5 Awesome Halloween Treats That Aren’t Candy
INSIDE: learn the importance of providing non-food treats at Halloween, discover five allergy-friendly, non-candy treats to pass out this Halloween, and the meaning of the teal pumpkin.
It’s that time of the year again! Beloved Fall. Sweaters, booties, a chill in the air, and a pumpkin spiced latte in your hand. Unless, of course, you live in the South. In which case, you are sweating like Ross in his leather pants on that episode of Friends, and the only chill is in your heart - where you harbor deep, angry feelings about it being 95 degrees in October. I digress…
Fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, and Halloween are coming around the bend, along with my having to explain to my sweet, allergy-prone children why they can’t eat… like… anything in their trick-or-treat bag.
It seems like every kiddo is allergic to something these days -- whether it be peanuts, gluten, or, in my sons’ case -- dairy and soy. It certainly makes buying treats for this time of year a little tricky (see what I did there!? Man, I am so funny!)
But really, though -- allergies are no joke. Allergic reactions can range from immediate anaphylaxis (as in, a child’s throat closes up) to digestive issues, to (yes, I mean it) - death. Though some may think that parents are just being “dramatic,” I can assure you that none of us would choose this for our children. Birthdays and holidays are especially tough, for both having to watch my kiddos like a hawk to make sure they don’t eat something that could harm them, and also for doing my best to make sure that they don’t feel left out. As allergies are more and more common these days, offering an alternative to candy is a wonderful way to practice inclusion -- even if no one in your family has an allergy.
For these reasons, we’ve decided to provide non-candy treats for trick-or-treaters this year. We want every child who visits our home to leave with something they’re excited about.
Without further adieu, here are our Fave 5 Non-Candy/Allergy Friendly treats that you can pass out this year. What’s better? Most of these items are less expensive than candy - and all of them are on Amazon Prime! Already have your October treats handled? Bookmark this list for your next birthday party or class holiday - because none of them are themed. BOOM, y’all!
1.) Temporary Tattoos
I’m of the opinion that stickers, stamps, and slime fall into the “bad karma” category -- i.e., please don’t give my child something he can use to destroy my house (or his hair). Temporary tattoos, though, I can get behind. These have great reviews!
2.) Star Sunglasses
What kid doesn’t want to look like Elton John this Halloween? These sunglasses are the perfect size for kiddos, and are a fun accessory long after the costumes are put away.
3.) WASHI TAPE
I know what you’re thinking. “Tape? Doesn’t that seem a little… lame?”
But trust me when I say, washi tape is cool! I know this because I am cool and I like washi tape. Just kidding: I polled the audience of small children around me and they all were all adamant about “NEEDING IT!”
Washi tape is great because it peels off of everything easily, and my kids love “decorating” with them.
4.) Fake Moustaches
IMHO, one can never be too young for facial hair. Plus, what costume isn’t made better by a little handlebar action? I, for one, would like to see a few more princesses rocking some ‘staches. Are you with me? GOOD!
5.) bubble wands
Bubbles are the one thing that my children just don’t seem to outgrow, putting it at the top of the list of cheap, attention-keeping toys that don’t light up or make noise. These bubble wands are small, so they’ll fit in a treat bucket nicely, and the wands actually work very well! They come in a packs of 40.
BONUS: Want an easy way to let trick-or-treaters (and their parents) know that you’re passing out non-food items? Put out a teal pumpkin! Not sure what that means? You can check out our post about the meaning behind teal pumpkins right here!
Have any other non-candy treat ideas that you love? Share them in the comments below!
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