Best of AC: Halloween Trick or Treating

As Halloween sneaks upon us like a shadow in the night, parents everywhere are looking for great ideas to make this year's Trick or Treat a memorable event. In hunting through the thousands of articles on the subject I was able to glean a ton of great tips on how to make trick or treating special for kids of all ages. Below are just a few of my favorite articles about trick or treating.

10 Fun and Creative Alternatives to Halloween Trick-or-Treat Candy
Written by Kimberleee
Publish Date 9/20/2009

Looking to hand out something other than tooth-rotting candy this Halloween? This article gives a list of some great ideas for other types of goodies to hand out while still keeping kids happy. A great piece on how to find alternatives without being forever known as, "the toothbrush lady".

A Craft Project Trick-or-Treat Tote Bag for Kids
Written by Max Stout
Publish Date: 9/7/2009

If you and your children are looking for a planet-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags and flimsy plastic pumpkins, this piece by Max Stout is a great read. Helping your kids to make their own custom trick or treat bag is not only fun, it can open the door to a conversation about our global responsibility to recycle, reduce and reuse.

Family Friendly Halloween Trick or Treat Game
Written by Ms. Nicole A.
Publish Date: 9/24/2007

If you have youngsters that are nervous about scary monsters, or if you live in an area where you aren't easily able to go door-to-door to solicit neighbors for candy this article by Ms. Nicole A. will help. Coming up with creative ways to entertain would-be trick or treaters at home is one solution to the problem of being all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Trick or Treat Safety on Halloween
Written by Shannon Wilson
Publish Date: 10/8/2007

If you are feeling nervous about letting your kids out on the loose for trick or treating on Halloween, this article gives some great ideas for making sure that they stay safe. With tips on lighting their paths and checking candy before eating, Shannon Wilson presents Halloween safety tips that are both practical and easy to do.

Halloween Etiquette: How Old is Too Old to Trick or Treat?
Written by theMatrix
Publish Date: 10/18/2007

While this is more of an opinion piece than a how-to, theMatrix makes some thought provoking points in this piece about when kids should stop partaking in asking neighbors for candy. Many families debate what is age-appropriate when it comes to trick or treating, and I think that the points in this article make for some very sound advice.

Tween Halloween Ideas: Holiday Fun for the 8-12 Crowd
Written by: Wanda Leibowitz
Publish Date: 9/20/2006

Along the "how old is too old" debate, Wanda Leibowitz gives some great ideas for involving kids who are old enough to feel that they have outgrown the allure of trick or treat. Follow these tips for the tween who is ready to take on a little more responsibility, although they may not be old enough to spend Halloween alone.

5 Places Where You Can Find Organic Candy for Your Halloween Needs
Written by Tim Searles
Publish Date: 09/07/2009

If your family is actively trying to avoid an overload of preservatives and processed foods this Halloween, Tim Searles has listed some great resources for getting candy that won't compromise your diet. Check it out if you are having difficulty finding organic treats in your local stores.

Halloween Tradition: Neighborhood Trick or Treat Hayride
Written by Mary Ward
Publish Date: 10/10/2006

If your entire neighborhood is up for trying something different (and less stressful) this Halloween, this article by Mary Ward is worth passing around the block. A trick or treat hayride is a great way to involve both kids and adults in Halloween festivities, as well as serving as a meet and greet for neighbors to get to know one another.

Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF: What Does it Accomplish?
Written by Carol Bangle Gilbert
Publish Date: 9/11/2009

If you have considered incorporating a fundraiser into your door-to-door plans this Halloween, check out this article on what UNICEF is able to do with all those pennies, dimes and quarters that your children might gather. A great read for parents who are looking for a fun way to teach their children about the importance of charity.

Trick-or-Treat Alternatives for Kids Scared by Halloween
Written by Shannon Wilson
Publish Date: 9/11/2008

A great read if you have little ones who find Halloween to be a holiday that is too scary to handle. Shannon Wilson provides a wide variety of activities that are suitable for small children to enjoy in a non-scary but completely festive environment.

After reading the articles above, you'll be sure to be inspired to make this Halloween a personal and unforgettable holiday. Whether you decide to host a trick or treat bag making party, a Halloween hay ride or a treasure hunt for youngsters I hope that you have found these articles to be as entertaining and informative as I have.

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