50 Candy Alternative Halloween Treats

Halloween is an ironic celebration. We dress kids up is odd costumes, send them around the neighborhood and fill them full of sugar. I know it's a great fun, but it can still be enjoyable without the massive amounts of candy which only has to be sorted through meticulously and often throw out. If you are like me, you don't mind the trick-or-treating and give-aways, but would just like to keep it a little healthier and safer. As a parent and a teacher, the Halloween fun is just as enjoyable without the candy.

Here are 50 great switches that kids will love just as much as most any candy they might get. Use these for trick-or-treating, classroom, scouting and organization parties. These ideas will work for library, bank, businesses, restaurants and any other places which give out Halloween treats or participate in trick-or-treating. These treats will be less messy and cost effective as well.

All or these items can be found for about $1 per dozen or less. I've noted the price and quantity that I have seen them sell for in the Oriental Trading catalog. Many are available at local dollar store chains. Check the bulk and clearance bins and shelves at party supply stores for inexpensive birthday prizes. I have found many of these prizes at Party America under $3 for several dozen. I've included links for the outlets and stores mentioned. Many online sites are offering free shipping around the Halloween season.

pencils - $1/ 2 dozen
rulers - $1/ dozen
adjustable rings
mini crayon sets
mini marker sets
mini colored pencil sets
compasses
key chains
fake fangs $7.95/ gross
slide flutes
mini kazoos $5.95/ 6 dozen
plastic poppers $5.95/ 6 dozen
yoyos
mini stampers
glow-in-the dark insects
finger gliders
finger puppets or fake fingers
ring toss games
craft sets (OTC offers many sets of 12 craft kits for under $2; check the sale catalog.)
squishy eyeballs
ball and jacks sets
prisms
mini game sets
noisemakers
squirt guns or squirt rings
putty or goop in mini cans
kaleidoscopes
paratrooper toys (with plastic parachutes attached)
growing creatures in capsules (these look like pill capsules and when put in water, expand)
collectible pets or animals
sticky hands
balloons - price varies
sticker sheets $1/ dozen
small books - price varies
temporary tattoos $2.95 for 100
coloring or activity books - $1/ dozen
mini paint and brush sets
decorated pens
whistles $4.95/ 4 dozen
slide puzzles
glow bracelets
bubbles $1/ dozen
friendship rings $1/ dozen
spinning tops
rubber band style bracelets $1/ 2 dozen
snap bracelets
mini notepads - $4.95 for 6 dozen
bouncy balls $4.95/ gross
spider rings $3.95/ gross
bat rings $3.95/ gross
jumping spiders $4.95/ gross

Check out these great deals. I have done some comparison shopping and have found that I can spend the same as I have for candy and get some enjoyable prizes for all my Halloween give-aways.