No cupcakes at school for birthdays? Teacher says they're 'too messy' in viral video

An Illinois teacher has gone viral after posting a TikTok video explaining why she does not like when her students bring cupcakes to class as "birthday treats."

Ann Brackemyer, a kindergarten teacher whose TikTok handle is "kbcrayons," said in the Aug. 2 video post that she loves to celebrate birthdays in her classroom, but cupcakes are not great options to bring in.

"I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but please don't bring cupcakes," Brackemyer said, speaking to parents in the TikTok video that has gained over 2.4 million views. "These make a ginormous mess and the kids honestly don't eat them that great."

Once the cupcake's frosting "gets all over," the children "don't know what to do," Brackemyer explained in the video.

"It's just too much for them and it's too messy," she said about children eating cupcakes.

Ann Brackemyer suggests cupcake alternatives

Alternatives Brackemyer suggested include frosted sugar cookies with sprinkles, small donuts, ice cream cups with sprinkles and Little Debbie snacks.

"These are just simple and easy snacks that you can bring for your child in their classroom that are not as messy and also the kids love," the teacher said about the other foods.

Brackemyer said Cosmic Brownies, which can cost between $2 to $5 a box, is "a favorite in her room."

Others disagree: 'Send whatever your kid wants'

Other TikTok users, including some who claim to be either a parent or a teacher, chimed in on Brackemyer's video. One user commented, "As a teacher, send whatever your kid wants."

Another user said her kids' school "no longer allows food as a birthday treat (and) it’s now suggested if you want to bring anything, bring in trinket bags."

One commenter said, "I bring in whatever my child chooses! It’s their birthday, they get to pick."

A separate commenter said, "As a teacher, the kids don’t care they’ll eat anything nor do we care we’ll clean them up keep the cupcakes coming cuz I want one."