FAAM - FOOD ALLERGY ALLIANCE OF THE MIDSOUTH
  • Home
  • Join FAAM
  • About
  • Give
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact

Spring Has Sprung!

3/25/2017

1 Comment

 
by Kelley Barnett
Invitations to Egg Hunts and Spring Celebrations are popping up like tulips. Many food allergy families are on the look out for safe ways to get in on the fun. The great news is there are many safe options! I am sharing my favorite Easter ideas and resources so your family can enjoy an egg-cellent (yep, I said it) holiday season.
Picture
People diagnosed with egg allergies worry about dyeing real eggs for Easter because the potential of eggs breaking open while boiling is fairly high. I have used craft eggs for the last few years and really like them. They look like real eggs, can be dyed, and will not spoil if left in the heat after a hunt. 

Craft eggs are made from recyclable material and do not dye with the same saturation as a real egg. The color is usually pastel, especially if you follow the instructions on a dye kit. I prefer to purchase dye by itself and the combination that sometimes results in more vibrant colors is to add extra dye, use less vinegar, and soak longer. Craft eggs float so you need to find a way to push them into the dye, or turn them so the dye is even. In time, the dye fades away (especially if left out in the rain). 

Picture
​You are not limited to dye - Sharpie markers, decorative tape and "bling" work beautifully, and stickers are always a favorite. Let your imagination run wild! 

Wooden and ceramic eggs are also options. Craft stores sell wooden and ceramic eggs that can be painted and decorated. They may be a little more expensive, but make memorable decor to use year after year. 

Picture
For egg hunts, you can use decorated craft eggs or try one of these ideas* if you want something different:
  • Plastic, toy-filled eggs: Fill with inexpensive toys**. My favorites are the plastic eggs from Wal-Mart, which come in many different colors and designs, and toys from the party favor aisle at Dollar Tree. You can also purchase pre-filled eggs at Oriental Trading Company. Toys include all children and will not melt like candy, win-win!
  • Glow-in-the-dark egg hunt: Fill plastic eggs with mini glow sticks, battery operated tea lights, or LED finger lights (pictured here) and hide. This option is really fun and the lights make fun toys that last for weeks.
  • Hunt for eggs by color: Designate a certain color egg for each person or group and they can only pick up eggs in that color. I heard about this idea from someone who hosts an egg hunt for the adults in their family and hides money in the eggs. Count me in! If you have more participants than colors, add decorative tape around some of the eggs to make another option. Just make sure you have the same number of eggs for each participant or group.
  • Egg Scavenger Hunt: This can be a great alternative to Easter baskets if your kids are older. Eggs are numbered and clues are hidden in each egg. They find their prize or basket at the end.
  • Eggs-ercises: Need a way to burn off extra sugar? Type or write different exercises on little slips of paper and place one in each egg. When an egg is found, it is opened and the child has to complete the exercise before they can hunt for another egg. Some eggs have goodies in them, so they keep hunting hoping to find a prize. 

As you can see, there is no reason to let food allergies slow you down this spring! As for traditional holiday food, there are some recipes you will need to alter and some you will need to replace (see the article I wrote last Thanksgiving about this). It may take a little longer if you are newly diagnosed, but you can do it! I hope you enjoy finding new ways to celebrate with your loved ones. Happy Spring!
For additional resources, check out FAAM's Easter & Passover board on Pinterest.

*These ideas are not original. Search and you will find blog posts from people who have tried them. You can even find a printable for the Scavenger hunt and Eggs-ercise ideas.

​**Please note: Avoid items made of latex and playdough (for those with wheat allergies). Toys small enough to fit in an egg are considered choking hazards for young children. Use caution and make sure your egg fillers are age appropriate. 
1 Comment
Cheap New South Wales link
5/13/2021 11:32:13 pm

Thank you for sharinng this

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Food for Thought is the blog for the Food Allergy Alliance of the Mid-South. FAAM's mission is to provide food allergy support, education, advocacy, fellowship & fun for Memphis, TN and surrounding areas.

    Archives

    March 2022
    October 2021
    March 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    504 Plan
    Adults
    Ask An Advisor
    Awareness
    Education
    Events
    Fundraising
    Giveaway
    Holidays
    Meetings
    Newly Diagnosed
    Review
    School
    Support

    Terms of Use Disclaimer:
    By using this site, you are agreeing to the terms of use stated. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use this site. 
    The content on this web site and any information presented by FAAM is for informational purposes only and NOT a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The authors are not offering individual medical advice; this material is for reference only. A physician or other qualifying medical professional should always be consulted for medical advice/diagnosis. The authors of this web site; anyone associated with FAAM as members, advocates, leaders, or advisors; Friends of FAAM and/or anyone involved with the production of this web site are not responsible, and do not assume responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, illness, death, or other negative impact that may occur after reading and using the information on this web site. 
    ​
    If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and follow up with a physician.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
Providing support, education, advocacy, & fellowship for the food allergy community ​of Memphis, TN and surrounding areas
P.O. Box 342907   |   Memphis, Tennessee 38184-2907   |   (901) 614-2907   |   Email FAAM
FAAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Copyright © 2015-2020, Food Allergy Alliance of the MidSouth, All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Join FAAM
  • About
  • Give
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact