Halloween Treat Alternatives for Kids!

If you are like me you appreciate having alternatives to Halloween candy. A few years ago I discovered that no one in my area goes trick-or-treating, the community offers alternatives for the kids. Unfortunately I had already purchased a bunch of candy for the kids and got stuck with it myself. Fortunately I was able to give it to a group sending packages overseas for our troops but I swore I'd never do that again! Instead I purchase treat alternatives that I can use for myself in case this happens again.

Last year I purchased a bunch of "party favors" from the dollar store. I put together some very inexpensive baggies of goodies to hand out to the dozen or so kids that came to my door. What was left over I used as goodie bags for my children's birthday parties. This was appreciated by the kids and parents who had to drive kids from house to house in our neighborhood. The kids stayed entertained and I didn't have to eat a cauldron full of candy! I think it cost me about $50 total for a sizeable goodie bag and I planned for 40 kids. If you have more kids in your neighborhood consider just handing out the party favors individually - for $20 you can easily serve 100 kids!

Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, and Quarters are all appreciated by kids and parents alike. They make a nice jingling sound in their bag and something they can use to purchase candy or other goodies after the Sugar Rush is over. Save up those coins from all year and you will have more than enough for Halloween as well as Christmas gifts for Church or neighborhood gatherings!

My dentist used to hand out tooth brushes and toothpaste - this may be a bit expensive for the average household but is still worth considering!

The easiest thing to do is head to your local fast food restaurants. Wendy's gives packs of 10 free junior frosty coupons for $1 each and McDonalds has a packet of 12 various free treats coupons also for $1. For as little as $5 or $10 you can help an entire neighborhood full of kids and the coupons are usually good until the end of the year (or later!).

So, don't think that just because it is Halloween that you have to give out candy, there are plenty of other alternatives that are as much fun and healthier! And for those of you who refuse to celebrate Halloween, you can still pick up many of these tips for parties and gifts as well. The coupon packs are great ways to encourage younger kids to help out around the house!!!