October is in full swing, which means we’re on a countdown to the spookiest night of the year. And while Halloween is still a few weeks away, people are already starting to prepare: Decorations are coming out, costumes are getting bought, and candy can be found in every store.
If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably expecting an influx of kids ringing your doorbell with their pillowcases opened up. Halloween is definitely fun, but it can be a little sickening to think about the amount of candy kids will be receiving. If you want to hand out something that won’t make a dentist shudder, you do have other options. Read on for 10 of the best non-candy alternatives for Halloween.
1. Popcorn
This snack shouldn’t be restricted to the movie theater. Popcorn is a cheap and easy snack that can be enjoyed anywhere. The best part? The only time it’s really unhealthy is when you load it up with butter and salt. But, with the endless variations of popcorn available to consumers nowadays, it’s easy to find something the kids will enjoy and their parents will thank you for.
2. Mini Water Bottles
Trick-or-treating can take a toll on kids, and going from house to house with nothing but candy as fuel can tire them out quickly. If you want to help them retain the energy to hit as many houses as possible, it might be a good idea to give them some hydration. Not only are mini water bottles cheap, but the kids will thank you for giving them the stamina to keep going.
3. Glow Sticks
Nobody wants to blend into the crowd on Halloween, especially the kids. So what better way to help these kids stand out than with a glow stick? Not only will glow sticks give them a vibrant accessory that they’ll love, but it will also offer them an extra bit of safety come sunset.
4. Trail Mix
Want to give out a good treat without the excess sugar? Trail mix is not only a healthy alternative, but it also has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. Replace large amounts of sugar and artificial flavoring with peanuts, raisins, and maybe even the occasional M&M. Overall, trail mix is a much healthier and more substantial treat that won’t cause damage to little teeth.
5. Bouncy Balls
Kids love bouncy balls, and what’s not to love? They’re colorful, fun, and incredibly affordable. As long as you select balls large enough to not be a choking hazard, this is a great Halloween treat. Why give kids candy that will be gone by Thanksgiving when they can have a toy they can play with forever? That is, until they inevitably bounce it too hard and lose it.
6. Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum is a healthy alternative to some of the sugar-filled bubble gum brands on shelves these days. The difference in taste is minuscule, but the difference in health is significant. Not to mention, in schools, gum is used as a form of social currency. If you open a pack of gum, you become the most popular kid in the class.
7. Organic Juice Boxes
If the thought of kids drinking sugary soda chills you to the bone, you may want to consider stocking your Halloween bowl with some healthy juice boxes. No kid will turn his or her nose up at a delicious juice box after a long night of eating candy and walking around the neighborhood. With all the healthy options for juice boxes, it’s not hard to find something both delicious and wholesome.
8. Pretzels
Even the sweetest tooth gets sick of sugar eventually. Kids will wake up on November 1st with a stomachache and more candy than they can bare to look at. Add some healthy variety to their collection. Pretzels are a salty yet healthy alternative to the pounds of candy that kids will be receiving.
9. Temporary Tattoos
Kids go wild for temporary tattoos. They offer the flash of a real tattoo with none of the pain or permanence. They’re easy on their skin and even easier on your wallet. This also gives kids the opportunity to choose the tattoo they want, which will win you some major brownie points. Temporary tattoos will make your neighborhood kids the envy of their school.
10. Money
If you really want to see your neighborhood kids light up with excitement, a crisp one dollar bill can’t be beat. The older we get, the easier it is to forget how valuable one dollar was to us as a child. If you’d rather not hand out paper money, try quarters or any loose change you’ve collected. The best part? You get to keep the leftovers.
Being the health-conscious house doesn’t mean you have to be the unpopular house. There are plenty of healthy options for Halloween you can give out that will keep the kids happy and allow you to sleep with a good conscience.
The fun doesn’t have to be limited to Halloween — all of autumn is a great time to spend quality time with your family. Read our blog post, “Fun Fall Activities in Minnesota for the Whole Family!” for more ideas on how to have a fun and healthy fall!