We’re coming down the wire to Easter and here are some last minute candy ideas that you might be able to find in your local grocery store.  This year, for the first time EVER–I bought my kid’s commercial Easter baskets.  I have always created their baskets and some years they did not include candy.  So, it will be interesting to see if my kid’s like the store bought Easter Baskets or not.   Special note:  as always, call the manufacturer to ensure there have not been any recipe or packaging changes and to confirm that the product is safe and appropriate for your family’s allergic and dietary needs.
Important safety note:  My children can eat Peeps, but we realized that some Peeps in special holiday packaging are NOT safe.  We also found a York Peppermint Patty bunny that was not safe for my daughter, who is only allergic to tree nuts.  The York Patty sold as a candy bar is fine but as an Easter Bunny was not.  Always read the ingredient label and call the manufacturer.

Peanut Free Easter Candy Ideas–for the last minute shopper!

• Check out Snack Safety’s list of peanut free options – this is my standard grocery store go to list.
• Surf Sweets Candies – natural and organic goodies, including jelly beans, gummy worms, gummy bears, watermelon rings, peach rings (my favorite) and gummy sours.  I find these at Whole Foods Market.
• Gimbal’s Fine Candies -unique flavored jelly beans.  I purchase these at Walmart.
• Yummy Earth – natural and organic lollipops, fruit snacks, gummies and and sour beans are very welcomed in our household!  I buy these at my local Whole Foods Market.
• Tootsie Pops –lollipops of many flavors, I’ve found these all grocery stores except Whole Foods
• Sixlets – I found pastel blue and pink colored Sixlets at Toys R Us–but beware of Sixlets in holiday packaging.  At Christmas time I found holiday packaged Sixlets that were not safe.
• DumDums – my kids love these lollipops and I’ve made a candy tree from them by buying a styrofoam ball and then sticking the lollipops all over the ball to create a DumDump Pop tree top.
• Smarties – these are a family favorite and poured into a small candy dish the pastel colored Smarties scream Easter colors.
• Sugar Babies – I enjoy Sugar Babies since I like chewy candies.

BONUS IDEA:  Serve your favorite candy in a plastic Easter Egg or Easter themed cupcake cups.  A festive Easter presentation of sweets can make a wonderful holiday impact.  A stuff bunny or toy holding safe candy is another fun method to “serve” safe candy.

Have fun being creative with Peanut free and Food Allergy safe candy and treat ideas this Easter.  Please share below any fun ideas you have for dishing up safe candy!