Spring Has Sprung!

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.

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). 

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​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. 

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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. 

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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.

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*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.