Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 You could do muffins, they don't have as much sweet. what about non food items for a birthday celebration? ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 Yolanda, I totally agree. I am on a snack comittee at my daughter's school, and this is the type of I am working on as our new " birthday celebration snack " in place of cake/cupcakes. http://www.ediblearrangements.com/Arrangements/Arrangement_Detail.aspx? ID=17 & OrderType=1 & CountryID=1 & StateID= & City= & Date= & Category= & Occasion= very festive and exciting for the kids, but healthy! I'm not sure where you live in VA, but we have an Edible Arrangements store here in Charlottesville. If there is not one near you, perhaps an accomodating deli could construct one. Good luck! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 Hi Yolanda, First off, I wanted to mention that there ARE dads on this list, too!! As far as birthday cupcakes at 10am go, I'd suggest making muffins instead, maybe carrot or zucchini with walnuts or pecans (if nuts are allowed). You can make a vegan OR dairy cream cheese frosting which will make them look like conventional sugary cupcakes. Or, Isa Chandra Moskowitz, who wrote the " Vegan With a Vengeance " cookbook, also wrote one that's entirely about vegan cupcakes. Good luck, Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 rice crispy treats are a good one, but they still have sugar. najjafamily03 <najjafamily03 Monday, April 30, 2007 6:08:28 AM helthy snack ideas Hello is Yolanda in Va again. Maybe you ladies can assist me with this little problem. My son's sunday school teacher likes to celebrate the children's b-day's every month but she gives them cupcakes from the grocery store with so much icing I just can't believe it. And it's at 10:00 in the morning. I don't want it to seem like my kids are any better than the other kids but I asked her not to give my kids cupcakes and I just bring them a healthy snack. What kinds of ideas do you have for small kids ages 2-6 for snacks to celebrate b-day parties. Of course the kids are enjoying the cupcakes but I think it's to much sugar that early in the morning. Please help Thanks, <!-- #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} #ygrp-text{ font-family:Georgia; } #ygrp-text p{ margin:0 0 1em 0;} #ygrp-tpmsgs{ font-family:Arial; clear:both;} #ygrp-vitnav{ padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} #ygrp-vitnav a{ padding:0 1px;} #ygrp-actbar{ clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text-align:right;} #ygrp-actbar .left{ float:left;white-space:nowrap;} ..bld{font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-grft{ font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} #ygrp-ft{ font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; padding:5px 0; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ padding-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-vital{ background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} #ygrp-vital #vithd{ font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text-transform:upp\ ercase;} #ygrp-vital ul{ padding:0;margin:2px 0;} #ygrp-vital ul li{ list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; } #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text-align:right;padding-ri\ ght:.5em;} #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-vital a { text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-vital a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ color:#999;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} #ygrp-sponsor #nc { background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ padding:8px 0;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font-size:100%;line-height:122%\ ;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ margin:0;} o {font-size:0;} ..MsoNormal { margin:0 0 0 0;} #ygrp-text tt{ font-size:120%;} blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} ..replbq {margin:4;} --> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 Rice krispie treats aren't normally vegetarian. But I found a vegetarian recipe for rice krispie treats and they were really good. My daughter wasn't so much of a fan though. Hummus with raw veggies to dip make a good snack for kids. Denise Pomerantz <dmpomerantz wrote: rice crispy treats are a good one, but they still have sugar. najjafamily03 <najjafamily03 Monday, April 30, 2007 6:08:28 AM helthy snack ideas Hello is Yolanda in Va again. Maybe you ladies can assist me with this little problem. My son's sunday school teacher likes to celebrate the children's b-day's every month but she gives them cupcakes from the grocery store with so much icing I just can't believe it. And it's at 10:00 in the morning. I don't want it to seem like my kids are any better than the other kids but I asked her not to give my kids cupcakes and I just bring them a healthy snack. What kinds of ideas do you have for small kids ages 2-6 for snacks to celebrate b-day parties. Of course the kids are enjoying the cupcakes but I think it's to much sugar that early in the morning. Please help Thanks, <!