Halloween and I have a complicated relationship, at least since I became a mom. Take trick-or-treating, for instance. It’s a fun tradition, but there certainly aren’t too many healthy Halloween treats (or even close to it). Easter and a few other holidays require some similar soul-searching.
So what’s a health-conscious mom to do? As I see it, I have a couple of options:
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- Option #1: Ignore Halloween Completely
- Option #2: The Candy Fairy
- Option #3: Offer Healthy Halloween Treats
Ideas for Non-Candy Halloween Treats (Kids Actually Like)+−
- 1. Glider Airplanes
- 2. Organic Juice Boxes
- 3. Natural Fruit Leather
- 4. Bouncy Balls
- 5. Local Honey Sticks
- 6. Stamps
- 7. Crisp Apple Packets
- 8. Carabiners
- 9. Mini-Flashlights
- 10. Pumpkin Oranges
- 11. Organic Candy
- 12. Fake Mustaches
- 13. Stickers
- 14. Bubbles
- 15. Mini Notebooks
- 16. LED Light Up Rings
- 17. Skeleton Bone Pens
- 18. Wikki Sticks
- 19. Lego People
- 20. Glow Bracelets
- 21. Puzzle Balls
- 22. Fancy Crayon Pens
- 23. Slap Bracelets
- 24. Mini Play Dough
- 25. Spooky Spider Rings
- 26. Punch Balloons
- If You're Going to Hand Out Candy...
Option #1: Ignore Halloween Completely
Yep … I did this!
I’ll admit it: when my kids were all really young, I just pretended Halloween didn’t exist. We didn’t do the trick-or-treating thing or the costume thing. In fact, we usually just turned out the lights and went to bed early on trick-or-treating night.
I just didn’t like the idea of already grumpy toddlers staying up late to go to strangers’ houses and ask for candy packed with food dyes.
As my kids got older and wanted to dress up, trick-or-treating was harder to avoid. On the one hand, I completely understand the fun tradition of wearing a costume and spending time with friends. On the other, I don’t love the idea of them getting bags upon bags of candy (that will make them crazy and rot their teeth out).
Since I’ve learned a thing or two about balance and moderation over the years, we’ve moved on (a little reluctantly) from this option.
Option #2: The Candy Fairy
Opinions differ on whether or not receiving a mountain of candy in one night provides a natural opportunity to learn self-control. I’m all for kids having these life lessons, but I’m a big believer in giving kids choices within certain boundaries set by the parent. (Hence my love for Montessori.)
The Candy Fairy (or Switch Witch, take your choice) visits our house after trick-or-treating and the kids don’t seem to mind a bit. We switch out the majority of the candy for a fun grab bag of treats. Since they come from our home, this also gives me the chance to throw some tasty edibles from better sources.
Option #3: Offer Healthy Halloween Treats
I know, I know … handing out a treat other than name-brand candy is a surefire way to get your house rolled. I promise I’m not suggesting handing the kids an apple or a carton of bone broth.
Still, since childhood obesity rates are around 17% in the U.S. (and thankfully holding steady for the last few years), wouldn’t less candy given to kids be a positive change?
In fact, there are plenty of reasons to consider giving out non-candy treats:
- Food Allergies – Food allergies are on the rise and many popular types of candy contain peanuts and other allergens. I know quite a few moms who can’t let their kids trick or treat because of potential peanut exposure. (Proof this is a real trend: The Teal Pumpkin Project.)
- Too Much Sugar – With high rates of obesity and other health problems, especially among youth, I can’t in good conscience hand out tons of sugary candy. The 80/20 rule is great and there may be a time and a place for treats. The problem is that time seems to be all the time. And the place seems to be everywhere. Kids get candy at the bank, the doctor, their school, and almost everywhere they go. Do they really need bags of it?!
- Dye Sensitivities – Many kids are sensitive to food dyes and it’s tough to avoid them in most types of candy.
- Orthodontics – Candy and sugary snacks aren’t good for teeth and can stick to braces and other mouthpieces.
- Easier on Parents – When you give out non-candy Halloween treats, you save parents the trouble of checking for anything harmful in the candy.
True, non-candy treats may not make your house the most popular stop in the neighborhood, but there are some really fun alternatives to candy that are definitely kid-approved. And all the other families who are trying to limit sugar or who are sensitive to food dyes will thank you!
Ideas for Non-Candy Halloween Treats (Kids Actually Like)
These are the top healthy Halloween treats I keep in my stash. Bonus: If you have some leftover, most of these will keep until next year!
