Eight years ago, when we first discovered LV was allergic to dairy, holidays like Christmas and Easter was a really hard time for us. Supermarkets were barely scratching the surface of the ‘Free From’ ranges they have now with just the odd staple ingredients available. So trying to find dairy free Easter eggs, that were also appealing to children, was nigh on impossible. At Christmas we even had to go on a waiting list in the hope we could get a dairy free advent calender, my memory is failing me but I believe that might have been with Kinnerton who are well known for their allergy friendly products.
LV pretty much out grew his dairy issues when he reach five years old, which made my life soooo much easier!
But, now we know O is allergic to dairy too I am so pleased to see that supermarkets and high street stores are finally catering more for those with dietary issues and there are also a multitude of websites aimed at those with any type of dietary issue you can think of! What would have taken me hours of trawling the internet to find a few overpriced products aimed at adults, and mostly of the dark chocolate variety, has now been made as simple as popping to the shop or jumping online for a few minutes to find some fab products.
Fun products like this selection from Holland and Barratt:
1. This small bunny shaped chocolate is ideal for younger ones who might not need a whole egg, or for an extra little treat.
2. These Eco Eggs are not only dairy free but they look very funky and are earth friendly too!
3. This white chocolate egg has a child friendly packaging and is a nice change to the dark chocolate usually on offer with dairy free products.
At our house the Easter Bunny usually leaves a map for a little treasure hunt on Easter morning. Some years he obviously gets much more time to prepare and the map is wonderfully elaborate with lots of clues. I’m not sure why but other years it seems he gets rushed for time and the maps are quite simple and basic:
You can purchase small clear plastic eggs which are ideal to fill with a small treat to leave at each clue or hiding spot (or just leave a handful in a small sandwich bag) I’ve found these yummy little things which I think are just perfect:
1. These Chocolate mini eggs from D and D chocolates are covered in brightly coloured foil so very appealing for kids.
2. These Chocolate half eggs from Plamil are milk chocolate so always a winner for those who don’t like the dark variety.
3. I buy these Chocolate disks from Sainsbury’s a lot, they often come in brightly coloured foil wrappers not just gold.
4. For a change to chocolate, but much healthier than regular sweets, Goody Good Stuff sweets are all natural and feel just as firm as “real” gummy sweets. There is a wide variety including sour ones!
But of course at the end of any treasure hunt you need a prize! Instead of more chocolate or sweets why not go for something a bit different?
1. I’ve never hidden the fact that I love crafts, this little pop up puppet kit from Baker Ross is just adorable!
2. Hex bugs are great little gifts for an older child, I’ve even heard they have a limited edition Easter one!
3. Does your child love lego? Why not buy this lovely Easter Bunny set available at Tesco
4. This lovely Easter Bunny from Teddy Bear Friends is such a cutie and is bound to win any little ones heart.
5. Of course you needn’t spend a fortune, these cute and fluffy soft toys from Poundland are just adorable
So this is just a selection of dairy free Easter products suitable for kids that I have found. Some of these dairy free items are also vegan friendly as well as free from other allergens such as Gluten and egg.
Is there anything else you would add to this list?
My little tip to you is to buy your dairy free Easter eggs early as they tend to go out of stock quite quickly!
***Disclaimer: I was sent a selection of Goody Good Sweets, a Hex Bug and an Eco Egg as requested by me for the purposes of this post but all thoughts and ideas are my own***
