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Valentine's Day Tips

 

Valentine’s Day is about showing your affection, and in the U.S., it often includes candy. Of course, those of us in the food allergy community continually strive to redefine holiday celebrations as we navigate the obstacle course of food allergens. Whether you're looking for safe gifts for kids or adults, or you need to make your child's school celebration a safe one, we've got ideas for you here. 

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ABOUT THE FOOD-  Tips for Food-Free Activities

  • Create a personalized CD of music for your favorite person.
  • Compose a poem to put in a card or to read aloud to someone.
  • Decorate a picture frame and insert a photo of you and your “sweetheart”.
  • Eat dinner by candlelight. Even kids love this special treat!
  • Create personalized coupons for your child or spouse, treating them to an activity with you or a free pass for their chores, etc.
  • Decorate a clay flowerpot, stuff it with tissue paper, and add a seed packet for a project that reminds someone of you all year long.
  • Set up a treasure hunt with Valentines. The first one gives a clue for the location of the next one, and so on, until the seeker collects them all.

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?! -  Tips for Safe School Celebrations

  • In January, ask your child’s teacher about Valentine’s Day plans and traditions in the classroom.
  • Share your ideas for safe alternatives to the typical class party treats.
  • Work together to plan for the distribution and/or opening of Valentines at school. Ideas can be found in Kids With Food Allergies’ Valentine’s Day packet.
  • Volunteer to help with the class celebration on Valentine’s Day.
  • As always, read every label every time. If you’re unsure of any items, let your child trade them for safe candy at home.
  • Keep the focus on friendships and fun!

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET -  Tips for Finding Allergen-Free Treats

  • Gimbal’s Fine Candies has heart-shaped Cherry Lovers and Honey Lovers varieties, free of the top 8 allergens. See www.gimbalscandy.com.
  • A heart- shaped cookie cutter can make lots of foods special for the holiday: sandwiches, fruit roll-ups, pancakes, rice cereal treats, cookies…
  • Dip strawberries, cherries, or other safe fruit in melted chocolate chips. Try Enjoy Life Foods chocolate chips (free of top 8 allergens) at www.enjoylifefoods.com.   
  • Flowers for Valentine’s Day? Try making a fruit bouquet!
  • Dip large marshmallows in melted chocolate chips and roll in safe candy sprinkles.
  • Experiment with pink and red punches or smoothies, using pink lemonade, juices, strawberries, or raspberries.
  • Of course, if you’re avoiding only peanuts and tree nuts, turn to Vermont Nut Free Chocolates for your Valentine treat. www.vermontnutfree.com.