Halloween and I have a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mother. Trick-or-treating is a fun tradition, but there aren’t many healthy Halloween treats (or anything close to that). Other holidays such as Easter have the same problem.
So what’s a health-conscious mother to do? From what I see, there are several options.
Option #1: Ignore Halloween completely
Yes…this is done!
I’ll be honest: when my kids were little, I used to pretend Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t go trick-or-treating or dress up for Halloween. Instead of a Halloween party, we always turned off the lights and went to bed early before the trick-or-treaters arrived.
I didn’t like the idea of an already grumpy toddler staying up late at a stranger’s house begging for food-colored candy. There was no need for candy bars, candy corn, or other junk food on Halloween night. Now, with more trunk-or-treat locations, kids can get their fill of candy without having to walk around the neighborhood.
As children grew older and wanted to dress up, trick-or-treating became difficult to avoid. On the other hand, I understand the fun tradition of wearing costumes and spending time with friends. On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of them getting bag after bag of candy (it would drive them crazy and rot their teeth).
I’ve learned a thing or two about balance and moderation over the years, so I (somewhat reluctantly) moved away from this option. I’ve found that my kids (and my neighbors) can get some Halloween candy with these non-food treat ideas.
Option #2: Candy Fairy
Opinions differ as to whether receiving a mountain of candy in one night is a natural opportunity to learn self-control. I would love for my children to receive these life lessons. But I also strongly believe that children should be given choices within certain boundaries set by their parents. (That’s my love for Montessori.)
The Candy Fairy (or Switch Witch, if you prefer) comes to our house after trick-or-treating. The children don’t seem to care much. Replace most candy with bags of fun treats. Since the snack bags come from home, you also have the opportunity to fill them with goodies from a better place.
Option #3: Offer healthy Halloween treats other than candy.
I know, I know…handing out treats other than name brand candy is a surefire way to get the house excited. I promise I’m not suggesting you give your kids a pack of apples or bone broth.
According to the CDC, childhood obesity rates have increased significantly over the past few decades. It has continued to increase since last year and currently hovers around 20 percent (even higher for certain ethnic groups). Wouldn’t it be a positive change if we gave our kids less candy?
In fact, there are many reasons to consider handing 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 quite a few mothers who can’t let their kids play tricks or tricks because of the potential exposure to peanuts. (Proof that this is a real trend: The Teal Pumpkin Project.) Too much sugar – With record obesity rates and other health problems, especially among young people, I in good conscience don’t drink large amounts of sugar. Candy cannot be given out. The 80/20 rule is great and there may be a time and place for snacks. The problem is that time always seems to be passing. And those places seem to be everywhere. Children get candy everywhere they go, including the bank, doctor, and school. Do you really need a bag? Pigment Sensitivity – Many children are sensitive to food dyes, and it is difficult to avoid the dyes found in most types of candy. Orthodontics – Candy and sugary snacks are bad for your teeth and can stick to your braces and other mouthpieces. Easing the burden on parents – Handing out non-candy Halloween treats saves parents the hassle of checking candy for harmful substances.
Sure, non-candy treats may not make your home the most popular place in the neighborhood, but there are some really fun alternatives to candy that kids will definitely appreciate. . And families trying to limit sugar or others sensitive to food coloring will be sure to thank you, too.
Halloween treat ideas other than candy (kids will love it)
These are the best healthy Halloween treats I have in my stash. Bonus: If you have any left over, you can save most of it until next year. Walmart and your local dollar store are great places to find Halloween toys at low prices. However, quality can be hit or miss, so we’ll detail below where you can find your favorite non-candy Halloween treats.
1. Glider airplane
Surprisingly, mini planes are inexpensive and a great alternative to sweets. When we were little, my brother loved these and would have eaten one of these over candy any day.
2. Organic juice box
A practical, consumable Halloween treat. Children may be thirsty after a walk around the neighborhood. It still has sugar in it, so it’s not an everyday thing for us, but it makes for a great snack.
3. Natural fruit leather
In my opinion, these are much tastier than artificially flavored fruit candies. Buy in bulk at a great price. I’ve seen it sold at Costco for a good price, and it’s also available on Amazon for a good price.
4. Bouncing ball
My kids love bouncy balls, but for various reasons we don’t usually have one at home. of. Jump. Buy a pack of 100, which is cheaper than a big bag of candy, and call it quits for the day. We also make balls with spooky eyeballs.
5. Locally produced honey sticks
One time my eldest son brought home a bunch of these from a beekeeper’s gathering, and the brothers instantly loved them. Ideally, buy from a local beekeeper or order online. Although these are still sweet treats, the beneficial properties of honey make them a healthier alternative to candy.
