Parents of young children know all too well what holidays mean on school days. Whether it’s for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or another holiday, it is commonly expected of families to bring in treats to share for the whole classroom. This can be fun for caregivers who love to cook and have some extra time. But for others, it can be stressful trying to figure out what to send along with their little ones for the school party.
So, here are some healthy (and easy!) treat ideas to remember next time you are asked to bring holiday party refreshments for your kid’s class.
Dried Fruit and Nuts
Who says you have to be outdoors and hiking to enjoy some delicious trail mix? Dried fruit and nuts will provide a little protein and other nutrients to the kids’ party day while they are snacking and playing.
Homemade Granola Bars
Pre-packaged granola bars aren’t very exciting for parties and are often filled with preservatives and sugar anyway. If you have some extra time before the party, make your own homemade version of granola bars with healthy, whole, and natural ingredients. All you really need is rolled oats, maple syrup, dates, almond butter, and some chocolate chips to get started.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are light and refreshing, and they won’t weigh the kids down for their school party. You can put together small, individual-serving-size cups of Greek yogurt and top them with strawberries, blueberries, granola, and chia seeds for a healthy treat.
Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate
A Valentine’s Day party favorite treat is strawberries dipped in chocolate, which is often a big hit with both kids and adults. You can melt chocolate in the microwave and then dip strawberries into it, before placing strawberries on a baking sheet and allowing the chocolate to set. Other fun toppings to add are graham cracker crumbs, chopped nuts, and toasted coconut.
Pretzels or Veggies with Hummus
Hummus is packed with protein and has many health benefits for growing children. You can either buy ready-made hummus or make your own from scratch. Then serve it with pretzels, celery sticks, cucumber slices, or other tasty vegetables.
Carrots and Peanut Butter
Another classic snack that’s healthy for little ones is carrots with peanut butter. Pick up packages of baby carrots and choose all-natural peanut butter for dipping. The kids won’t even know they’re getting a healthy dose of protein and vitamins while they’re partying!
Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese
Crackers and cheese always make a satisfying snack, but choose whole grain crackers that are made with natural ingredients and minimal processing. Mozzarella cheese is a good choice to go with the crackers because it is lower in sodium than other types of cheese.
Non-Food Treat Ideas
If you want to avoid bringing potential allergens into the classroom or if other families are already taking care of the food, you might also consider bringing non-food treats to your child’s school party. Here are some non-food options that work great for school parties.
- Stickers
- Pencils and erasers
- Bubbles
- Coloring books and crayons
- Magnifying glasses
- Notepads and pens
- Packets of seeds to plant
- Sidewalk chalk