Halloween and I have had a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mom. Trick-or-treating is a fun tradition, but there aren’t many healthy Halloween treats. Other holidays, such as Easter, have the same problem.
So what should a health-conscious mother do? As I see it, there are a few options:
Option #1: Ignore Halloween Completely
Yes… I did it!
I’ll admit it. When my kids were all little, I just pretended that Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t do trick-or-treating or Halloween costumes or anything like that. Instead of a Halloween party, we usually turned off the lights and went to bed early before the trick-or-treaters came back.
I didn’t like the idea of my already grumpy toddler staying up late and going to a stranger’s house and asking for candy with food coloring in it. They didn’t need all the candy bars, candy corn, or other Halloween night junk food. Now, with more places offering trunks and treats, kids can eat as much candy as they want without having to run around the neighborhood.
As kids get older and want to dress up, trick-or-treating becomes more difficult to avoid. On the one hand, I totally understand the fun tradition of dressing up in costumes and spending time with friends. On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of them putting a bag on top of a bag of candy (that would drive them crazy and rot their teeth).
I chose this option (somewhat reluctantly) because I’ve learned a thing or two about balance and moderation over the years. I’ve found that my kids (and my neighbors) can still get Halloween treats with non-food snack ideas.
Option #2: Candy Fairy
Opinions differ as to whether receiving a mountain of candy in one night provides an opportunity to naturally learn self-control. I support children receiving these life lessons. However, I also believe that it is important to give children choices within certain boundaries set by their parents. (That’s why I like Montessori.)
The Candy Fairy (or Switch Witch, your choice) comes to visit our house after trick-or-treating. The kids don’t seem to mind one bit. We turn most of our candy into fun gift bags. Since the snack bags come from my house, it also gives me the opportunity to put delicious food in a better place.
Option #3: Serve Healthy Non-Candy Halloween Treats
I know, I know… Handing out treats other than brand-name candy is a sure-fire way to brighten up your home. I promise I will never suggest handing your kids an apple or a box of bone broth.
According to the CDCChildhood obesity rates have increased significantly over the past few decades. It has continued to increase since last year and is now hovering around 20% (higher for certain races). Wouldn’t giving children less candy be a positive change?
In fact, there are many reasons to consider serving Halloween treats that aren’t candy.
- food allergy – Food allergies are on the rise, and many popular candies contain peanuts and other allergens. I know quite a few moms who can’t let their kids trick or treat because of potential peanut exposure. (Proof that this is a real trend: Teal Pumpkin Project.)
- too much sugar – With record rates of obesity and other health problems, especially among teenagers, I cannot in good conscience hand out tons of sweet candy. The 80/20 rule is great and there can be a time and place for snacks. The problem is that time always seems to pass. And that place seems to be everywhere. Kids get candy almost anywhere: at the bank, at the doctor, at school. Do you really need a bag?!
- dye sensitivity – Many children are sensitive to food dyes, making it difficult to avoid dyes in most candies.
- Teeth correction – Candy and sugary snacks are bad for your teeth and can stick to your braces or other mouthpieces.
- Easier for parents – Handing out non-candy Halloween treats will save parents the trouble of checking to see if the candy contains anything harmful.
True, non-candy treats may not make your house the hottest place on the block, but there are some really fun alternatives to candy that kids are sure to love. And any other family members who are trying to limit sugar or are sensitive to food coloring will appreciate it too!
Ideas for non-candy Halloween treats (kids actually love them)
These are the best healthy Halloween snacks I have in my stash. Bonus: If you have any leftover, most of them will be stored until next year! Walmart and your local dollar store are great places to find inexpensive Halloween toys. But quality can be hit or miss, so below are some details on where to find non-candy Halloween treats.
1. Glider plane
surprisingly, mini airplane It’s cheap and a great candy alternative. My brother loved these when we were kids and would have taken one of these over candy any day!
2. Organic Juice Box
no way consumable halloween treats It’s practical. Children sometimes get thirsty after taking a walk around the neighborhood. It still contains sugar and is not an everyday thing for us, but it makes a great snack.
3. Natural fruit leather
I think this tastes so much better than artificially flavored fruit candy! Buy in bulk at the best price. I’ve seen it or can buy it at a good price at Costco. on amazon At a good price.
4. Bouncy ball
My kids love bouncy balls and we generally don’t have them lying around the house. that. bouncing. Take 100 packs with you Call in a day for less than a large bag of candy! Even makes it creepy eyeball bouncy ball!