-- #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} #ygrp-text{ font-family:Georgia; } #ygrp-text p{ margin:0 0 1em 0;} #ygrp-tpmsgs{ font-family:Arial; clear:both;} #ygrp-vitnav{ padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} #ygrp-vitnav a{ padding:0 1px;} #ygrp-actbar{ clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text-align:right;} #ygrp-actbar .left{ float:left;white-space:nowrap;} ..bld{font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-grft{ font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} #ygrp-ft{ font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; padding:5px 0; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ padding-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-vital{ background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} #ygrp-vital #vithd{ font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text-transform:upp\ ercase;} #ygrp-vital ul{ padding:0;margin:2px 0;} #ygrp-vital ul li{ list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; } #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text-align:right;padding-ri\ ght:.5em;} #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-vital a { text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-vital a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ color:#999;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} #ygrp-sponsor #nc { background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ padding:8px 0;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font-size:100%;line-height:122%\ ;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ margin:0;} o {font-size:0;} ..MsoNormal { margin:0 0 0 0;} #ygrp-text tt{ font-size:120%;} blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} ..replbq {margin:4;} --> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 I've made breakfast muffins before to bring with us places that had birthday celebrations where we've known there'd be cake. They don't have to be very sweet, and if you use dried fruit in them, they tend to be sweet enough. I think there's a breakfast muffin in either Vegan With a Vengence or in Viva La Vegan (I think that's the one I have). That way it's similar to what the other kids have, but much healthier. My son doesn't care what other have usually, so even cookies work for him, but then he's only nearly 4. Missie On 4/30/07, najjafamily03 <najjafamily03 wrote: > > Hello is Yolanda in Va again. Maybe you ladies can assist me with this > little problem. My son's sunday school teacher likes to celebrate the > children's b-day's every month but she gives them cupcakes from the > grocery store with so much icing I just can't believe it. And it's at > 10:00 in the morning. I don't want it to seem like my kids are any > better than the other kids but I asked her not to give my kids > cupcakes and I just bring them a healthy snack. What kinds of ideas do > you have for small kids ages 2-6 for snacks to celebrate b-day > parties. Of course the kids are enjoying the cupcakes but I think it's > to much sugar that early in the morning. Please help > > Thanks, > > > -- -- I'm all out of bubblegum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 I am assuming you are speaking of rice crispy treats made with vegan marshmallows? Regular rice crispy treats have gelatin and therefore are not vegetarian. , Denise Pomerantz <dmpomerantz wrote: > > rice crispy treats are a good one, but they still have sugar. > > > najjafamily03 <najjafamily03 > > Monday, April 30, 2007 6:08:28 AM > helthy snack ideas > > > > > > > Hello is Yolanda in Va again. Maybe you ladies can assist me with this > > little problem. My son's sunday school teacher likes to celebrate the > > children's b-day's every month but she gives them cupcakes from the > > grocery store with so much icing I just can't believe it. And it's at > > 10:00 in the morning. I don't want it to seem like my kids are any > > better than the other kids but I asked her not to give my kids > > cupcakes and I just bring them a healthy snack. What kinds of ideas do > > you have for small kids ages 2-6 for snacks to celebrate b-day > > parties. Of course the kids are enjoying the cupcakes but I think it's > > to much sugar that early in the morning. Please help > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > <!-- > > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} > #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} > #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} > #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} > #ygrp-text{ > font-family:Georgia; > } > #ygrp-text p{ > margin:0 0 1em 0;} > #ygrp-tpmsgs{ > font-family:Arial; > clear:both;} > #ygrp-vitnav{ > padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} > #ygrp-vitnav a{ > padding:0 1px;} > #ygrp-actbar{ > clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text- align:right;} > #ygrp-actbar .left{ > float:left;white-space:nowrap;} > .bld{font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-grft{ > font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} > #ygrp-ft{ > font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; > padding:5px 0; > } > #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ > padding-bottom:10px;} > > #ygrp-vital{ > background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} > #ygrp-vital #vithd{ > font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text- transform:uppercase;} > #ygrp-vital ul{ > padding:0;margin:2px 0;} > #ygrp-vital ul li{ > list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; > } > #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ > font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text- align:right;padding-right:.5em;} > #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ > font-weight:bold;} > #ygrp-vital a { > text-decoration:none;} > > #ygrp-vital a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > > #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ > color:#999;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ > padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ > padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ > list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ > text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} > #ygrp-sponsor #nc { > background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ > padding:8px 0;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ > font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font- size:100%;line-height:122%;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ > text-decoration:none;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ > text-decoration:underline;} > #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ > margin:0;} > o {font-size:0;} > .MsoNormal { > margin:0 0 0 0;} > #ygrp-text tt{ > font-size:120%;} > blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} > .replbq {margin:4;} > --> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 check out vegan lunchbox. There is a recipe for full meal muffin that might work. NO added sugar or eggs etc. najjafamily03 <najjafamily03 wrote: Hello is Yolanda in Va again. Maybe you ladies can assist me with this little problem. My son's sunday school teacher likes to celebrate the children's b-day's every month but she gives them cupcakes from the grocery store with so much icing I just can't believe it. And it's at 10:00 in the morning. I don't want it to seem like my kids are any better than the other kids but I asked her not to give my kids cupcakes and I just bring them a healthy snack. What kinds of ideas do you have for small kids ages 2-6 for snacks to celebrate b-day parties. Of course the kids are enjoying the cupcakes but I think it's to much sugar that early in the morning. Please help Thanks, Laura Ballinger Morales Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell? Check outnew cars at Autos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 Thanks for everyones reply. The muffins sounds like a winner although I do like the edible arragements they are beautiful but a little expensive. We can probably make a fruit arrangement for the kids. Sorry Dads didn't mean to leave you out! Yolanda Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell? Check outnew cars at Autos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 For my kids' birthday celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about doing a special age appropriate craft? God's Peace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 small toys (www.smalltoys.com) is a great alternative to oriental trading. please contact me offlist if you would like to hear why I believe oriental trading should be boycotted (i have a history of politcal emails not being approved by the moderator). " dilemma5 " <dilemma5 wrote: For my kids' birthday celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about doing a special age appropriate craft? God's Peace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Hey Robin, Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in the future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of dealing with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having to use them or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or Wal-Mart on occasion for food. BUT, there is the fact that I have to do what I have to do to support my children. I cannot have my children starve because of my political beliefs or my convictions. I will not have my children be the only ones in class who do not provide something for their birthdays because I cannot afford other organizations such as Small Toys (their prices are somewhat steep for someone who has to buy for 80+ kids) or the other organizations that I use whenever I have the money. When places such as these decide that it is worth it to fight those other businesses and to do their part by lowering their prices to where the average consumer can afford them, then I will use them and not the ones that I really don't want to use but haven't a lot of choice given my present circumstances (raising five children on $2400.00 a month). I am the first one to look at where the things these places get their merchandise from and to ascertain if they are fair trade and sweat shops, etc... I also look at the ethics of the businesses and if I do not agree with them, I try not to buy from them. But when you have $20.00 until the end of the month with a week to go and five kids who need to eat, you do what you have to do. Same thing when I want to be able to give my kids a little extra like birthday celebrations. I don't want them to go without and if I boycott OTC, then I haven't much choice other than to make them go without and though they understand and tell me it doesn't matter, I see their eyes when they say this and when they see others getting celebrations at school like this and it is way too sad for me - especially when I used to be able to provide these things and more. If it was just me - I would boycott many, many, many organizations - and I do boycott the ones that effect just me or that I can boycott without making my kids do without - but those aren't the circumstances of my life anymore. Sometimes you have to do the best that you can do