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Tips for hosting a healthier kiddies’ birthday party
Planning a birthday party for your little one is special, but navigating the sugar rush and junk food overload that often accompanies children’s parties can be tricky. With a little careful planning and some creative ideas, it’s easy to serve up some delicious alternatives without sacrificing the joy of the celebration. Remember to incorporate fun physical activities into the birthday party. Set up a mini obstacle course in your garden, organise a dance party with their favourite tunes, or plan active games like musical chairs or Simon says. Not only will these activities keep children entertained, but they’ll also burn off any excess energy.
Here are five tips for hosting a healthier kiddies’ birthday party.
1. Make smart swaps
When planning the menu for your toddler’s birthday party, make sure you balance out the sweet treats by including homemade savoury snacks. The classic fried chicken strips and chips can be replaced with grilled chicken breast on a stick in a delicious, sweet Squish 100% kid-friendly basting sauce. Just mix Squish 100% Mixed Veg Puree with a teaspoon of honey, then brush the chicken skewers with this mixture when you’re almost done cooking.
You’ll find a whole range of other savoury party treats to pair with the chicken skewers under the Quick + Easy Recipe tab on the Squish website, including delicious Potato Pops, Cheesy Veg Balls and Veggie Fritters. You’ll even find Pancake and Waffle recipes that include sneaky fruit and veg, and a whole lot of sweet treats with reduced cane sugar, like these Brownies and Crunchies.
All the recipes on the Squish website are made using Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Purees. Squish Purees are made using only the very freshest fruit and veg and contain no added nasties. They’re free of colourants, flavourants and preservatives and have no added cane sugar or starch.
2. Bring FUN into food
Little ones love dipping – so why not set up a special Dipping Station? Cut fresh fruit and veg into interesting shapes using small cookie cutters or arrange on skewers for a playful twist. Add a variety of dips for little ones to help themselves – and don’t forget the sprinkles! Allow kids to add their own sprinkles to their creation for that fun party feel.For a quick and easy sweet or savoury dip, swirl Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree through plain yoghurt or cream cheese. For a protein-packed dip, try this Beany Dip recipe.
3. Watch portion sizes and make just enough
It’s normal to want to have an abundance of food on the table when you’re planning a celebration, but when it comes to kids’ parties, rather make just enough. Why? The more sweets and other options they see, the more they will want to eat. Keep portion sizes in check so that children can indulge without going overboard. Instead of serving large portions of cake, ice cream and sweets, opt for smaller portions or mini-sized treats. Individual mini-cupcakes, cake pops, or popsicles (one per child) will help to manage the amount of sugar that they are eating. Your friends will thank you!
4. Offer hydrating beverages and treats
Instead of sugar-laden fizzy cooldrinks, keep a cooler box on hand filled with Squish 100% Fruit Juice boxes and bottles of water so the guests can grab and enjoy if they’re feeling thirsty. Squish 100% Fruit Juices are made using only fresh fruit and contain no added sugar. Pick from a range of favourite flavours, including Apple, Pear and Apple + Grape Blend with Rooibos Extract. And to cool little ones down, offer these yummy Squish Popsicles. They’re great ice lolly alternatives made using Squish 100% Fruit Puree and Squish 100% Fruit Juice, which means they have no added sugar.
5. The party pack!
It has become a tradition to send every child home with a party pack. Try our tips and there will be no need to hide the party pack or remove items from it before your little one sees it! Include Squish 100% Fruit or Veg pouches and a Squish 100% Juice box into your party pack as a healthy snack or drink that kids can enjoy during their week. Instead of potato chips, add fruit or veggie crisps, dried fruit or pretzel sticks. And for a fun twist, instead of adding more food or sweets rather pop in a small toy that kids can play with – like a slinky, slime, clay, or small bouncy balls.