1. Glider Airplanes
Surprisingly, mini airplanes are inexpensive and a great alternative to candy. My brother loved these when we were little and would have taken one of these over candy any day!
2. Organic Juice Boxes
A consumable Halloween treat that’s practical. After walking around the neighborhood, kids may be thirsty. It still has sugar and isn’t an everyday thing for us, but it makes a great treat.
3. Natural Fruit Leather
In my opinion these taste way better than artificially flavored fruit candies! Buy them in bulk for the best price. I’ve seen them at Costco for a good price, or they’re available from Amazon for a good price.
4. Bouncy Balls
My kids love bouncy balls and we don’t usually have them around the house because of all. the. bouncing. Grab a pack of 100 for cheaper than a big bag of candy and call it a day! They even make creepy eyeball bouncy balls!
5. Local Honey Sticks
My oldest son brought home a bunch of these from a beekeepers’ meeting one time and they were an instant hit with his siblings. Ideally, find some from a local beekeeper, or order online. These are still a sweet treat, but the beneficial properties in honey make it a healthier alternative to candy.
6. Stamps
My littles spend hours stamping pictures on paper and they gave me the idea for this candy alternative. Stamps are also cheaper than candy when you get them in bulk.
7. Crisp Apple Packets
I’m hoping it will cool down by Halloween, and if it does, kids will love something to warm them up after walking around. Even better, this brand uses pretty decent ingredients!
8. Carabiners
A novel and practical kid favorite! Carabiners top the list of practical gifts that can be reused, and as a bonus… they’re plastic free!
9. Mini-Flashlights
A practical idea for kids walking around after dark! Keychain flashlights are fun for kids and a good candy alternative if you don’t live in a busy neighborhood. Order them in bulk for a good price.
10. Pumpkin Oranges
Feeling crafty? Get some organic oranges and use a natural marker to draw some pumpkin faces on the peel. This is probably best for a group of friends or a close-knit neighborhood where people trust an unwrapped offering.
11. Organic Candy
If you just can’t fathom the idea of giving out something besides candy, opt for a better kind of candy. This brand of organic lollipops is dye-free and contains vitamin C.
12. Fake Mustaches
Kids love these hilarious fake mustaches. I brought a few packs of fake mustaches to a costume party for adults once and the next morning we woke up and found all of the kids in mustaches too! For a holiday that requires a costume, these are fun to give out!
13. Stickers
I have to say, kids have ruined stickers for me. They seem to think it’s a great idea to plaster stickers on any surface to make it more festive. (There is still sticker residue on their bunk beds to prove it.) Since Halloween is about fun for the kids though, I’ll be a sucker and order 1000 of them really inexpensively for treats to give out.
14. Bubbles
Bubbles are a fun activity that every kid loves. My children will play with these for hours at a time!
15. Mini Notebooks
My daughters keep these mini notebooks in their mini purses so they can draw and take notes.
16. LED Light Up Rings
Forget Ring Pops! These rings light up in crazy colors and are a fun way to keep kids safe in the dark.
17. Skeleton Bone Pens
Possibly the coolest item on this list! These bone-shaped pens are really cool and practical too!
18. Wikki Sticks
A great inexpensive Halloween treat to give out that stimulates creativity. Wikki Sticks are made from yarn and natural wax and are a mess-free creative way for kids to draw and build pictures.
19. Lego People
Want to be the coolest house on the block? Give out little Lego compatible figures!
20. Glow Bracelets
I don’t usually get glow sticks because of the plastic, but I’ll pull them out as a special treat or candy alternative. Glow bracelets are the most practical option because they also make kids easier to see in the dark while out trick or treating! I’ve never seen a kid leave disappointed when receiving a glow bracelet instead of candy.
21. Puzzle Balls
The downside? They are plastic. The upside? Puzzle balls are a reusable treat that encourages critical thinking.
22. Fancy Crayon Pens
Practical but still cool. These crayon pens have multiple tips and encourage creativity.
23. Slap Bracelets
Slap bracelets were all the rage when I was a kid. Maybe they are outdated, or maybe, like many poor fashion trends of decades past, it’s time for them to come back!
24. Mini Play Dough
We usually make our own play dough, but pre-made mini play dough containers are a good alternative to candy!
25. Spooky Spider Rings
Another plastic toy, but when store-bought candy is at stake I’ll compromise. This kid pleaser adds to the spooky fun. Warning: they’re as bad as Legos … inevitably I end up stepping on them in bare feet around the house for months after.
26. Punch Balloons
I remember punching these with great glee as a kid (probably in the direction of my brother’s face). This perennial party favor comes in Halloween-themed colors and encourages kids to be active and have fun!
