Birthdays in college are a little different than they were when we were younger. Our moms no longer supply all the sweets and give us tons of presents because, well, we’re miles away and shipping is expensive. Our parents may send us a couple gifts here and there, but it’s now up to us to remember to order the treats and goodies for our friends’ birthdays – whether they live in our dorms or across the country.
But what happens when you go to your friend’s room to celebrate and see boxes of Jake’s Bakes, Georgetown Cupcakes, Baked By Melissa, a Momofuku cake and dozens of other treats? Then later at dinner, you have to order a dessert so that you can all sing “happy birthday.” And the next day, you feel ten pounds heavier than the day before.
This, however, can be avoided. There is a way to celebrate your friends’ birthdays without feeling like you ruined any healthy streak you might have been having and while simultaneously enjoying tasty arrangements. Check out these desserts that provide the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious.
Photo from www.ediblearrangements.com
1. Edible Arrangements
Although these fruit baskets can be expensive, when split between four of five friends, this enjoyable selection of strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, apples and melon and maybe even some chocolate here and there can be the perfect birthday treat. Not only are they decorative and delicious, but they can also be delivered straight to your best friend’s dorm! What more could you ask for?
Order these flowery fruits here.
Photo by Ari Richman
2. Gigi’s Gluten Free Cupcakes and Cakes
Gigi’s Cupcakes is only a nice walk or short Uber ride away from Vanderbilt’s campus. While they’re known for their classic treats, many don’t know that they also offer gluten-free options, which are undeniably healthier than the typical cupcake. Gigi’s Triple Chocolate Torte cupcakes are both gluten and dairy free and are made fresh daily in the Nashville location. Additionally, if you call the day of, the chefs will tell you which other cupcakes they are making gluten-free that day and you can pick up a box just a few hours later. For those of you not living in Nashville, be sure to check if Gigi’s also has a store near you.
Indulge in these cupcakes by ordering online or by calling the Nashville store at (615) 342-0140.
Photo by Ari Richman
3. Fido’s Vegan Cookies
Fido’s sells many different flavors of absolutely delectable homemade vegan cookies. Vegan products are made with all-natural ingredients, have no cholesterol, trans-fat, refined carbs or sugars, no eggs, dairy or butter and tend to be low in calories. Talk about the perfect dessert.
Purchase these vegan cookies at Fido in Nashville, located at 1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212.
Photo from www.garrettpopcorn.com
4. Garrett Popcorn Shops
Choose your size (1 gallon, 2 gallons, 3.5 gallons or, for those with a ton of friends, 6.5 gallons). Choose your tin design from 11 festive options. Choose three flavors: caramel crisp, cheese corn, almond caramel crisp, buttery and plain are just some of your options. Then click a few buttons, enter some information and ship this treat off to your best friend. Keep in mind, however, this option is not as healthy as some of those mentioned earlier – 6 cups of plain popcorn is only 80 calories and 1 gram of fat, but if you venture towards ordering buttery popcorn, 1.5 cups of this yummy treat contains 200 calories and 17 grams of fat. Nonetheless, this gift is ideal to split among a bunch of friends and is quite filling.
Order this decorative treat here.