5. Local honey sticks
My older son brought home a bunch of these from a beekeeper’s group one time and they were an instant hit with his siblings. Ideally, you’ll find some from a local beekeeper; order online. Although honey is still a sweet snack, its beneficial properties make it a healthier alternative to candy.
6. Stamps
My kids spent hours stamping pictures on paper and gave me the idea for this candy alternative. Stamps are cheaper than candy too. Get it in bulk.
7. Theme bookmarks
these fall themed bookmark Not only does it encourage reading, but kids can also color it. You could also give out small packs of crayons to use with your kids.
8. Carabiner
Novel and practical, kids love it! Carabiners top the list. There are also practical gifts that can be reused, and as a bonus… No plastic at all!
9. Mini flashlight
Practical ideas for kids running around after dark! Keychain flashlights are fun for kids and a good candy alternative if you don’t live in a busy neighborhood. Order in bulk At a good price.
10. Pumpkin Orange
Feeling cunning? Buy organic oranges and use a natural marker to draw a pumpkin face on the peel. This DIY jack-o’-lantern is probably best suited for a group of friends or a close-knit neighborhood where people trust the unwrapped product.
11. Organic Candy
If you don’t plan on handing out anything other than candy, choose a better type of candy. of this brand organic lollipops It is colorless and contains vitamin C.
12. Fake mustache
kids love this funny fake mustache. I once brought a few packs of fake mustaches to a costume party for adults, and woke up the next morning to find that all the kids had mustaches too! It’s also fun to give out for holidays that require costumes!
13. Stickers
The kids ruined the stickers for me. They seem to think it’s a good idea to put stickers on any surface to create a more festive atmosphere. There’s still sticker residue on the bunk bed to prove it. But since Halloween is a fun day for kids, I’d be a fool. Order 500 stickers To share.
14. Bubbles
Bubbles are a fun activity that every child loves. my kids will play with these For hours at a time!
15. Mini laptop
my daughters keep These mini notes You can draw and write notes on the mini wallet. Get an extra treat with your notebook by adding a Halloween-themed pencil and eraser.
16. LED light up ring
Forget Ring Pop! these rings It’s a fun way to light up in crazy colors and keep your kids safe in the dark.
17. Skull Bone Pen
Probably the coolest item on this list! This bone-shaped pen It’s really cool and practical too!
18. Wiki Stick
This is a great, inexpensive Halloween treat that sparks creativity. wiki stick Made from thread and natural wax, they are a neat and creative way for kids to draw and create.
19. Lego People
Do you want to be the coolest house on the block? Give me a little lego compatible figures!
20. Glow Bracelet
I usually don’t get glow sticks because of the plastic, but I will get them out for special snacks or candy substitutes. bracelet that glows in the dark This is the most practical option as it makes it easier for kids to see in the dark while trick or treating! I have never seen a child walk away disappointed after receiving a glow-in-the-dark bracelet instead of candy.
21. Puzzle Ball
What are the downsides? They are plastic. What are the advantages? puzzle ball Reusable snacks that encourage critical thinking.
22. Colorful crayon pens
Practical but still cool. These crayon pens Encourage creativity with a variety of tips. Pair it with a small fall-themed coloring book.
23. Slap Bracelet
slap bracelet I was really angry when I was young. Maybe they’re out of date, or like so many bad fashion trends from the past few decades, it’s time for them to come back!
24. Mini Play-Doh
We usually make our own playdough, but we have it made in advance. Mini Play-Doh Container It’s a great alternative to candy! It’s stretchy and chewy and will keep you entertained for hours. Play-Doh contains gluten, so be careful if you have celiac disease or are allergic to gluten. this brand We offer gluten-free alternatives.
25. Spooky Spider Web
It’s another plastic toy, but I’ll compromise if store-bought candy is at stake. This kid pleases It adds to the creepy fun. WARNING: It’s just as bad as Lego. Inevitably, I ended up stepping on Legos barefoot around the house for months.
26. Punch Balloon
I remember punching this with my fist (probably in the direction of my brother’s face) as a child with great glee. These timeless party favors come in Halloween-themed colors We encourage children to be active and have fun!
27. Finger puppets
This is a silly way to add fun to dressing up for a night out and is a hit with young kids. It’s stretchy, fun, and helps encourage creative play. try this Monster-themed finger puppets It comes in bulk.
28. Slinky
Who doesn’t remember the classic metal slinky? You can find small metal slinkies, but plastic slinkies are much cheaper to give away in bulk. Get the pack 50 rainbow colors here.
If you’re going to hand out candy…
Choose prepackaged snacks 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… scary!
What is your policy on candy on Halloween? What healthy Halloween treats would you like to see your kids take home?
