Trick-Or-Treat: Non-Candy Halloween Treat Options

Everyone knows that Halloween is synonymous with children receiving hoards of candy. It has long been the tradition for children to go trick-or-treating at either their church, local businesses, or just around their neighborhood to receive handouts of candy on Halloween night. While kids love this tradition, their teeth and bodies do not. And with the ever-growing problem of overweight children in our country, a lot of parents are either hoping that their children will receive non-candy items at some of the homes they trick-or-treat at this year, or are trying to think of non-candy options to hand out themselves. If you are trying to think of non-candy alternatives to hand out to trick-or-treaters this year, consider the following ideas!

Mini notebooks or notepads - Every kid needs a place to doodle, but not all kids have tons of scratch or doodle paper lying around the house when they get the urge to draw. Mini notebooks or notepads can be found easily, and inexpensively, at your local discount or dollar store. Better yet, check out Oriental Trading Company's website for lots of choices and good prices.

Mini watercolor paint sets - Another great non-candy item for those who want alternatives to handing out Halloween candy, are mini watercolor sets. My kids absolutely love these itty bitty paint sets, which are so cute, and useful at the same time. Those handing out treats on Halloween can feel good about this non-candy item, while helping to nurture kids' artistic sides! A great alternative to handing out candy on Halloween. These can often be found at party stores or online, at the Oriental Trading Company website.

Craft supplies - Our family homeschools, and from my experience, no craft supply ever goes unwanted! As a fantastic alternative to handing out candy on Halloween, pick up a ton of craft supplies at your local dollar store! Glue sticks, glittery pipe cleaners, fuzzy puffballs, embroidery floss, and craft sticks are all great items to toss into a kids' Halloween bucket. Consider putting several items together in little Halloween-themed sandwich baggies, and handing out a bag to each trick-or-treater. Who says non-candy Halloween treat options can't be fun?

Miscellaneous toys - Again, party stores are great for these items. Little toys, such as party favors, can be terrific Halloween treats to hand out for those who want non-candy options. Between your local party supply store, or Oriental Trading Company's website, you should be able to find lots of party-favor type toys to hand out to those who trick-or-treat at your door this year. These would certainly serve the purpose for anyone who wants alternatives to handing out candy at Halloween this year.

Non-candy items for babies and toddlers - In a perfect world, all parents would be extra careful about what their babies and toddlers put into their mouths. However, since you can't control what parents do, try picking up some baby/toddler friendly non-candy items to hand out this Halloween, as well. You may be able to find good deals on Halloween themed rubber balls (only those at least 4" in diameter). Check the baby aisle at your local grocery or discount store for baby snack items, like Gerber Graduates Yogurt Melts and Cherry Puffs. You may have to look for individually wrapped items.

Here's hoping that everyone who wishes to hand out non-candy alternatives on Halloween this year can find items that make them feel like they're actually helping kids and getting to have fun at the same time. Some kids may groan, but in the long run, their teeth and little bodies will thank you.