When planning Valentine's Day celebrations at school, it's crucial to consider the dietary restrictions and sensitivities of all children. Creating an inclusive environment not only ensures that every child can participate in the festivities but also promotes understanding and empathy among classmates.

Gluten-Free, Casein-Free, Dye-Free Treats:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:
- Ingredients:
  - Fresh strawberries
  - Dairy-free chocolate chips
  - Coconut oil
  - Crushed nuts or seeds (optional)
- Instructions:
  - Melt dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut oil.
  - Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate.
  - Place on parchment paper and sprinkle with crushed nuts or seeds if desired.
  - Allow to cool until the chocolate hardens.
Heart-Shaped Fruit Kabobs:
- Ingredients:
  - Watermelon
  - Cantaloupe
  - Pineapple
  - Skewers
- Instructions:
  - Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create fruit shapes.
  - Thread the fruit onto skewers to create colorful and festive kabobs.
Allergen-Free Cupcakes:
- Ingredients:
  - Gluten-free flour
  - Dairy-free butter
  - Applesauce (in place of eggs)
  - Baking powder
  - Vanilla extract
- Instructions:
  - Mix ingredients and bake according to the gluten-free flour instructions.
  - Decorate with dye-free frosting made from coconut cream and natural food coloring and sprinkles.
Sunflower Seed Butter Energy Bites:
- Ingredients:
  - Sunflower seed butter
  - Gluten-free oats
  - Honey or maple syrup
  - Enjoy Life chocolate chips (allergen-free)
  - Chia seeds
- Instructions:
  - Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  - Form into small bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm.
Dye-Free Raspberry Lemonade:
- Ingredients:
  - Fresh raspberries
  - Lemon juice
  - Honey or agave syrup
  - Water
- Instructions:
  - Blend raspberries, lemon juice, and sweetener.
  - Strain the mixture and mix with water to create a refreshing and dye-free beverage.

When selecting candy for your treats, always check labels to ensure they meet specific dietary requirements. These cleaner candy options not only enhance the taste and quality of your Valentine's Day creations but also contribute to a healthier and more inclusive celebration.

Enjoy Life: Allergy-Friendly Chocolate:

Enjoy Life offers a range of allergy-friendly chocolates, perfect for crafting gluten-free, casein-free, and dye-free treats. Their chocolate chips are free from common allergens such as dairy, nuts, soy, and gluten. Incorporate these chips into your recipes for chocolate-dipped strawberries, cupcakes, or energy bites.

Smart Sweets: Natural and Organic Gummies:
- Sweet Treats is committed to delivering delightful gummy candies without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Their natural and organic gummies are often free from common allergens, providing a safer alternative for children with food sensitivities. Consider incorporating Sweet Treats gummies into your Valentine's Day treats for a fruity and chewy twist.
Yum Earth: Organic Lollipops and Gummies:
- Yum Earth specializes in organic and allergen-free candy options, making it a go-to choice for parents and caregivers seeking cleaner treats. Their organic lollipops and gummies come in various flavors, free from artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup. Use Yum Earth products to create vibrant and flavorful additions to your Valentine's Day celebration.

Valentine's Day should be a celebration that every child can enjoy. By incorporating gluten-free, casein-free, and dye-free treats into school parties, we can ensure that children with autism, ADHD, or food allergies feel included and valued. These simple and delicious recipes not only cater to specific dietary needs but also promote a sense of community and understanding among all children

Inclusive and Nourishing Valentine's Day Treats for Children with Autism, ADHD, and Food Allergies