and hope to make as much of an impact as you can and know that when your personal circumstances change, you will do more. God's Peace, Gayle dilemma5 EarthLink Revolves Around You. - robin koloms 5/2/2007 10:21:13 AM Re: helthy snack ideas small toys (www.smalltoys.com) is a great alternative to oriental trading. please contact me offlist if you would like to hear why I believe oriental trading should be boycotted (i have a history of politcal emails not being approved by the moderator). " dilemma5 " <dilemma5 wrote: For my kids' birthday celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about doing a special age appropriate craft? God's Peace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Just out of curiosity, Robin, I have never ordered from either company, but what distinguishes Small Toys from OTC? I didn't find anything on their website about how their products are made or their work standards or anything, so I was just wondering. Not trying to drum up any controversy, just curious. Thanks! Marla > Hey Robin, > Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good > organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in the > future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of dealing > with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having to use them > or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or Wal-Mart on > occasion for food. BUT, there is the fact that I have to do what I have to do > to support my children. I cannot have my children starve because of my > political beliefs or my convictions. I will not have my children be the only > ones in class who do not provide something for their birthdays because I > cannot afford other organizations such as Small Toys (their prices are > somewhat steep for someone who has to buy for 80+ kids) or the other > organizations that I use whenever I have the money. When places such as these > decide that it is worth it to fight those other businesses and to do their > part by lowering their prices to where the average consumer can afford them, > then I will use them and not the ones that I really don't want to use but > haven't a lot of choice given my present circumstances (raising five children > on $2400.00 a month). I am the first one to look at where the things these > places get their merchandise from and to ascertain if they are fair trade and > sweat shops, etc... I also look at the ethics of the businesses and if I do > not agree with them, I try not to buy from them. But when you have $20.00 > until the end of the month with a week to go and five kids who need to eat, > you do what you have to do. Same thing when I want to be able to give my kids > a little extra like birthday celebrations. I don't want them to go without > and if I boycott OTC, then I haven't much choice other than to make them go > without and though they understand and tell me it doesn't matter, I see their > eyes when they say this and when they see others getting celebrations at > school like this and it is way too sad for me - especially when I used to be > able to provide these things and more. If it was just me - I would boycott > many, many, many organizations - and I do boycott the ones that effect just me > or that I can boycott without making my kids do without - but those aren't the > circumstances of my life anymore. Sometimes you have to do the best that you > can do and hope to make as much of an impact as you can and know that when > your personal circumstances change, you will do more. > > God's Peace, > Gayle > > dilemma5 > EarthLink Revolves Around You. > > > - > robin koloms > > 5/2/2007 10:21:13 AM > Re: helthy snack ideas > > > small toys (www.smalltoys.com) is a great alternative to oriental trading. > please contact me offlist if you would like to hear why I believe oriental > trading should be boycotted (i have a history of politcal emails not being > approved by the moderator). > > " dilemma5 " <dilemma5 wrote: For my kids' birthday > celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate > trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different > classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is > great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar > high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about > doing a special age appropriate craft? > > God's Peace, > Gayle > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Hi Marla, Oriental Trading is now owned by the Carlyle Group. You are probably not familiar with them; they are a huge company and are the largest shareholder in Citigroup. The owners of the Carlyle Group are the Saudi Royal Family, George Bush the elder and James Baker. I'll save the indepth political conversation to have over a beer. Robin Marla Rose <marla wrote: Just out of curiosity, Robin, I have never ordered from either company, but what distinguishes Small Toys from OTC? I didn't find anything on their website about how their products are made or their work standards or anything, so I was just wondering. Not trying to drum up any controversy, just curious. Thanks! Marla > Hey Robin, > Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good > organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in the > future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of dealing > with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having to use them > or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or Wal-Mart