Hands-on food
Anything kids can dip, build or decorate is usually a hit. Set up a fruit kebab station with bowls of grapes, melon, strawberries and blueberries so they can make their own. Rice cakes topped with yoghurt and chopped fruit are another option. It’s not the tidiest activity, but that’s part of the fun!
Food that fuels the fun
Think about food that keeps kids energised for running, jumping and playing. A few quick ideas:
- Pinwheel sandwiches - wraps containing a variety of fillings, rolled and sliced into spirals.
- Pizza squares - flatbread or pita topped with tomato paste, cheese and veg, baked and cut into squares.
- Mini frittata bites - eggs whisked with grated veg and cheese, baked in muffin tins, and ready the day before.
Fruit and veg that will get eaten
Instead of raw veggie sticks that sit untouched, serve fruit and veg in ways kids enjoy:
- Watermelon triangles with the rind left on - easy to hold and refreshing.
- Cucumber coins - thick slices that stay crunchy.
- Berry bowls - strawberries, blueberries and grapes in small cups for grab-and-go snacking.
- Frozen banana pops - dipped in yoghurt, rolled in coconut or crushed cereal, then frozen.
Sweet treats in smaller doses
The birthday cake is the main event, so no need to replace it. Just balance things out with lighter options:
- Yoghurt bark - yoghurt spread on a tray, scattered with fruit, frozen and snapped into pieces.
- Fruit jelly cups - sugar-free jelly poured into clear cups with fruit inside.
- Mini muffins - banana or berry muffins for a smaller ‘cake’ fix.
As an alternative to birthday cake, you could have a cupcake decorating station instead, for an extra activity.
Festive drinks without the sugar crash
You don’t need soft drink to make party drinks feel special:
- Soda or fizzy mineral water with slices of orange, strawberries and blueberries - looks festive and has plenty of bubbles.
- Icy water jugs with frozen grapes instead of ice cubes - colourful, cold and practical.
- Mini smoothies - banana, yoghurt and berries (or whatever you like) blended and served in little cups with straws.
