When your friends’ birthdays rolls around again, it may be the best time of year for them. But for you? It could very well be a nightmare.

From the glutinous snacking foods to the greasy pizzas and layered cake with the icinged ‘Happy Birthday!’ in cursive, as others stuff themselves with the party food, you are left to ponder the perfection of each icing letter, until they are gone and in your friends’ stomachs.

Do you allow yourself to go hungry party after party? Or do you bring your own sweet treats? I would suggest informing your friends’ parents. Within the past month, I have attended five birthdays and all of them made gluten-free accommodations. These families were very kind to do so! If you feel uncomfortable asking them to accommodate for you, then please do bring a substitution for yourself. If the host would like to help out in providing gluten-free options, they may ask where to buy gluten-free snacks, pizza, and cake from. Be ready to give specific names of your favorite snacks, local pizzerias that serve gluten-free pizza, and of course the cake!

As for snacks, I would tell the host of a few common items found at most local grocery stores such as Fritos, Snyder’s Gluten-free Pretzels or Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn. In terms of ordering pizza, I strongly recommend Jules Thin Crust Pizza and Bake 425° (some of my local pizza places). And for the gluten-free cake, I recommend Whole Foods’ GlutenFree Bakehouse’s Chocolate or Vanilla Cupcakes. These come in packs of four and are simply delicious! If you would like a small cake, I would suggest Gillian’s Chocolate Cake. It is excellent!

Hope this helps when attending the next party.

Cheers!