These treats to make sure every child can get in on the fun!
This year, Halloween might look a little different, but trick-or-treating is still a much-loved tradition. Dressing up and walking the neighborhood at night while neighbors toss candy into king-sized pillowcases is what makes Halloween night one of the most magical nights in a child’s life. But what if your child has an allergy to peanuts, gluten, artificial sweeteners, or any other allergens present in many of today’s treats? Fortunately, awareness surrounding allergies and the shift toward healthier eating shows more and more households are choosing to offer non-candy treats.
For small children, proper brushing and flossing are difficult, and some families may choose to do away with all the sweets rather than raise a child's risk of tooth decay. If you're considering switching to non-candy treats or want to offer an alternative so no one feels left out, here are some ideas to make your house a favorite in the neighborhood.
Mini Flashlights – Help kids light their way to a safe and fun Halloween! Some party supply stores have Halloween-themed flashlights for the little ones to enjoy long after that candy bar disappears.
Temporary Tattoos – Available in many different styles, temporary tattoos are a kid favorite!
Glow-in-the-Dark Balls or Glow Sticks – Anything that glows in the dark will keep neighborhood children entertained after a night of trick-or-treating. Bracelets, rings, and even glow-in-the-dark headbands can be a fun treat!
Rubber Stamps, Pens, Pencils, and Erasers – Eyeball-shaped erasers, stamps with pumpkins, and pencils decorated with witches and monsters make a fun addition to every pencil case. Even adults love these festive school supply treats!
Mini Fidget Spinners – Kids will be occupied with these long after that sugar rush wears off!
Bubbles – Halloween-themed bubbles come in a variety of fun tube colors decorated with vampires and witches.
Bottles of Water – Help kids stay hydrated while they walk the neighborhood! Some companies even sell Halloween-themed bottles!
Plastic Rings and Jewelry – Fun jewelry shaped liked spiders, bats, pumpkins make costumes even spookier!
Stickers – Kids love stickers! Offer a variety of sparkly, Halloween-themed, or scented stickers to make you a favorite on the block.
Vampire Teeth – Always a classic, vampire teeth are fun for children and adults! Some brands even glow-in-the-dark!
Choosing to give out non-candy treats on Halloween can help many children feel included in the fun who might otherwise feel self-conscious about an allergy they have no control over. If you do opt to give out toys instead of candy this Halloween, consider putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep to show you have non-candy treats available.
Started over 20 years ago by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee, the Teal Pumpkin Project has become a worldwide event, raising awareness about food-related medical conditions. Those who choose to take part put a teal-painted pumpkin outside their door and offer non-food treats to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. You can also find plastic teal pumpkins in many stores.
Offering non- candy and non-food items to trick-or-treaters not only helps all children feel included, but it helps keep their mouths healthy. Now that’s a treat in itself!
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