5 Alternatives to Candy for Parents to Hand Out for Trick-or-Treating This Halloween

When I was little, I detested the woman down the street who gave out yellow number two pencils to the Halloween trick-or-treaters. They are not good to eat, had no trading value with my siblings, and I had plenty at home because I never did my homework. Years later, after witnessing many sugar-crazed Halloween kids, I think there is some value in not handing out candy to all the little ghouls and goblins. Here are five alternatives to candy for parents to hand out for trick-or-treating this Halloween . . . that won't break the bank or make the kids think you are a real live witch.

School Supplies. We have come a long way from the yellow #2 pencil. You can now get pencils, pens, post its, paperclips, erasers and any other school supply you can think of in bright coordinating colors, fun prints, cartoon and celebrity themes, glittered designs and glow in the dark versions. Now is a good time to check back to school sales at office supply stores for some great deals.

Toys. Younger kids will especially enjoy the little party favor toys. For older one's small puzzle games are available. Dollar store toys are a good last minute bet as well as Wal-Mart. If you are planning ahead, check out the Oriental Trading Company catalog online at www.orientaltrading.com. You can buy assortments of toys in 50 to 250 count packs relatively inexpensively. They vary by theme and coolness, so take some time and have fun browsing.

Healthy Snacks. Just because you are avoiding the candy craze, does not mean you have to avoid giving out fun treats. Fruit snacks are ideal, because they are individually wrapped (usually with fun packaging), reasonably priced if you are a good shopper, and come in a variety of flavors including those made with real fruit juice, gluten free varieties, and low sugar options. Use coupons or buy generic to cut costs. Depending on your volume of trick-or-treaters, a warehouse store brand may be your best bet.

Craft Supplies. Stickers, mini-craft kits, and other art supplies are fun. Do not hand out paints, markers, or anything messy, and it is probably a good idea to have some fruit snacks on hand in case parents object. (You can mix them in with the stickers, and as you grab the basket, look parentally at the mom or dad for approval . . . you know you have the skills!).

Paper Products. No, I certainly do not mean toilet paper. Small puzzle books, mini books, and inexpensive coloring books are great treats. Check out the dollar store for these. They are sometimes found in the party favor/toy aisle if they are not in the book section. Bookmarks are fun, too!

Candy alternatives do n0t have to make you the un-cool parent on the block. If you get creative enough, you may even be the envy of the other moms and dads on the block. Better yet, if your treats are fun enough, you might even be lucky enough to avoid the TP and egg crowd. Good luck and have a safe and Happy Halloween!