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Halloween and I, or at least my relationship with it has been complicated since I became mom. Consider trick-or treating. It’s a fun tradition, but there certainly aren’t too many healthy Halloween treats (or even close to it). Easter and other holidaysYou may also need to do some soul-searching.
So what’s a health-conscious mom to do? In my opinion, I can choose between two options.
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. We usually went to bed earlier on Halloween and turned off the lights.
I just didn’t like the idea of already grumpy toddlers staying up late to go to strangers’ houses and ask for Candy containing food dyes.
As my kids grow older and dress-up, it’s harder to avoid trick-or treating. I can understand how fun it is to dress up and spend 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 They rot their teeth away).
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
Some people disagree on the idea that receiving a lot of candy at one time is a great way 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 swap out most of the candy with a grab bag full of fun treats. This allows me to use some of the better edibles that I can find, since they are from my home.
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, The U.S. has a childhood obesity rate of 17%. (and thankfully holding steady for the last few years), wouldn’t less candy given to kids be a positive change?
There are many reasons why you should consider giving away non-candy gifts:
- Allergies to Food – 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 that this is a trend: 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. There is a good reason to follow the 80/20 rule. Treats can be enjoyed at certain times. Problem is, time seems to be everywhere. The problem is that the time seems to be all over. Candy is available at almost every place, from the bank to the school, doctors’ offices, and schools. Do they need to buy bags of candy?!
- Dye Sensitivities – Many kids are Food dyes and sensitivitiesMost candy contains them.
- Orthodontics – Candy and sugary snacks aren’t good for teeth and can stick to braces and other mouthpieces.
- Easy on parents – When you give out non-candy Halloween treats, you save parents the trouble of checking for anything harmful in the candy.
There are many fun and healthy alternatives to candy. They are also kid-friendly. You’ll be able to help other families who want to limit their sugar intake, or who have food dye sensitivities.
Halloween treats that aren’t candy (that kids actually like)
Here are my top 10 healthy Halloween treats. Most of these treats will last until next Halloween if you have any leftovers.
1. Glider Airplanes
Surprisingly, mini airplanesThese are a good alternative to candy. These were a favorite of mine and my brother’s when we were young. I would have preferred one over candy!
2. Organic Juice Boxes
The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other Consumable Halloween treatsIt is practical. Children may become thirsty after walking around their neighborhood. It still has sugar and isn’t an everyday thing for us, but it makes a great treat.
3. Natural Fruit Leather
These are far superior to artificially-flavored fruit candies in my opinion! The best deal is to buy them in bulk. I’ve seen them at Costco for a good price,The following are some examples of how to use they’re available from Thrive Market or AmazonA good price is important.
4. Bouncy Balls
My kids love bouncy balls and we don’t usually have them around the house because of all. the. bouncing. Grab 100 packsFor less than a bag of candy, you can call it a night! Even 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. Find some locally, or buy them from an expert beekeeper. Online shopping. They are still sweet, but they have a different texture. Honey has many beneficial propertiesIt’s a healthy alternative to candy.
6. Stamps
Stamps are cheaper than candy when you buy them in bulk. Stamps can be cheaper than candy. Buy them in bulk.
7. Apple Cider 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 brandUses pretty decent ingredients
8. Carabiners
The new and exciting kid’s favorite! The most practical gift is the carabiner that can be reused, and as a bonus… they are plastic free!
9. Mini-Flashlights
This is a practical idea to help kids navigate the streets after dark. Keychain flashlights are fun for kids and a good candy alternative if you don’t live in a busy neighborhood. Bulk Orders AvailableA good price is important.
10. Pumpkin Oranges
Feeling crafty? Use a natural marker and organic oranges to create pumpkin faces. This would be best suited for a small group of friends, or a neighborhood that is close.
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 is organic lollipopsIt is free of dyes and contains vitamin C.
12. Fake Mustaches
Kids love Funny 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! These are great for a holiday where a costume is required!
13. Stickers
The kids have ruin 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 sticker residue left on their bunk bed to prove it. Since Halloween is about fun for the kids though, I’ll be a sucker and Order 1000 at a very low price for your own treats..
14. Bubbles
Bubbles make for a great activity that kids love. My children will Play with theseFor hours at a time.
15. Mini Notebooks
I keep my daughters these mini notebooksThey can also draw and make notes.
16. LED Light Up Rings
Ring Pops? Forget it! The ringsThe lights are bright and fun. They keep children safe when it gets dark.
17. Skeleton Bone Pens
This is probably the coolest product on this list. These pens are shaped like bonesThese are cool and useful!
18. Wikki Sticks
This is a great way to stimulate creativity and encourage Halloween fun with a cheap treat. Wikki SticksThey are made with yarn and wax and allow kids to create pictures without mess.
19. Lego People
Want to live in the coolest neighborhood on the block? Give away 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 braceletsThe best choice is to use glow bracelets. They make the children more visible in the darkness while trick-or treating. I’ve never seen a kid leave disappointed when receiving a glow bracelet instead of candy.
21. Puzzle Balls
What is the downside? Plastic. What’s the upside? The puzzle balls can be reused.This encourages critical thought.
22. Fancy Crayon Pens
Practical and cool. These crayon pensHave multiple tips to encourage creativity.
23. Slap Bracelets
Slap braceletsThey were very popular when I was growing up. 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
Pre-made play dough is available. We normally make our own, but we also use pre-made Mini play dough containersYou can replace candy with these healthy alternatives!
25. Spooky Spider Rings
Another plastic toy, but when store-bought candy is at stake I’ll compromise. This kid pleaserAdds to the 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 party favorite comes in a variety of colors. Halloween themed colorsEncourages children to be active, have fun and enjoy themselves!
If You’re Going to Hand Out Candy…
Choose pre-packaged treats made by reputable companies that use natural or organic ingredients and few 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 are you hoping your children will bring home to enjoy?
