Alternative Halloween Treats

In the age of the mix candy bag of treats for handing out to trick-or-treaters, it is sometimes hard to think up original ideas for treats to hand out. While candy is certainly the popular choice, there are many ways to go about it so that you aren't just offering the same old bowl of candy each year.

The first thing to keep in mind is that your treats don't have to be edible. Stickers are always a crowd pleaser for the preschool bunch, on up through early elementary age students. Get a variety from your local discount or dollar store, a mega pack will give you lots of choices and give you the biggest bang for your buck. You can also find packs of stickers at teacher supply stores. Small toys like Matchbox cars are also a way to go. Another idea is packs of pencils with Halloween designs or just in nice colors.

Even if you go edible, the treats needn't be candy. Raisins are a healthy alternative. Packs of pudding (along with a plastic spoon) and bags of nuts are also commonly liked. However, if you give out nuts be sure to keep them in a separate bowl and check for allergies before handing them out. Candied or caramel apples are a traditional Halloween treat that are coming back in style. Wrap them in plastic wrap to avoid the mess. Popcorn balls and cookies (again, wrapped in plastic wrap) are a yummy treat. If you live in a cold climate, you could give out hot chocolate! Check around your local store to find disposable travel cups, usually shelved with the paper products. Keep the hot chocolate warm in a pot on the stove or in your coffee pot. Even fruits like apples and bananas are a welcome alternative to parents wading through their children's bags of treats.

Another option is to go with the popular money handout. Give a dollar to each trick-or-treater. Beware however; this might make your house more popular than it has ever been as news travels fast about houses that are giving out money!

Giving handmade gifts is a nice option. If you can crochet or knit you can make little spiders, pumpkins, or even witches!

And finally, the customary candy treat. You have plenty of options if you choose this one. You can buy bags of candy in small sizes made just for Halloween. Also available are getting regular sized or king sized treats. Dollar and discount stores tend to have the best deals when it comes to this, often selling packs of candy for just a dollar. A twist on this would be to make a small bag of treats. Get some simple paper lunch bags and fill them with treats and maybe a small toy or a sheet of stickers and a pencil. This stops the crying of kids at the door when they feel that they have been slighted.