Food Allergy Safety Tips for Birthday Parties and Playdates

Birthday parties, playdates, and after-school hangouts are some of the best parts of childhood. But for families managing food allergies, these social moments often come with an extra layer of planning and communication.

The goal? Helping your child stay safe while still enjoying the fun and feeling included.

Whether you’re sending your kiddo off for their first solo party or you're hosting a playdate yourself, here are some practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

1. Talk to the Host Ahead of Time

A quick conversation can go a long way. Reach out to the host in advance to share your child’s allergies and ask a few key questions:

• Will food be served?
• What snacks or treats are planned?
• Is it okay to bring a safe alternative?

Most parents are happy to accommodate — they just need a little guidance. Offer a short list of safe brands or suggest sending your own treat (bonus if it’s something your child is excited about, like a Free2b Chocolate Sun Cup or cookie).

2. Pack a “Safe Snacks” Bag

Send your child with a small, clearly labeled bag of allergy friendly snacks and treats so they have safe options they enjoy. A few ideas:

• Free2b Chocolate Sun Cups or Crunchsters
• Fresh fruit or veggie sticks
• Homemade allergy friendly cookies (like our Sea Salt Caramel Brookie)
• Their favorite drink

If it’s a birthday party, you might even pack a cupcake or dessert so they don’t miss out during cake time. Allergic Living has a treasure trove of recipes made by Food Allergy families, here are the cake and cupcake recipes.

3. Empower Your Child with Age-Appropriate Tools

Helping your child understand their allergies — and how to speak up about them — is a huge step toward independence. Depending on their age, you might:

• Practice how to say “No thank you, I have a food allergy.”
• Roleplay how to check in with an adult if they’re unsure about a snack.
• Remind them to only eat food from home or from a trusted adult.

Give them the tools to advocate for themselves and let them know you’ve already communicated with the host, so they don’t feel alone in it. Check out our resource: Building Confidence in Kids with Food Allergies: Empowering Independence.

4. Label Everything

If you’re sending food, use labels or stickers that say things like “Allergy Friendly for [Child’s Name]” or “Do Not Share.” This helps avoid mix-ups and reminds other adults that the food is specific to your child.

5. Stick Around (If You Need To)

For younger kids or new situations, it’s totally okay to stay during the party or playdate — especially if it gives you peace of mind. You can also offer to help out as a “party assistant” while keeping a quiet eye on your kiddo.

6. Follow Up with a Thank You

Send a quick message to thank the host for being allergy aware and inclusive. These small gestures go a long way in building a supportive community around your child — and may even open the door for more allergy friendly celebrations in the future.

Final Thoughts

Every party and playdate is an opportunity for your child to make memories, connect with friends, and just be a kid. With a bit of planning and open communication, food allergies don’t have to get in the way of any of that.

And when it comes to safe treats that feel just as special as the party cake, Free2b has you covered. Our chocolate treats are made in a facility free from the top 9 allergens (plus corn, mustard, and sulfites), so your child can enjoy the moment with confidence.