on > occasion for food. BUT, there is the fact that I have to do what I have to do > to support my children. I cannot have my children starve because of my > political beliefs or my convictions. I will not have my children be the only > ones in class who do not provide something for their birthdays because I > cannot afford other organizations such as Small Toys (their prices are > somewhat steep for someone who has to buy for 80+ kids) or the other > organizations that I use whenever I have the money. When places such as these > decide that it is worth it to fight those other businesses and to do their > part by lowering their prices to where the average consumer can afford them, > then I will use them and not the ones that I really don't want to use but > haven't a lot of choice given my present circumstances (raising five children > on $2400.00 a month). I am the first one to look at where the things these > places get their merchandise from and to ascertain if they are fair trade and > sweat shops, etc... I also look at the ethics of the businesses and if I do > not agree with them, I try not to buy from them. But when you have $20.00 > until the end of the month with a week to go and five kids who need to eat, > you do what you have to do. Same thing when I want to be able to give my kids > a little extra like birthday celebrations. I don't want them to go without > and if I boycott OTC, then I haven't much choice other than to make them go > without and though they understand and tell me it doesn't matter, I see their > eyes when they say this and when they see others getting celebrations at > school like this and it is way too sad for me - especially when I used to be > able to provide these things and more. If it was just me - I would boycott > many, many, many organizations - and I do boycott the ones that effect just me > or that I can boycott without making my kids do without - but those aren't the > circumstances of my life anymore. Sometimes you have to do the best that you > can do and hope to make as much of an impact as you can and know that when > your personal circumstances change, you will do more. > > God's Peace, > Gayle > > dilemma5 > EarthLink Revolves Around You. > > > - > robin koloms > > 5/2/2007 10:21:13 AM > Re: helthy snack ideas > > > small toys (www.smalltoys.com) is a great alternative to oriental trading. > please contact me offlist if you would like to hear why I believe oriental > trading should be boycotted (i have a history of politcal emails not being > approved by the moderator). > > " dilemma5 " <dilemma5 wrote: For my kids' birthday > celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate > trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different > classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is > great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar > high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about > doing a special age appropriate craft? > > God's Peace, > Gayle > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2007 Report Share Posted May 2, 2007 Thanks so much, Robin. I thought that it had something to do with sweatshops or child labor (which is probably involved regardless) so I wasn't expecting this answer. I'm happy to have the in-depth conversation over beer (or, for me, margaritas) any time! Marla > Hi Marla, > > Oriental Trading is now owned by the Carlyle Group. You are probably not > familiar with them; they are a huge company and are the largest shareholder in > Citigroup. The owners of the Carlyle Group are the Saudi Royal Family, George > Bush the elder and James Baker. > > I'll save the indepth political conversation to have over a beer. > > Robin > > > Marla Rose <marla wrote: > Just out of curiosity, Robin, I have never ordered from either > company, but > what distinguishes Small Toys from OTC? I didn't find anything on their > website about how their products are made or their work standards or > anything, so I was just wondering. Not trying to drum up any controversy, > just curious. > > Thanks! > > Marla > >> Hey Robin, >> Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good >> organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in the >> future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of dealing >> with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having to use them >> or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or Wal-Mart on >> occasion for food. BUT, there is the fact that I have to do what I have to do >> to support my children. I cannot have my children starve because of my >> political beliefs or my convictions. I will not have my children be the only >> ones in class who do not provide something for their birthdays because I >> cannot afford other organizations such as Small Toys (their prices are >> somewhat steep for someone who has to buy for 80+ kids) or the other >> organizations that I use whenever I have the money. When places such as these >> decide that it is worth it to fight those other businesses and to do their >> part by lowering their prices to where the average consumer can afford them, >> then I will use them and not the ones that I really don't want to use but >> haven't a lot of choice given my present circumstances (raising five children >> on $2400.00 a month). I am the first one to look at where the things these >> places get their merchandise from and to ascertain if they are fair trade and >> sweat