Halloween Treat Alternatives for Health-Conscious Families

Are you giving out tricks or treats for Halloween this year? Unbeknownst to the costumed tots, the candy is the real trick. Halloween treats shouldn't cause hyperactivity and other behavior problems, as well as lead to obesity and tooth decay. Health-conscious families will be eager to give and receive these Halloween treat alternatives.

Halloween Arts and Crafts

Kids love crafts. There are many inexpensive craft items on the market that will make a good substitute for Halloween candy. Small containers of Play-Doh, crayons, pencils and stickers will be welcome additions to the trick or treat bag. Look for small containers of water paint, unusual pencil-top erasers in Halloween shapes or fun rubber stamps.

Halloween Lights

Kids love toys that light. The neighborhood house that gives out glow sticks on Halloween is usually the most popular one on the block. Find glow sticks on-line through the Oriental Trading Company or at local party stores.

If you get just a few trick or treaters at your house, consider giving mini-flashlights. Or check party stores for light-up Halloween pins and buttons or earrings. These ideas are more expensive than typical, bulk toys, but they will be appreciated by the children that do receive them.

Halloween Toys

There are many small, Halloween toys on the market. Search the Oriental Trading Company for ideas that are sure to please children. Rubber ducks dressed in costumes, bouncy balls and glow-in-the-dark skeletons are a hit with most kids.

Novelty toys are an interesting change on Halloween night. Kids would be thrilled to find bubbles, pin wheels or small matchbox cars in their trick or treat bag.

Shop at a party store and buy bulk packages of party favors. Noise makers and other typical party favors are some unusual Halloween treat bag ideas.

Halloween Treats: Snacks that Won't Hurt

Skip the artificial colors and flavors and the mega-doses of sugar. Instead, give kid-pleasing snacks that won't lead to tooth decay and hyperactivity. Smartfood popcorn in the white cheddar flavor is naturally flavored popcorn. It can be purchased in single-serving size bags. Also, consider giving individual bags of Lays plain potato chips or Fritos. Both of these snacks contain no additives, including no artificial colors or flavors. They will be a welcome break from the sugar overload for most families.

There is a myriad of ways to turn Halloween tricks into real treats this year. Don't fall into the usual Halloween candy trap. Health conscious parents will be thrilled to have their child's trick or treat bag filled with arts and crafts items, light-up toys, novelty toys and tasty snacks that won't contribute to behavior problems and tooth decay.