Pizza, cake and cupcakes are mainstays at most kids’ birthday parties, but if you’re looking for something unique—and a bit healthier—for your kid’s celebration, I’ve got you covered today with birthday party food ideas for kids that are fun and creative, but still super-easy to make.
Whether it’s a party at school, home, or your local hotspot, these birthday party food ideas for kids are anything but traditional and don’t include any cupcakes. Even better—some are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and allergy-safe, and have good-for-your-kids ingredients like fruit.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD IDEAS FOR KIDS THAT AREN’T CUPCAKES
1. EASY GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS
There’s nothing better than the combination of sweet and salty and these Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Pretzels do not disappoint. With only 3 ingredients and some serious flavor, plus bright, kid-friendly colors, they’re one of the easiest birthday party food ideas for kids you can make.
2. FUNFETTI ‘DUNKAROO’ DIP
My kids are big fans of the funfetti craze so when I saw this recipe for Funfetti ‘Dunkaroo’ Dip, I knew I needed to add it to the list. With just 4 ingredients (including low-fat yogurt!), this dip is delicious, delightful and super-easy to pull together. Serve it with your kid’s favorite animal cracker, cookie, pretzels or fresh fruit, and it’s sure to make every kid at the party happy.
3. COOKIE DOUGH ENERGY BALLS
I’m a big fan of no-bake energy balls because they’re so easy and quick and you can make so many different varieties with nuts and seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
That’s why I had to include these vegan and gluten-free Cookie Dough Energy Balls in my list of birthday party food ideas for kids. With a handful of simple ingredients and only 10 minutes to pull together, they couldn’t be easier. If you’re child’s school is nut-free or there will be kids at the party who have food allergies, swap out out the peanut butter for a safer option like sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter.
I’m a big fan of no-bake energy balls because they’re so easy and quick and you can make so many different varieties with nuts and seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
That’s why I had to include these vegan and gluten-free Cookie Dough Energy Balls in my list of birthday party food ideas for kids. With a handful of simple ingredients and only 10 minutes to pull together, they couldn’t be easier. If you’re child’s school is nut-free or there will be kids at the party who have food allergies, swap out out the peanut butter for a safer option like sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter.
4. HEALTHY MANGO FRUIT ROLL-UPS
Fruit roll-ups were the snack when I was a kid and luckily, they’ve come a long way with recipes for healthy, homemade versions. These 1-ingredient Healthy Mango Fruit Roll-ups are vegan and gluten-free, a good source of vitamins A and C, and iron, and they don’t have any added sugars. Super-festive and perfect for little hands, they’ll be the ultimate addition to your kid’s party table.
5. EASY PINK RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Suffice to say, most kids love Rice Krispie treats and these Easy Pink Rice Krispie Treats are one of the best party food ideas for kids. Made with delicious white chocolate and topped with pink sugar sprinkles, they’re the perfect bite of goodness for a princess-themed party or school celebration.
6. CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES ON A STICK
Kids love finger foods and kabobs and that’s why these Chocolate-Covered Strawberries On a Stick are some of the best birthday party food ideas for kids. Allergy-safe, gluten-free, vegan and paleo, these treats only call for two ingredients (plus optional decorations) and take just 10 minutes to make. What could be easier or more healthy than that?
7. SOFT HOMEMADE LEMON SUGAR COOKIES
There’s nothing better than these scrumptious Soft Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies to bring some subtle flavor and sweetness to birthday parties. With basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and only 10 minutes to make, these couldn’t be more simple.
8. EASY AIR FRYER APPLE CHIPS
Apples are usually a kid favorite and these EASY AIR FRYER APPLE CHIPS are a great option for any birthday party, plus they’re gluten-free, vegan and allergy-safe. They’re sweet and crunchy but unlike many other treats, they have no added sugars. Don’t have an air fryer? No problem—you can make them in the oven too.
9. CUPCAKE MUDDY BUDDIES
When it comes to finding birthday party food ideas for kids, it doesn’t get more unique than this recipe for Cupcake Muddy Buddies. With a handful of simple ingredients, these bite-size snacks are popping with the same color as cupcakes, but with more crunch and way less time to make.
10. HEALTHY GREEK YOGURT CHOCOLATE MUFFINS
Most kids love muffins and serving them is one of the best alternatives to cupcakes, especially for preschoolers who may celebrate birthdays at school in the morning. These Healthy Greek Yogurt Chocolate Muffins have an extra boost of protein and if you substitute 1/4 of the flour with 1/4 flax meal, you’ll get more protein and fiber. They also call for considerably less sugar than most muffin and cupcake recipes, making them one of the best birthday party food ideas for kids.