shops, etc... I also look at the ethics of the businesses and if I do >> not agree with them, I try not to buy from them. But when you have $20.00 >> until the end of the month with a week to go and five kids who need to eat, >> you do what you have to do. Same thing when I want to be able to give my kids >> a little extra like birthday celebrations. I don't want them to go without >> and if I boycott OTC, then I haven't much choice other than to make them go >> without and though they understand and tell me it doesn't matter, I see their >> eyes when they say this and when they see others getting celebrations at >> school like this and it is way too sad for me - especially when I used to be >> able to provide these things and more. If it was just me - I would boycott >> many, many, many organizations - and I do boycott the ones that effect just >> me >> or that I can boycott without making my kids do without - but those aren't >> the >> circumstances of my life anymore. Sometimes you have to do the best that you >> can do and hope to make as much of an impact as you can and know that when >> your personal circumstances change, you will do more. >> >> God's Peace, >> Gayle >> >> dilemma5 >> EarthLink Revolves Around You. >> >> >> - >> robin koloms >> >> 5/2/2007 10:21:13 AM >> Re: helthy snack ideas >> >> >> small toys (www.smalltoys.com) is a great alternative to oriental trading. >> please contact me offlist if you would like to hear why I believe oriental >> trading should be boycotted (i have a history of politcal emails not being >> approved by the moderator). >> >> " dilemma5 " <dilemma5 wrote: For my kids' >> birthday >> celebrations at school, I give out a small goody bag. I put age appropriate >> trinkets I get from Oriental Trading Company (they are in four different >> classes so there are at least 90 kids to do this for at one time, so OTC is >> great for bulk buying). The teachers appreciate it since there is no sugar >> high and there is no mess to clean up in the class or on the kids. What about >> doing a special age appropriate craft? >> >> God's Peace, >> Gayle >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 2007 Report Share Posted May 7, 2007 Sounds like a good reason not to buy anything or to find second hand or free things. I don't know yet what the alternative solution is. But my daughter turns 2 soon so I will be pondering ways of celebrating vegan and sweatshop-free birthdays. ~Paul > Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good > organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in > the future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of > dealing with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having > to use them or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or > Wal-Mart on occasion for food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I can't stand the idea of giving meaningless plastic to kids, especially when i think of all the damage done by it. Tomorrow is my son's 6th birthday party, we are buying some small local native plants to give to each child. Last year my friend bought little packets of organic vegetable seeds and tied them to a helium balloon for each child. One year I made gingerbread men and decorated each one with a different face, they were a big hit! The last party my kids went to they came away with piles of stickers which they stuck, mostly all over themselves, a glow in the dark stick/necklace, which glowed for about half an hour and a 'clicker', a toy which you press between your fingers to make a loud clicking noise, which broke immediately. They were all thrown away and the children have not mentioned them since. We are having our party at a park and we will be making almost all the food ourselves. Everyone always seems to enjoy our parties.. good food, kids not too hyped up, no snatching and grabbing and tantrums.. I'm looking forward to it! And our vegan chocolate cake has been so popular, everyone now has the recipe and most of the time that's what they make for parties. In fact I'm making banana cakes with lemon and coconut icing to make a change! , Paul Falvo <pfalvo wrote: > > Sounds like a good reason not to buy anything or to find second hand or > free things. I don't know yet what the alternative solution is. But my > daughter turns 2 soon so I will be pondering ways of celebrating vegan > and sweatshop-free birthdays. > > ~Paul > > > Thank you for the link to Small Toys. They look like a pretty good > > organization - one I will keep in mind when my circumstances change in > > the future. I understand all the political and ethical ramifications of > > dealing with businesses like OTC. I'm not particularly happy with having > > to use them or Wild Oats or Whole Foods over local health food stores or > > Wal-Mart on occasion for food. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 What wonderful ideas ... thanks! ~P > I can't stand the idea of giving meaningless plastic to kids, > especially when i think of all the damage done by it. Tomorrow is my > son's 6th birthday party, we are buying some small local native > plants to give to each child. Last year my friend bought little > packets of organic vegetable seeds and tied them to a helium balloon > for each child. One year I made gingerbread men and decorated each > one with a different face, they were a big hit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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