Updated for 2023
Are you looking for alternatives to handing out candy this Halloween? Whether you’re trying to accommodate children with food allergies or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of non-candy options available. From glow sticks to temporary tattoos, these treats are sure to delight trick-or-treaters of all ages.
One option is to hand out small toys or trinkets, such as bouncy balls or Halloween-themed pencils. Another idea is to offer snacks that aren’t candy, like pretzels or popcorn. And if you’re feeling crafty, you could even make your own treats, like homemade playdough or slime. Whatever you choose, be sure to have a mix of options available to suit different tastes and preferences.
Why Trick or Treating Without Candy
Trick or treating without candy might seem like an unusual concept, but it’s becoming increasingly popular for various reasons. Maybe you’re looking for a healthier option, or perhaps you want to accommodate children with allergies or dietary restrictions. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of fun and exciting alternatives to candy that you can offer to trick or treaters.
One option is to provide small toys or trinkets that children can use to express their creativity or imagination. Foam masks, fake mustaches, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets are just a few examples of items that can provide hours of imaginative play. You can also offer temporary tattoos, stickers, or small puzzles that children can take home and enjoy long after Halloween is over.
Another option is to provide healthy snacks that are still festive and fun. Fruit cups decorated with Halloween-themed stickers or small bags of popcorn with a spooky label can be a hit with children. You can also offer individual bags of pretzels, popcorn, or trail mix that are free from common allergens like nuts and dairy.
If you want to go all out, you can create a mini trick or treat station in your home or yard. Set up a table with different stations where children can participate in activities like bobbing for apples or decorating mini pumpkins. Offer small prizes like Halloween-themed pencils or erasers for completing each station.
Trick or treating without candy doesn’t have to be boring or unexciting. With a little creativity and planning, you can provide a unique and enjoyable experience for trick or treaters while also accommodating their needs and preferences.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
Imagine you’re a kid with food allergies and Halloween Trick or Treating is coming soon. If you dress up and get a bag full of candy, chances are you won’t be able to eat any of it because it might contain an allergen.
The Teal Pumpkin Project was started so kids with food allergies can have fun and Trick-or Treat just like all the other kids, without worrying about what’s in the candy.
Look for the Teal Pumpkin Project Map for Los Angeles
The idea is: any house that has a Teal Pumpkin out front is planning to give away not only candy but also things like Glow Sticks, stickers, or other toys as an alternative to candy. It’s a way to be as inclusive as possible and help all kids have a fun time on Halloween.
How can I participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project?
- Paint a craft pumpkin Teal and put it on your front porch. Or heck, even a real one can be painted.
- Paint or color a Teal Pumpkin drawing or a flyer (Free Download) and put it up in your front window or on your front door.
- Make a Teal Pumpkin Yard Sign and post it where all can see. (download link above)
- Buy a Teal Pumpkin from our Amazon Shop.
- Stock up on alternatives to candy.
- No matter what kind of Teal pumpkin or flyer you have, when you’re ready: add your house to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map so families of kids with food allergies can find you.
Benefits of a Candy-Free Halloween
Are you tired of the same old Halloween routine? Do you want to try something new this year? Consider going candy-free for your trick or treating! There are many benefits to having a candy-free Halloween. Here are just a few:
Healthier Options
Candy is often high in sugar and calories, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and tooth decay. By offering non-candy treats, you can provide a healthier alternative for children and promote a more balanced diet.
Allergy-Friendly
Food allergies are a growing concern, and Halloween can be a difficult time for children with allergies. By offering non-candy treats, you can ensure that all children can participate in the fun without worrying about allergic reactions.
Environmentally Friendly
Candy wrappers can contribute to litter and pollution. By offering non-candy treats, you can reduce the amount of waste generated during Halloween.
Creativity
Going candy-free can encourage creativity in both children and adults. Instead of relying on pre-packaged candy, you can come up with unique and fun treats that are sure to delight trick-or-treaters.
So, why not try something new this Halloween and go candy-free? You may be surprised at how much fun you can have while promoting a healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally friendly Halloween.
