Halloween and I have a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mother. Trick or treating is a fun tradition, but not many Healthy Halloween Treats (or even close to it). Other holidays like Easter share the same problem.
So what should a healthy mother do? As I see it, I have a few options:
Option #1: Ignore Halloween entirely
Yes… I did this!
I’ll admit it: when my kids were all young, I pretended Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t do the trick or treating thing or the Halloween costume thing. Instead of a Halloween party, we usually turn off the lights and go to bed early before the trick-or-treaters come.
I didn’t like the idea of harrassing teenagers staying up late to ask strangers at a stranger’s house. Candy filled with food coloring. Not everyone needs candy bars, candy corn, or other Halloween night junk food. Now, in many places where you run trunks or treats, kids can fill up on candy without having the benefits of walking around.
As my kids got older and wanted to dress up, it was hard to avoid trick or treating. On the one hand, I fully understand the fun tradition of dressing up and spending time with friends. On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of getting bags upon bags of candy (it drives them crazy and rots their teeth).
Since I’ve learned a thing or two about balance and moderation over the years, we moved on from this option (without thinking a bit). I find that my kids (and the environment) can still get a Halloween treat with these non-food ideas.
Option #2: Candy Fairy
Opinions differ on whether receiving a mountain of candy overnight provides a natural opportunity to learn self-control. I’m all for kids learning these life lessons. However, I’m also a big believer in giving kids choices within certain boundaries set by the parent. (in order to My love for Montessori.)
The Candy Fairy (or Switch Witch, take your pick) will visit our house after trick or treating. The kids didn’t seem to mind one bit. We swap out most of the candy for a fun bag of goodness. Since the care bags come from our house, this also gives me a chance to throw in some goodies from better sources.
Option #3: Offer unhealthy candy Halloween treats
I know, I know… giving gifts other than name-brand candy is a surefire way to wrap your house. I promise not to suggest giving the kids an apple or a carton of bone broth.
According to the CDCChildhood obesity rates have increased dramatically over the past few decades. They have continued to creep even since last year and are now hovering around 20 percent (higher for certain ethnicities). Wouldn’t giving out candy to kids be a less positive change?
In fact, there are many reasons to consider giving out Halloween treats other than candy:
- Food allergies – Food allergies are on the rise and many popular types of candy contain peanuts and other allergens. I know very few moms who won’t let their kids go trick or treating because of peanut exposure. (This is a real trend: The Teal Pumpkin Project.)
- Too much sugar I can’t in good conscience give away tons of sugary candy, especially with the high rates of obesity and other health issues among young people. The 80/20 rule is great and there can be a time and place for therapy. The problem is that time always seems to be the same. And the place seems to be everywhere. Kids get candy at the bank, the doctor, their school, and everywhere else they go. Do they really need a bag from him?!
- Color sensitivities – There are many children. Sensitive to food dyes And with most types of candy, it’s hard to get rid of them.
- Orthodontics – Candy and sugary snacks are not good for teeth and can stick to braces and other mouthwashes.
- Easy on parents – When you give out Halloween treats that aren’t candy, you save parents the trouble of checking for anything harmful in the candy.
True, non-candy treats may not make your house the most popular stop in the neighborhood, but there are definitely some really fun options for kid-approved candy. And thanks to all the other families trying to limit sugar or sensitive to food dyes!
Ideas for Non-Candy Halloween Treats (Kids Really Love)
They are super healthy Halloween treats that I keep in my stash. Bonus: If you have some left over, most of these will last until next year! Walmart and your local dollar store can be great places to find cheap Halloween toys. The quality can be hit or miss, though, so I have a list of where to find our favorite non-candy Halloween treats.
1. Glider planes
Surprisingly Small planes They are cheap and a great candy option. My brother loved these when we were little and would take one of these for candy any day!
2. Organic juice boxes
A A consumable Halloween treat It is practical. Children can get thirsty after walking around. It still has sugar and is not an everyday thing for us but it makes a great treat.
3. Natural fruit leather
In my opinion, these taste better than artificially flavored fruit candies! Buy them in bulk at a good price. I have seen them at Costco for a good price, or they are available From Amazon For a good price.
4. Bouncy balls
My kids love bouncy balls and we usually don’t have them in the house. of Swing. Grab a 100 pack Cheaper than a big bag of candy and call a day! They even make it embarrassing. Eye ball bouncy balls!
