Spring Break Survival Guide for Gluten-Free Kids

For parents of children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, keeping them safe from gluten exposure goes beyond just meals and snacks. Many common childhood items—from art supplies to bath products—can contain gluten, creating unexpected risks. As someone with celiac disease, I’ve learned firsthand how easily gluten can sneak into unexpected places, sometimes with frustrating consequences.

With Spring Break approaching, now is the perfect time to stock up on safe gluten-free play materials and snacks to keep kids entertained. Whether you’re traveling, planning playdates, or just looking for fun activities at home, knowing where gluten might hide can help ensure a safe and stress-free break.

This guide will highlight hidden gluten sources in products often given to children, as well as safe gluten-free alternatives, including some easy homemade recipes.

 

Where Gluten Might Hide: Surprising Sources for Kids

1. Playdough & Modeling Clay

Many brands of traditional playdough contain wheat flour as a primary ingredient. While gluten isn’t absorbed through the skin, playdough residue can linger on hands, and if a child touches their mouth, they could ingest it.

Safe Alternatives:

Crayola Model Magic (certified gluten-free)

Homemade gluten-free playdough (recipe below!)

Gluten-Free Playdough Recipe*

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white rice flour

1 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup salt

1 tablespoon cream of tartar

2 tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil

2 1/4 cups water

A few drops of food coloring (optional)

A few drops of peppermint oil (optional)

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan.

Stir in water and oil, then cook over low heat until the mixture forms a dough.

Let cool and knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.

* (Adapted from Gluten Free Kiwi Favourites)

2. Stickers & Envelopes (Adhesives)

Some sticker adhesives and envelope glues contain wheat-derived ingredients. This can be a concern for kids who enjoy sticker books or lick envelopes for crafts or letters.

Safe Alternatives:

Self-adhesive stickers (avoid lickable ones)

Use a damp sponge for envelopes instead of licking

3. Finger Paints & Art Supplies

Certain finger paints and crafting pastes contain wheat as a thickener, especially those designed for young children.

Safe Alternatives:

Crayola Washable Finger Paints (gluten-free)

DIY gluten-free finger paint (recipe below!)

Gluten-Free Finger Paint Recipe*

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cornstarch

4 tablespoons sugar

2 cups cold water

Food coloring

Instructions:

Mix cornstarch and water in a saucepan.

Heat over low, stirring continuously, until thickened.

Divide into small containers and add food coloring.

* Adapted from Le Coin De Mel

4. Chewing Gum & Candy

Some chewing gum brands use wheat-derived glucose syrup or other gluten-containing ingredients. Seasonal candies, including holiday treats, can also contain gluten.

Safe Alternatives:

Gluten-free gum brands: Pur Gum, Simply Gum, Glee Gum

Certified gluten-free candies: Enjoy Life Chocolate, YumEarth lollipops, Smarties (U.S. version)

5. Bath Products & Lotions

Some bubble baths, shampoos, and lotions contain wheat-based ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein. While gluten won’t be absorbed through the skin, these products can be a concern if children put their hands in their mouths after use.

Safe Alternatives:

Gluten-free bath brands: California Baby, Vanicream, Free & Clear. Use fragrance-free, gluten-free lotions for sensitive skin.

6. Baking & Sensory Play Activities

Many schools and daycares use flour-based sensory play materials, like cloud dough, paper mâché, and flour paste.

Safe Alternatives:

• Cornstarch-based sensory dough

• Rice flour or gluten-free flour blends for crafts

• Shaving cream and water beads for mess-free sensory play

Gluten-Free Cloud Dough Recipe

(Add more cornstarch if needed for desired texture.)

Ingredients:

2 cups cornstarch

1 cup baby oil

Instructions:

Mix cornstarch and baby oil until a moldable dough forms.

Store in an airtight container.

How to Keep a Gluten-Free Child Safe

1. Pack Safe Alternatives for Events

If your child is attending a birthday party or school event, pack gluten-free snacks and treats. For playdates, bring your own safe art supplies and playdough.

2. Educate Caregivers & Teachers

Inform teachers, babysitters, and relatives about hidden gluten sources.

Provide a list of safe and unsafe products.

Offer to send gluten-free alternatives for school activities.

3. Always Read Labels

Gluten can be listed under different names on ingredient labels. Common hidden sources include:

Wheat-derived ingredients: Triticum vulgare, wheat starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein

Barley-based ingredients: Hordeum vulgare, malt extract, malt flavoring

Rye-based ingredients: Secale cereale

Oat-based ingredients: Unless labeled gluten-free, oats may be cross-contaminated

Other sources: Brewer’s yeast, soy sauce (unless gluten-free), modified food starch (if unspecified)

4. Teach Kids to Speak Up

Encourage children to ask questions about food and products before using them. Teach them key phrases like, “I have celiac disease, so I can’t eat anything with wheat.”

5. Other Tips

• Look for certified gluten-free labels on products.

• Contact manufacturers if uncertain about ingredient sources.

• Check for changes in formulas, as some companies reformulate products over time.

• Look for certified gluten-free labels on products.

• Contact manufacturers if uncertain about ingredient sources.

• Check for changes in formulas, as some companies reformulate products over time.

 

Can Gluten Skin Contact Cause Rashes or Eczema in Celiacs? 

For some people with celiac disease, consuming gluten doesn’t just cause digestive issues—it can also lead to skin problems like eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). However, skin contact with gluten itself does not typically trigger a reaction in celiacs unless the gluten is ingested. The exception is individuals with extreme sensitivities who may experience irritation from gluten-containing products, such as lotions or bath products, if they touch their mouth or face after use. Read our article on skin rashes here.

A Gluten-Free Childhood Can Still Be Fun!

Being gluten-free as a child doesn’t mean missing out—it just requires a little extra awareness and preparation. By swapping out risky products for safe alternatives, you can create a fun and stress-free environment where kids can enjoy crafts, snacks, and playtime without worry.

By staying informed, reading labels, and advocating for their needs, children with celiac disease can thrive and enjoy all the same experiences as their peers—just in a gluten-free way!