given during birthday celebrations. I have no idea how true this is. But I know that there is the gamut from parents who basically throw full parties at school with themes and favors to parents who do nothing. I go for the simple cookies and juice approach because my sister the teacher says it's the easiest.

We had this approach at our old school. My kid can have Oreos, so she'd rock out with extra oreos while the other kids had mini cupcakes. It's pretty much up to the allergy kid's parents, when I had notice, I'd bring a comparable homemade cupcake, but I always had something there in the cupboard in case the teachers forgot to give me a heads up.

[OrionGrad]

I love our preschool so much. I talked to a teacher yesterday, and for birthdays they don't allow any outside foods (because of allergies). Birthday kids can choose a "special" snack that the school provides, wear a crown all day, and bring in a favorite toy for everyone to ask about during circle time. And that's it! Now I don't have to feel guilty about not wanting to bake treats for his entire class.

[Michele]

I sent in 40 apple juice boxes, 3 packages of double stuf oreos (maybe the peanut kids can partake) and napkins today!

[scrub-jay]

I sent in 40 apple juice boxes, 3 packages of double stuf oreos (maybe the peanut kids can partake) and napkins today!

The majority of the double stuff Oreo packages state "peanut free facility" it's often the specialty/holiday ones that they manufacture in facilities with peanuts. Oreos are awesome because they rock at labeling.

[SoonerTexan]

This thread is making me crave zebra cakes


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[OrionGrad]

What's a zebra cake???