6. Stamp
My kids spend hours stamping pictures on paper and they gave me the idea for this candy alternative. Stamps are cheaper than candy if you get them in bulk.
7. Thematic bookmarks
These fall-themed bookmarks not only encourage reading, but also get kids coloring. You can also hand out small packs of crayons.
8. Carabiner
A novel and practical children’s favorite. Carabiners are at the top of the list for practical gifts that are reusable, and the bonus is they’re plastic-free.
9. Mini flashlight
Practical ideas for kids walking around after dark. Keychain flashlights are fun for kids and also a great alternative to candy if you don’t live in a high-traffic area. Order in bulk at a great price.
10. Pumpkin orange
Feeling crafty? Get an organic orange and use a natural marker to draw a pumpkin face on the peel. This DIY jack-o-lantern is perfect for a group of friends or a close-knit community that relies on unwrapped offerings.
11. Organic candy
If you don’t understand the idea of giving out something other than candy, choose a better variety of candy. This brand’s organic lollipops are dye-free and contain vitamin C.
12. False beard
Kids will love these hilarious fake mustaches. I once brought a few packs of fake mustaches to a costume party for adults, and when I woke up the next morning, all the kids had mustaches, too. This is fun to hand out on holidays when costumes are needed.
13. Stickers
I have to say the kids ruined the stickers for me. They seem to think it’s a good idea to put stickers on any surface to make it more festive. I still have the sticker on my bunk bed to prove it. However, since Halloween is a fun time for kids, I’m a bit lazy so I’ll just order 500 stickers and give them out.
14. Bubbles
Bubbles are a fun activity that all children love. My kids will play with this for hours at a time.
15. Mini notebook
My daughters keep these mini notebooks in their mini wallets so they can draw and take notes. Add some extra fun to your notebook by adding a Halloween-themed pencil and eraser.
16. LED light up ring
Forget about ring pops! These rings glow in crazy colors and are a fun way to keep kids safe in the dark.
17. Skeleton Bone Pen
Probably the coolest item on this list. Bone-shaped pens are very cool and practical.
18. Wicky Stick
Affordable Halloween treats that will inspire your creativity. Wikki Sticks are made from thread and natural wax and are a no-mess, creative way for kids to draw and build.
19. Lego People
Want to be the coolest house in town? Give the gift of a small LEGO-compatible figure!
20. Glowing bracelet
I don’t usually get psyllium because it’s plastic, but I do take it out for special treats or as a replacement for candy. Glow-in-the-dark bracelets are the most practical option because they make it easier for kids to see in the dark when they’re out trick-or-treating. I’ve never met a child who was disappointed when they received a glowing bracelet instead of candy.
21. Puzzle Ball
What are the drawbacks? It’s made of plastic. What are the advantages? Puzzle balls are reusable treats that encourage critical thinking.
22. Fancy crayon pen
Practical but cool. These crayon pens have multiple tips to encourage creativity. Pair it with a small fall-themed coloring book.
23. Slap bracelet
When I was a kid, slap bracelets were all the rage. Maybe they have become obsolete. Or maybe, like so many poor fashion trends of the past few decades, it’s time for a comeback.
24. Mini play path
We usually make our own play dough, but pre-made mini Play-Doh containers are a good alternative to candy. It’s stretchy, soft, and provides hours of fun. Play-Doh contains gluten, so be careful if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy. This brand offers gluten-free alternatives.
25. Creepy Spider Ring
It’s also a plastic toy, but that’s a compromise if store-bought candy is at risk. This kid-friendly fun adds to the spooky fun. Warning: They’re just as bad as Lego…I inevitably end up stepping on them barefoot around the house for months afterwards.
26. Punch Balloon
I remember gleefully punching this (probably in the direction of my brother’s face) as a kid. This annual party favor comes in Halloween-themed colors that encourage kids to be active and have fun.
27. Finger puppet
These are popular with young kids as a silly way to add to the fun of dressing up for the evening. Stretchy, fun, and encourages creative play. Check out our huge inventory of monster-themed finger puppets.
28. Slinkys
Who doesn’t remember the classic Metal Slinky? Small metal slinkies are available, but plastic ones are much more affordable for distributing in large quantities. Get your rainbow pack of 50 here.
If you’re handing out sweets…
Choose prepackaged treats from reputable companies that use organic or natural ingredients with little or no additives. These are my favorite healthy candy “compromise” because they have far fewer ingredients…horrible!
What is your policy regarding Halloween candy? Which healthy Halloween treats would you like your kids to take home?