5. Local honey trees
My oldest son brought home several of these from a beekeepers convention at one time and they were an instant hit with his siblings. Ideally, get one from a local beekeeper, or some Order online. These are still delicious foods, but honey Useful features Make them a healthier alternative to candy.
6. Seals
My little ones spend hours printing pictures on paper and they gave me the idea for this candy alternative. Stamps are cheaper than candy when you do. Get them in bulk.
7. Theme bookmarks
These Fall-themed bookmarks Not only can you encourage reading, but you can also get kids to color.
8. Carabiners
A novel and practical child’s favorite! Carabiners are first on the list. Practical gifts that can be reused, and as a bonus… they’re plastic-free!
9. Mini-flashlights
A practical idea for children who walk after dark! Keychain flashlights are fun for kids and a great candy alternative if you don’t live in a crowded neighborhood. Order them in bulk For a good price.
10. Pumpkin orange
Feeling crafty? Get some organic oranges and use a natural marker to draw some pumpkin faces on the skin. This DIY Jack-Lantern is perfect for a group of friends or a close-knit neighborhood where people trust unwrapped offerings.
11. Organic candy
If you can’t fathom giving something besides candy, choose a better candy. This brand name Organic lollipops It is colorless and contains vitamin C.
12. Fake beard
Kids love these Funny fake beard. I once brought a few packs of fake beards to an adult costume party and we woke up the next morning to find all the kids wearing beards! For a holiday that needs clothes, these are fun to give!
13. Stickers
I have to say kids have ruined stickers for me. You think it’s a good idea to put stickers on any page to make it more interesting. There’s still sticky residue on their bunk beds to prove it. Although Halloween is fun for children, I look forward to it Order 500 stickers give away.
14. Bubbles
Bubbles are a fun activity that every child loves. They will be my children Play with these For hours at a time!
15. Small notebooks
My daughters wait These are small notebooks In their little bag so they can draw and take notes. Add a Halloween themed pencil and eraser for an extra treat to go along with their notebook.
16. LED Light Up rings
Forget ring pops! These rings They glow with colors and are a fun way to keep kids safe in the dark.
17. Skeleton bone pen
It might be the best item on this list! These bone-shaped pens They are great and practical too!
18. Wiki sticks
An inexpensive Halloween treat that sparks creativity. Wiki sticks Made from yarn and natural wax, they are a stress-free creative way for kids to draw and build.
19. Lego people
Want to be the coolest house on the block? Give a little Lego compatible figures!
20. Shiny bracelets
You don’t often get glow sticks because of the plastic, but I put them out as a special treat or candy option. Glow in the dark bracelets They are a very practical option because they make it easier for kids to see in the dark while trick or treating! I have never seen a child so disappointed to receive a bracelet that glows instead of candy.
21. Puzzle balls
The downside? They are plastic. Up? Puzzle balls They are reusable treats that encourage critical thinking.
22. Fancy Crayon Pen
Practical but still cool. These crayon pens Have lots of suggestions and encourage creativity. Pair them with small autumn-themed coloring books.
23. Slap bracelets
Slap bracelets They were all the rage when I was a kid. Maybe they’re outdated, or maybe, like many fad fashion trends over the decades, it’s time for a comeback!
24. Mini Play-Doh
We usually make our own play dough, but pre-made Mini Play-Doh containers Candy is a great option! It’s stretchy, squishy, and can provide hours of fun. Play-Doh contains gluten, so be careful for those with celiac disease or gluten allergies. This brand name It offers a gluten-free option.
25. Spooky spider rings
Another plastic toy, but when store-bought candy is at stake, I agree. Please this child It adds to the thrill of the horror. Warning: they are as bad as Lagos… I ended up stepping on them with my bare feet around the house for months on end.
26. Punch balloons
I remember hitting these with great glee as a kid (probably in front of my brother). This comes with a constant party favor Halloween themed colors And it encourages children to be active and have fun!
27. Finger puppets
These are popular with little kids as a silly way to add to the fun of a dress up night. They are stretchy and fun and help encourage creative play. Try these Monster-themed finger puppets They come in droves.
28. Slinkies
Who doesn’t remember the classic steel jump? While you can find small metal slats, plastic slats are more affordable for bulk supply. Get a package 50 colors of the rainbow over here.
If you are going to give candy…
Choose prepackaged foods from reputable companies that use organic or natural ingredients with few to no additives. These are. My favorite healthy candy is “Fits”. Because their ingredients are so small… Scary!
What is your policy on candy on Halloween? What healthy Halloween treats would you like to see your kids bring home?
