Halloween was always my favorite holiday as a kid. I would go out with a pillowcase and high hopes, and come home with a pillowcase stuffed full and eat until I couldn’t anymore. My Halloween candy lasted a day or two.
While I went crazy on sugar from a young age, my kids aren’t afforded the same sugar bingeing opportunities. I’m not a big fan of what sugar turns my kids into, and I know how bad it can be for their health. So we limit, we send some extras in to work with their Dad, I toss some things (Tootsie rolls you are the DEVIL), and they end up with a reasonable stash of candy that is doled out over time.
I also love when they get non-candy treats. One neighbor hands out tennis balls, another gave out glowsticks to hang on their necks, and others include some non-candy items amongst the treats.
When it comes to giving out Halloween treats I like to mix in some non-candy and ‘healthier’ options like little packages of pretzels, glow sticks, or Halloween pencils. My husband and kids scoff at the idea, but those are the most popular items, especially with older kids!
As I was gearing up to share some options you can include for non-candy treats I read this post on Scratch or Sniff’s site about the FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project. It’s a simple way to signify that you have non-candy or allergy-friendly items for kids that have food allergies.
If you’re a parent you’re well aware of how prevalent food allergies are becoming-even if your kids don’t have food allergies it’s likely that they have classmates, friends, or family members who do.
By simply painting a pumpkin teal and/or hanging a sign in your window (get your a sign here) you can let parents know you have options for kids and families who want to participate in Halloween, but aren’t able to eat most/all candy.
Below is a list of our favorite non-candy items for Halloween. All links go to Amazon and with either Prime or a minimum amount you’ll qualify for free shipping.
1. Glow Stick Bracelets, pack of 100, $9.87
Glow stick bracelets–who doesn’t love glow sticks, and these are great for Halloween to help light up the night.
2. Mini Halloween Magic Springs, pack of 48, $11.95
Mini springs are so much fun and they make a great treat! These come in fun Halloween colors.
3. Plastic Halloween vampire teeth
I want to suck your blood! These fun fake teeth are sure to be a hit with all the trick or treaters.
4. Glow in the dark sticky eyes
Glow in the dark sticky eyes are actually not my favorite, but the kids love them! Just make sure no kids under 3 get their hands on them or they might think they’re edible!
5. Halloween bubble bottles
Halloween bubbles are fun in a bottle. Little kids and big ones both love bubbles (and puppies do,
6. Foam gliders
Foam gliders are something a little different and they’re a family favorite. For this price you can’t beat it!
What are your favorite non-candy treats for Halloween?
Kelly
Halloween tattoos (found them at Target this year, 4 in a cute little box). I think there are 20 boxes in the pack and it was $3 (we don’t get a lot of trick-or-treaters).
Thanks for the ideas – and price points!!