Whether you need store-bought packaged birthday treats for school, are looking for an easy homemade option, or want a non-food treat, this list of favorites will help you choose!

birthday treats for school laid out individually on countertop

Birthday Treats for School

Bringing in birthday treats to share with a class is one of the more exciting parts of the school year, and these options will help narrow down the entire grocery store to make choosing one more manageable.

I’m including store-bought birthday treats, since they are required at many schools to reduce allergy concerns, as well as some homemade options and non-food treats.

Always be sure to check with your school to find out their specific requirements for birthday treats. Most require a snack to be peanut-free and many require that treats be store-bought. You may also have to steer clear of gluten or other ingredients.

Your school may also have a preferred snack list as part of their Wellness Policy (which is usually linked on a district website), so out of respect for the people who worked hard to put that together, check that list if it applies to you.

Remember that your child can feel celebrated on their birthday at school in so many ways that don’t require them bringing in a treat. This is optional and should never add stress or budget pressure on a family.

Store-Bought Birthday Treats

There are so many options for store-bought birthday treats that it’s always helpful to talk to your child to ask what they want to bring. Then, see if there are individual packages of that food that are at a price that works with your budget. It may help to have a few options to choose from when you get to the store.

birthday treats for school in packaging on countertop

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s one that will help get you started with options. Each of these is peanut-free, as most schools require that. Your school may have additional allergy concerns, too.

  • Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
  • Annie’s Graham Bunnies
  • Annie’s Fruit Snacks
  • Chips Ahoy Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie packets
  • Fruit leather
  • Fruit snacks
  • Fresh fruit
  • Fruit cups
  • Little Bites birthday cake muffins
  • Little Bites chocolate chip muffins
  • Oreo packets
  • Pirate’s Booty
  • Pudding cups
  • Rice Krispie Treats
  • Popsicles
  • Yogurt tubes

TIP: Insert any other food your kiddo likes that meets the criteria of your school. It’s usually easier for everyone if they are individually packaged and don’t require refrigeration.

mini-birthday-cake-muffins-on-counter

Easy Homemade Birthday Treats

Below are some of our favorite homemade birthday options that are both easy to make and yummy for everyone to enjoy if you’re able to bring in something homemade.

Favorite Birthday Cake Muffins (with Sprinkles!)
These party cake muffins are perfect to celebrate any ordinary day—or as a really fun way to start a child's birthday. Be gentle when stirring in the sprinkles to limit the color running.
Get the recipe
birthday-cake-muffins-on-counter
Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins (Little Bites Copycat)
Moist tender Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins that taste as good as store bought, but have a little extra nutrition? Sign. Me. Up. These muffins are seriously delicious and are a must-make if you have fans of Little Bites in your house!
Get the recipe
mini-chocolate-chip-muffins-on-counter
Favorite Blueberry Mini Muffins
Fluffy and perfectly moist, these little muffins have protein and calcium—plus bursts of delicious blueberries. (Like Little Bites, but with more nutrients and for less $$.) See Notes for allergy variations.
Get the recipe
blueberry-mini-muffins-on-cooling-rack
Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies have lower sugar but all the flavor and texture you crave. Choose your add-ins based on the kinds your family enjoys most.
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stack-of-healthy-loaded-chocolate-chip-cookies
Easy Sugar Cookies (Healthy and Delish!)
This makes a small batch of lightly sweet cookies. Double it to make more. If at any point the dough seems too sticky, pop it into the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm up a bit. Or dust your parchment paper and cookie cutters with flour.
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easy-sugar-cookies-on-parchment-paper-
Black Bean Brownie Bites
You can add sprinkles to make these fun or leave them plain—either one works! Serving size is 2 brownie bites.
Get the recipe
black-bean-brownies-on-plate-with-sprinkles
Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
I like to frost these soon before serving. You can make the frosting ahead, transfer it to a zip top bag, and store in the fridge until ready to add to the cupcakes.
Get the recipe
mini-pumpkin-cupcakes-with-frosting
Healthy Vanilla Cupcakes (So Easy!)
These Healthy Vanilla Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and moist. They’re also less sweet than most conventional cupcakes, both in the cake and in the pretty pink frosting, but they are still SO delicious! 
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cupcakes-with-strawberry-frosting
Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Perfectly moist mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes (with easy Cream Cheese Frosting) are a delicious dessert to share with the kids—whether for a spring holiday, Easter, a kid's birthday, or any special occasion!
Get the recipe
carrot-cake-cupcakes-with-frosting-on-plate
Easy Fruit Cups
Transform diced fruit into delicious homemade fruit cups that rival store-bought in terms of flavor and cost. You can make more cups or less, according to your preference.
Get the recipe
homemade-fruit-cups-in-glass-jars
Favorite Fruit Sticks
Call them fruit sticks, fruit wands, or fruit skewers, these are a perfect way to serve up a mix of fruit. You can make as few or as many as you like—adjust the quantity of fruit as needed.
Get the recipe
fruit sticks on polka dot plate.

Non-Food Birthday Favors

If you’re looking for a non-edible option, these are some of our go-to favor options.

  • Bouncy balls
  • Bubbles
  • Mini crayon sets
  • Stickers
  • Temporary tattoos

Frequently Asked Questions

What treats to send to school for birthday?

You’ll need to check with your school or childcare center for the specific requirements or restrictions first to know what is allowed. There may also be a preferred birthday snack list. Then, you can go with an easy store bought or homemade option, accordingly.

What do you buy for a school party?

Check with the school for requirements and check the teacher’s sign up list if there is one. That is always the best place to start.

What should I get my class for my birthday?

Cookies, cupcakes, or another favorite treat is always a fun birthday option. Or, you can go with a non-edible option like stickers or balls.

Best Tips

  • Check with your school or childcare facility for their specific rules on birthday treats.
  • Bring any specific questions to the teacher, principal, or director.
  • Follow allergy rules to keep everyone safe.
  • Consider individually packaged items to make it easier for the teacher to serve them.

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