Alternatives to Passing Out Candy on Halloween

Every Halloween, millions of kids across America go trick-or-treating for sugar-packed, trans-fat filled candy and treats. As you may imagine, Halloween is not the healthiest day of the year. A Halloween stomachache is almost as much of a tradition as trick-or-treating itself. As the childhood obesity epidemic grows, these candy-coated holidays are becoming more and more of a health issue.

This Halloween, as a treat passer-outer, you have a very important decision to make- will you pass out king-sized candy bars like last year, or will you pass out something healthier and just as fun? Here are some candy alternatives to inspire you to promote health this Halloween, while still maintaining your Halloween spirit:

-Foil-Wrapped Coins

Wrapped coins, whether they're pennies, dimes, nickels, or quarters, are amazingly popular. For several years my family has passed these out instead of candy. The foil wrapping is important because it gives kids a sensation of unwrapping something, such as a piece of candy or a present, so there's the all-important element of surprise.

A couple days before Halloween, go to the bank and get $10 worth-notably less than what you would ordinarily spend on candy- in coins of your choice. Wrap them in foil and voila, you have a fun and popular replacement for candy.

-Halloween Stickers, Erasers, Crayons, and Similar Party Favors

Halloween party favors make a great candy replacement, and they are always Halloween themed, pre-packaged, and ready to go, so they are quite convenient. Halloween favors can be found in bulk at Party City, Target, and Wal-Mart, but your best bet is to order them from the Oriental Trading Company. These Halloween treats are also great because they last a long time, whereas candy is gone in just a couple bites.

-Take the Ironic Approach: Give out Toothbrushes

You could always be ironic and dark on Halloween, especially if you are in the dental profession, and give out toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. A dentist on my street does this each year, and always includes a pleasant "Brush your teeth or they will fall out" speech with his Halloween treats. I never forgot to brush my teeth after Halloween because of him.

So now you have three creative alternatives to passing out candy on Halloween. It is possible to promote health while still appreciating Halloween itself. Remember, while passing out candy on Halloween is traditional, there are much healthier Halloween treats to give the ghouls and goblins who come to your door.