5 Trick or Treat Candy Alternatives Kids Really Like

Yes! It's that time of year again. The time we dress our children up as the little ghosts, goblins, and pirates they really are. We send them out for our neighbors to fill their bags with sugar and candy. Then our neighbors send the little ghouls home all to get all hyped up! Arggh! Halloween is a very scary time for parents. Take pity on your neighbors and provide one of these great alternatives this year. Kids will thank you and their parents will praise you.

In warmer climates, trick or treaters can become quite parched. One (awesome) couple in my neighborhood fills a cooler with ice and a selection of water bottles and juice boxes. When costumed critters arrive they get their choice of the beverages provided. All of the drinks are sealed in single serving sizes so parents can feel safe about allowing their kids to guzzle it down right there. The couple even has a large lined trash can at the end of the drive. My children look forward to this stop every year. They enjoy the break and the chance to cool off before continuing on their way.

Small inexpensive toys such as spider rings, ghostly paddle balls, stickers, and temporary tattoos, are another great option. My children enjoy these, as they tend to last a bit longer than candy. I love it because it doesn't sugar them up. Oriental Trading Company is a good source for these items. They sell in bulk and are very reasonably priced. ( www.orientaltrading.com) You could also try dollar stores and party supply stores for these items. Make sure to provide some bigger items for younger children that might swallow them

Pencils, erasers, sharpeners and other small school supplies with Halloween designs have shown up in my kid's trick-or-treat bags. These are passed up at first, but greatly enjoyed once the candy is gone. These items also give them something they can show off at school. School supplies stores, dollar stores, and oriental trading company (www.orientaltrading.com ) have these items for relatively inexpensive prices.

Looking for a way to serve a healthy food alternative? Since everything now has to be prepackaged, fresh fruits and vegetables have been off limits. You can now celebrate! Many places have started to sell packages of, pre-washed and cut, fruits and vegetables. Carrot sticks, apple slices, grapes, and more can be found in individual packages at your local grocery store. Purchase a variety and let kids pick what they like best.

Lastly, snack size packages of crackers, and microwave popcorn, are good choices. I like to put these items in my kid's lunch boxes. They get to enjoy Halloween treats at school, and their teacher's are pleased they don't have to deal with sugar rushed children. Check the snack food aisle of your local grocery store to find a plethora of choices.

Providing alternatives to candy for trick or treat doesn't have to be frightening. There are many choices that kids will enjoy, as well as teachers, and parents. A selection of several of these great ideas would ensure trick or treat success. Here's to a great Halloween for all, and hoping my kids don't end up bouncing off the walls this year!

Oriental Trading Company www.orientaltrading.com