If You’re Going to Hand Out Candy…
Opt for pre-packaged treats from reputable companies that use organic or natural ingredients with few to no additives. These are my favorite healthier candy “compromises” since their ingredient lists are a lot less… scary!
What’s your policy on candy on Halloween? Which healthy Halloween treats would you like to see your kids bring home?
Looking forward to learning new remedies.
With all these great ideas I’m wondering why we need to give out candy at all!
I stumbled upon your article in search of alternatives to Halloween candy. After I found out how rampant child trafficking and forced child labor is in the chocolate industry in Africa, I decided to stop supporting companies such as Hershey’s, M&M Mars and Nestle just to name a few. These chocolate companies are aware that the cocoa they purchase from West Africa is tainted with forced child labor and have the power to stop it by taking their business elsewhere or paying the workers their full wages, but they choose not to for obvious reasons. My source come from The Food Empowerment Project who developed The Chocolate List to inform consumers whether the chocolate they’re about to purchase is tainted with child human traffickin/forced child labor. Here is the link if you’re interested: https://foodispower.org/
Anyway, I said all of that to say this…thank you!! Thank you for creating a list. You’ve inspired me to get creative this Halloween season and pass out goodie bags that are actually good for children… all while saving the world, too!!!
This is AMAZING. I’m going to use this next year, I have severe food allergies and really feel for kids who can’t have candy-treats, and I’m not a huge sugar fan, so this will be really good.
We have given out pencils for quite a few years, kids love them. And some brand of cereal used to have books on their boxes, they were small books by great authors. I would save them up during the year and give them out in the candy bowl. You might be surprised how many kids prefer the book or pencils.
As a teenager I love these ideas. I always loved getting things other than candy like key chains little figures those army dudes with parachutes stickers temporary tattoos and whatever else especially popcorn balls and anything drinkable. I know it’s past Halloween but whatever. I think kids won’t be disappointed by things other than candy. Although with stickers go for the bigger ones rather than a ton of small ones they’re better for putting on journals and waterbottles.
I made bead kits with Halloween colored pony beads in plastic test tubes with snap on lids. I tied black cord around container so kids can make a bracelet or necklace. We also give out glow sticks. Halloween night we participate in the switch witch and my kids are more than willing to give up the candy for a toy. My hubby usually takes the candy to work.
We are giving out fake tattoos, bubbles, and annies organic bunny grahams this year. I saw veggie straws shaped like bats in the candy section too this year. When i was a kid, there was a guy that worked for a milk/juice company and gave out little cartons of milk or orange juice like you would get at school. We saved him for midway through the night when we were thirsty.We LOVED the milk guy!
We are starting young with our kiddos– we buy back all candy. We don’t do trick or treat, but we will do harvest festivals and parties. Our 22 month and 3 year old love winning/gathering the candy, then we go to the store, buy them an inexpensive craft, and throw the candy away. We just make our offer more enticing than the candy. Not sure how long this deal will work, but if we start young it might never be an issue.
I do up our carport and front garden with decorations. Then I mount black lights I have purchased over the years after Hallowe’en, when decorations are cheaper, in the carport by the walls and families love to come and see if their costumes glow. I have also given out glow stick necklaces and bracelets for years since I love that it lights them up. The toddlers get a mini play-dough and I love helping them pick out their favourite colour! One little boy wanted a glow bracelet one year and the parents were worried but I assured them that I get the *non-toxic* glow sticks and showed them the container they come in. He chewed through it by the time he got to the end of the driveway. We all laughed. His costume glowed green the rest of the night.
Before that I bought the old-school paper goodie bags and put in items that were age appropriate, with raisins always for the little ones and candy made with real fruit for the middle aged kids. The older ones (12 and up) got junk because if they didn’t know to brush their teeth by then I didn’t think of it as being my fault if they got cavities. haha I got different bags for each age group and filled them while watching tv the week prior. Nobody sells the small raisin boxes for Hallowe’en anymore so I stopped giving them the year after after I broke down and bought the ones in the fruit snacks section of a grocery store since they were at least on sale then. Now they are just too expensive to buy! Play-dough is actually cheaper and one 8/9 year old asks for it over the glow stick still!
This year I am giving out finger laser lights. All plastics are recyclable in our area now, as are batteries, so there is less waste and the kids get to have super powers, so to speak. I also hang a black curtain inside the door and have enough space for myself and a tv tray covered in black cloth. It ads to the glow effect when I open the door.
