Valentines Day and Food Allergies
Am I the only one who hates that so many holidays revolve around food? Thanksgiving is one thing, but Valentine’s Day? All those chocolates, candies and chocolate-covered everythings annoy me because I can’t have any of it. Diamonds and precious stones are much better at demonstrating affection, don’t you think? (My son thinks Lego gifts show love.) Aside from that, Valentine’s Day is tough for little kids with food allergies. So many kids exchange candy and chocolates with their valentines, and those individual candy packages don’t have ingredients listed. Thus, children with allergies can’t have the treats their friends give to them. So what’s a parent to do? Here are some ideas for navigating Valentines Day and food allergies.
Find out about school parties
Call your child’s day care or school to find out how they will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Will any food be served? Will they allow the children to eat anything they receive with their valentines? Many schools allow kids to trade valentines but don’t allow them to eat anything while at school. Others have big parties where parents and teachers bring in food to share. Get the details so you can make your plan. If there will be a food party, send in something that’s safe for your child which they can share with everyone. Also, I would send in an assortment of treats for your child so that he isn’t limited to eating one thing if all of his friends are sampling several. (It stinks being in that position.) If you have concerns, see if you can volunteer to help at the party so you can keep an eye out and make it more fun for your child – that is, if they are young and still like having you around. 🙂
Go over safety 
Remind your child that she should not eat anything that comes with her valentines, and to only eat food that you send in with her. Remind teachers and day care providers about your child’s food allergies, as parties are not held every day and they may forget in the midst of the festivities.
Give non-food gifts and valentines
Pencils are not your only option when it comes to non-food valentine gifts! You can choose from temporary tattoos, bouncy balls, bubbles, stuffed animals, stickers, small toys, stamps – anything, really! Don’t just look in the Valentine’s Day section at the store. Check out the party favor section and toy section for other ideas. There are a ton of things to choose from. And they don’t have to be pink or red to be given on February 14 – the boys in the class may thank you!
Have treats to trade with your child
Your child will inevitably get treats that she can’t eat. Keep a stash of small toys and safe treats at home to trade with your child for the things she can’t have. I do this on Halloween too. During the year, keep an eye out for inexpensive toys and games on sale or clearance so you will always have something to choose from when your child gets a food gift they are allergic to. You may also want to bake up their favorite treat as a surprise for when they get home.
Throw your own Valentine’s Day party
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Why not have your own bash? Valentine’s Day is about love and caring, so invite your kid’s friends to have a good time together and play games. If you want to make food the center of attention, you’ll be able to control what’s there and keep it safe for your child. Bake allergen free cupcakes and have the kids decorate them with safe valentine sprinkles and frosting. Make heart-shaped cookies that they can decorate with Vegan Royal Icing. Bake brownies or these Allergy Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and cut them into heart shapes with a cookie cutter. Have fun with it!
Maybe one day food won’t be the focus of every celebration. Or maybe one day there will be a cure for food allergies. But for the time being, make the best of it and good luck!