Creative Non-Candy Treat Ideas
If you’re looking for non-candy Halloween treats, you’re in luck! There are plenty of creative and fun options that kids will love. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Healthy Snacks
Just because you’re skipping the candy doesn’t mean you can’t still offer something tasty. Here are a few healthy snack ideas:
- Snack-sized bags of popcorn
- Pretzels
- Granola bars
- Fruit cups or pouches
- Raisins or other dried fruit
These snacks are a great alternative to candy and will give kids a boost of energy to keep them going throughout the night.
Small Toys
Small toys and trinkets are always a hit with kids. Here are some ideas:
- Bouncy balls
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Glow sticks
- Miniature cars or figurines
- Get Glow sticks in Halloween colors
- Package up pennies in 10-cent bundles
- Package up quarters in 50-cent bundles
- Plastic spider rings
- Bouncy balls
- Pens and pencils
- Bubbles
- Halloween stickers
- Notebooks
- Halloween Erasers
- Party noisemakers
- anything from the Target dollar bin
These small toys are perfect for filling up a trick-or-treat bag and will provide hours of entertainment.
Craft Supplies
Craft supplies are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination. Here are some ideas:
- Crayons or markers
- Small coloring books
- Play-Doh or modeling clay
- Foam stickers or shapes
- Pipe cleaners
These craft supplies are sure to inspire kids to create something spooky and fun.
Books
Books are a great way to encourage reading and learning. Here are some Halloween-themed books that kids will love:
- “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson
- “The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams
- “The Hallo-Wiener” by Dav Pilkey
- “The Monster at the End of This Book” by Jon Stone
These books are sure to become Halloween favorites and will encourage kids to read and learn.
With these creative non-candy treat ideas, you’ll be sure to delight trick-or-treaters of all ages.
How to Encourage a Candy-Free Halloween in Your Neighborhood
If you want to encourage a candy-free Halloween in your neighborhood, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Spread the Word
Let your neighbors know that you’re planning a candy-free Halloween. You can create flyers or posters to hang up around the neighborhood, or you can go door-to-door and talk to your neighbors in person. Explain why you’re doing it and encourage them to join in.
2. Offer Non-Candy Treats
Instead of handing out candy, offer non-candy treats like stickers, temporary tattoos, small toys, or even healthy snacks like fruit cups or granola bars. You can set up a table in your front yard and let kids choose what they want. This can be a fun way to get kids excited about a candy-free Halloween.
3. Organize a Halloween Party
Consider organizing a Halloween party for your neighborhood. You can offer games, crafts, and other activities that don’t involve candy. This can be a great way to get kids together and show them that there are other fun things to do on Halloween besides trick-or-treating.
4. Get Creative with Decorations
Instead of focusing on candy, get creative with your Halloween decorations. You can create spooky scenes with pumpkins, ghosts, and other decorations. You can also use non-candy treats as decorations, like hanging up temporary tattoos or stickers.
5. Be Supportive
Remember that not everyone will want to participate in a candy-free Halloween, and that’s okay. Be supportive of your neighbors and their choices, and don’t pressure anyone to do something they’re not comfortable with. The goal is to create a fun and inclusive Halloween for everyone in the neighborhood.
Ultimately, the goal is to have fun and create a new Halloween tradition. With a little bit of creativity and enthusiasm, you can make trick or treating without candy a success!
By offering non-candy treats, you can make Halloween a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all children. So get creative, have fun, and happy trick or treating!
Frequently Asked Questions About Trick or Treating without Candy
What are some non-edible treats for school Halloween parties?
When it comes to non-edible treats for school Halloween parties, you can consider giving out Halloween-themed pencils, stickers, or erasers. You can also give out small Halloween-themed toys or even Halloween-themed books.
What are some DIY non-candy Halloween treat ideas?
If you’re looking for DIY non-candy Halloween treat ideas, you can consider making Halloween-themed slime, bath bombs, or even homemade playdough. You can also create Halloween-themed crafts like paper mache masks or spooky decorations.
What are some candy alternatives for Halloween?
If you’re looking for candy alternatives for Halloween, you can consider giving out small bags of popcorn, pretzels, or even trail mix. You can also give out small bottles of water or juice boxes. Another option is to give out fresh fruit like apples or clementines.
What are some Halloween toy treats that are not candy?
When it comes to Halloween toy treats that are not candy, you can consider giving out Halloween-themed stickers, temporary tattoos, or small toys like yo-yos or mini puzzles. You can also give out Halloween-themed bubbles or glow sticks.