Regarding the debate about letting children give and get candy, while I can see both sides, I personally choose to not give out candy because I know they will get tonnes elsewhere. I don’t view Mama here as militant (at least not from having read this one article.. haha) and I don’t consider myself to be, either. We aren’t trying to make everyone stop giving out candy but are choosing to do what we feel is a good thing. I work in the public school system and the amount of insanity that occurs immediately before, and for weeks after Hallowe’en is enough to scare anyone into not giving out junk candy. There are more fights and inattentiveness than any other time of year. At least during Winter Break the kids are at home and able to settle down after all the yummy goodies without being so affected by all the sugary energy everyone else around them is exuding. Again, not telling anyone else what to do. Just sharing my point of view.
Oh.. we get between 150 and 200 treaters each year. We’ve never had our house egged and many families thank me for the effort we put in. The kids look forward to our house. I’ve never heard one complaint.
Happy Hallowe’en to all!!
I live in a tiny town and I know all the children here and their parents and they know me so homemade treats are an option. I am thinking about making some sort of popcorn treat, maybe popcorn balls like these https://mommypotamus.com/homemade-marshmallow-recipe/ or caramel corn (I have a recipe and I use maple syrup and coconut sugar). I might also try homemade candy or some other treat.
We don’t do Halloween for religious reasons but I just thought of an idea. When I read that one person only gives out candy that they themselves would eat in case there’s leftovers, I thought why not do the opposite. Buy candy that you wouldn’t eat NOR anyone else, for that matter. You’ll still be the house that gives out candy but it will be candy they will likely throw away and probably won’t remember where it came from. Like that gross Christmas candy, black licorice or Dots. Ok, maybe that’s a totally wasteful idea and pencils may be more practical but it’s an idea LOL!
Oh! And junky gross candy is cheaper. You’re getting it off the shelves and into the trash where it belongs so maybe it isn’t so wasteful after all. It’s practically a service to the community and definitely better than donating it to soldiers and the homeless. Just my two cents worth which isn’t much coming from someone who doesn’t even celebrate Halloween. But even us heathens have a good idea once in awhile ?.
How about let’s not ‘celebrate’ the Devils high day at all and teach our family, friends and children what ‘Halloween’ is really all about. Do your own research on the truth about this ‘holiday’ and make an informed decision! Please, for the sake of our children, please please inform yourselves as to the satanic arena we as a society are partaking in…
Can you update the nail polish article? Scotch Naturals no longer exists. Sure their website is still around, but everything is indefinitely sold out.
Our son was a micro preemie (23 weeks weighing 13 ounces), sugar water is given to preemies in the NICU before any shots, lines, surgeries, etc. So for him, he associates sugar with pain. He does go trick or treating, he just throws out any candy / junk food & keeps any non food items which if he’s lucky might be 1 or 2 items. For him it’s all about dressing up & being with friends.
I love these ideas!! Thank you so much! Though I do not send my kids out on Halloween they do like to give things out and I am so anti-candy that I always feel horrible. These are great alternatives!
Is it only middle class people who read this blog? Those are almost all high priced items, and most slave labor manufactured by children in foreign countries who don’t even get to celebrate their own birthdays, let alone other holidays.
On another note, I find it incredibly sad that people are talking about children being excluded from societal celebrations that have strayed so far from their original purpose and meaning. All over the world some form of Halloween is celebrated, to honor our dead ancestors and those we have lost in our lives. Now it has been reduced to meaningless drivel and collecting candy. It is just a purely consumerist celebration to get you to buy one time wear costumes, and temporary highs in the form of sweets or disposable things. The values our culture is rooted in are truly endemic of the current crisis this country is in.
Thank you for your valuable perspective. Remembering where the items we purchase are from is very important. Holidays were such a great memory for me growing up but I want to break the commercialism and consumerism with my own child. On Halloween we try for mostly homemade costumes, using various items we already have, that we make, or that we find at thrift stores. I like the dressing up part but not the overpriced, poor quality, synthetic material, store-bought costumes (also made by who knows who). We also live in a small town where us parents work together to put something on for the children. My child is still quite young but as he gets older I would like to teach him more about what they holidays are actually about and celebrate them in a more traditional way.
Many people DO NOT allow their children to consume “home made” treats they receive while trick or treating. As that is the case, I don’t waste my time or money on these. However, love the numerous alternative ideas presented in this conversation.
An aside: if you still have sticker residue, perhaps try one of those orange oil cleaners ( Citrasolv?) it’s worked on EVERYTHING I’ve used it on!
We handed out glow bracelets last year and they were a huge hit with everyone!! Kids of all ages and their parents were ooohing and ahhhing over them. You listed some great alternatives!