Sweet Classroom Celebrations without the Sugar

A few ideas to help jump start your (and your child’s) creative juices:

--Fruit. Fresh fruit is not quite as convenient as packaged sweets, but it can be fun. Many produce departments carry fruit trays, or you can cut your own. Try berries, melon or stone fruits. You can make kebobs, or fruit cups, or give the kids paper cups and forks and let them help themselves. If there are no dairy allergies in your child’s class, yoghurt dip might make the fruit more festive. Another fun option is to use cookie cutters on slices of melon.

--Other somewhat healthy food items include yoghurt cups, granola bars, mini muffins (not chocolate-chocolate chip), applesauce tubes, popcorn and individual bags of whole grain crackers or pretzels. Some kids might enjoy bringing mini bagels with cream cheese, or even hosting a lunch-time pizza party. (Though some might argue that pizza still qualifies as junk food) You will have to check with your school for their snack guidelines.

--Consider bringing a goody bag for each student. Fill it with fun themed school supplies, like pencils, erasers and bookmarks. Small party favors such as bouncy balls or glow in the dark animals are also appreciated by the under 12 crowd.

--A small gift per student, such as a notebook or stationary set. These can be found at very affordable prices in dollar stores. Depending on what you choose, the cost can be comparable to cupcakes, punch and napkins.

--Have your child make a classroom donation. Books, educational games, or other items for use in the class room can be wrapped and presented to the class. A library book with your child’s name and birthday listed in the front cover is another possibility. Some children are excited by the idea of a tangible gift that will last for years.

--Donate your time. Ask your child’s teacher about coming in to read a story, or sponsor an art (or even PE) lesson for your child’s special day. With increased budget cuts, many schools have had to remove various art related activities from their lesson plans. If you give the teacher enough notice, the two of you can work together to provide not only a fun experience for the students, but one that enhances the curriculum. With the guidance of your student and teacher, you can choose something as simple as coming in as a guest reader for a half hour, or as fancy as a full blown art project. If you have the connections, you might even bring in a guest speaker. Now that’s a birthday to remember!

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