Traditionally, people have given out candy and other sweets to young children on Halloween when they are greeted at their door with “Trick or Treat!” In light of today’s focus on preventing childhood obesity, as well as concerns about tooth decay and food allergies and reactions, many people are looking for some alternatives to candy. If you’re looking for a change this Halloween, try these options:
1. Crayons and coloring books Small boxes of crayons, containing about four different colors, can be ordered online at a number of different school supply stores. The same is true for small coloring books and activity pads.
2. Small cars Toy cars can be purchased in large multipacks at party supply stores. They are usually found in the party favors section. You can also try to find large packs of name-brand cars at your local toy store.
3. Games Small pocket games or even a ball with jacks are classic toys that kids have played with decades. A toy or game will probably last longer than candy, anyway.
4. Craft kits Craft kids to make small puppets can be purchased by the case-load at a school supply depot or at your local crafts store. You might need to repackage pieces from a classroom kit and make copies of the directions.
5. Books Bookstores often sell greatly discounted children’s book for a dollar or less. You can also look in your local dollar store for books. Be sure to buy a variety of titles that can be given to children of different genders and ages.
6. Granola Bars If you just can’t imagine Halloween without giving out some kind of edible treat at your front door, try granola bars. They come individually wrapped, and most kids like to eat the ones with a little bit of chocolate or some other type of candy. While these aren’t as healthy as the ones made from oats and honey, they’re still a better alternative to a candy bar.
7. Fruit and Nuts Small boxes of raisins and little bags of nuts are great snacks and they’re healthy, too.
If you do decide to give out something edible this year, make sure that each treat is individually wrapped. Long gone are the days where parents would allow their children to eat home-baked goods from strangers. Also remember that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, meaning that crowds are expected to be bigger than in past years.
