Whether you need store bought packaged birthday treats for school, are looking for an easy homemade option, or even a non-food treat, this list of favorites will help you choose!
Birthday Treats for School
Bringing in birthday treats to share with a class is one of the more exciting parts of the school year and these options will help narrow down the entire grocery store to make choosing one more manageable.
I’m including store-bought birthday treats, since they are required at many schools to reduce allergy concerns, as well as some homemade options and non-food treats.
Always be sure to check with your school to find out their specific requirements for birthday treats. Most require a snack to be peanut-free and many require that treats be store-bought. You may also have to steer clear of gluten or other ingredients, depending.
Your school may also have a preferred snack list as part of their Wellness Policy (which is usually linked on a district website), so out of respect for the people who worked hard to put that together, check that list if it applies to you.
Remember that your child can feel celebrated on their birthday at school in so many ways that don’t require them bringing in a treat. This is optional and should never add stress or budget-pressure on a family.
Store-Bought Birthday Treats
There are so many options for store-bought birthday treats that it’s always helpful to talk to your child to ask what they want to bring. Then, see if there are individual packages of that food that are a price that works with your budget. It may help to have a few options to choose from when you get to the store.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s one that will help get you started with options. Each of these is peanut-free, as most schools require that. Your school may also have additional allergy concerns, too.
- Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
- Annie’s Graham Bunnies
- Annie’s Fruit Snacks
- Chips Ahoy Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie packets
- Fruit leather
- Fruit snacks
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit cups
- Little Bites birthday cake muffins
- Little Bites Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Oreo packets
- Pirates Booty
- Pudding cups
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Popsicles
- Yogurt tubes
TIP: Insert any other food your kiddo likes that meets the criteria of your school. It’s usually easier for everyone if they are individually packaged and doesn’t require refrigeration.
Easy Homemade Birthday Treats
Below are some of our favorite homemade birthday options that are both easy to make and yummy for everyone to enjoy if you’re able to bring in something homemade.
Moist tender Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins that taste as good as store bought, but have a little extra nutrition? Sign. Me. Up. These muffins are seriously delicious and are a must-make if you have fans of Little Bites in your house!
Fluffy and perfectly moist, these little muffins have protein and calcium—plus bursts of delicious blueberries. (Like Little Bites, but with more nutrients and for less $$.) See Notes for allergy variations.
Classic loaded Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with lower sugar for the whole family. Choose your add-ins based on the kinds you like!
This makes a small batch of lightly sweet cookies. Double it to make more. If at any point the dough seems too sticky, pop it into the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm up a bit. Or dust your parchment paper and cookie cutters with flour.
You can add sprinkles to make these fun or leave them plain—either one works! Serving size is 2 brownie bites.
I like to frost these soon before serving. You can make the frosting ahead, transfer it to a zip top bag, and store in the fridge until ready to add to the cupcakes.
This recipe was updated Jan 12, 2021. Comments from before that are from an old version of this recipe. Significant testing and improvements have been made!
Perfectly moist mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes (with easy Cream Cheese Frosting) are a delicious dessert to share with the kids—whether for a spring holiday, Easter, a kid’s birthday, or any special occasion!
Transform diced fruit into delicious homemade fruit cups that rival store-bought in terms of flavor and cost. You can make more cups or less, according to your preference.
You can use any fruit the kids like in these, though I most often do it with fruit that’s lingering in the fridge—it helps the fruit suddenly become more fun! You can make as few or as many as you like—adjust the quantity of fruit as needed.
Non-Food Birthday Favors
If you’re looking for a non-edible option, these are some of our go-to favor options.
- Bouncy balls
- Bubbles
- Mini crayon sets
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need to check with your school or childcare center for the specific requirements or restrictions first to know what is allowed. There may also be a preferred birthday snack list. Then, you can go with an easy store bought or homemade option, accordingly.
Check with the school for requirements and check the teacher’s sign up list if there is one. That is always the best place to start.
Cookies, cupcakes, or another favorite treat is always a fun birthday option. Or, you can go with a non-edible option like stickers or balls.
Best Tips
- Check with your school or childcare facility for their specific rules on birthday treats.
- Bring any specific questions to the teacher, principal, or director.
- Follow allergy rules to keep everyone safe.
- Consider individually packaged items to make it easier for the teacher to serve them.
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