The other day on my Facebook page I said, "What is everyone handing out for Halloween this year? We're doing our usual - glow sticks. I'd love to feature some of your new and creative (non-candy) ideas on the Charlotte Today show later this week!" And I got a barrage of comments, many of which simply answered the question, but also included some of the following...
- "I'm sorry, but it's Halloween and they're children. We give out candy."
- "This crosses the line. Too much. It's once a year!"
- "If you don't want to hand out candy, replace it with a healthy alternative treat. But substituting junk food with junky plastic crap isn't much better in my opinion."
First of all, I NEVER said my kids don't get to eat candy on Halloween night. The problem is this: When some people hear that I hand out glow sticks instead of candy they make assumptions and then say (in the comments), "Oh give me a break Halloween is just once a year so let kids be kids!" But when you eat gobs of candy on Halloween night and then continue to eat the rest of the candy for weeks (or months) to come how is it still counted as "just one night?" I have no problem with my children OD'ing on whatever candy they want on Halloween night - and that's actually what they do - with no limits or constraints from me. But then we actually live up to Halloween being "just one night" and get rid of what's left (with the exception of maybe 5 or so pieces for "later").
So my thought process is that children will still get PLENTY of candy on Halloween even if a few of us decide to hand out something different. Not to mention there are lots of FUN alternatives to candy (see below) that I doubt will deprive any child from just being a "kid." Now, that's just my two cents on the topic. I occasionally have a hard time when commenters criticize me for something I don't even do (i.e. not let my kids trick or treat for candy) - so just had to vent about that for a moment. :)
Secondly, how many kids actually EAT every single piece of Halloween candy? Don't the uneaten pieces (along with the wrappers from the others) end up in the land fill anyway? I promise I'm not personally a huge fan of little plastic "made in China" gadgets either, but I didn't invent Halloween and like it or not it's all about handing SOMETHING out. I personally have a hard time seeing how a little skeleton paratrooper is a whole lot different than gobs of candy wrappers in the land fill. Your thoughts on this?
Anyway, now that I got that off my chest let's get into the fun alternatives that I had a chance to share on the Charlotte Today show yesterday!
Candy-Free Ideas for Trick or Treaters
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- Festive Toys: Witch Fingers (8 cents/each) and Skeleton Paratroopers (28 cents/each) - found at Party City or Target or online.
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Online Finds: Finger Lights (12 cents/each) and Syringe Pens (22 cents/each).
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Themed Jokes and Trivia: Lunchbox Love Cards - something different (20 cents/each)!
And since they are a partner of ours you can get 20% off with coupon code "100DAYS" -
Coins: Mostly pennies - mix in some dimes and nickels and tell them to close their eyes before picking!
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Glow sticks: My personal favorite and what I am handing out again this year (7 cents/each) - found in the dollar section at Target.
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Drinks: Small bottled waters (81 cents/each) and/or organic juice pouches (75 cents/each) because we all know those trick or treaters get thirsty running around the whole neighborhood.
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If you still really want candy: How about organic lollipops (9 cents/each) or fruit leathers/twists (83 cents/each) without artificial dyes or other questionable additives?
- What do to with all that candy at the end of the night? Invite the Switch Witch over! A big thanks to blog reader Catherine for sharing this poem with us.
What are your plans for Halloween night?
Kelly says
My son asked to trick or treat for Unicef when he was is the first grade (his idea). He continued to do so through middle school. In our town we have two options for candy that parents and kids choose not to consume: 1. A local dentist pays the kids per pound to sell him what they collected 2. Send it to our troops who make better decisions about candy consumption than young kids. Our school district no longer allows candy at parties or celebrations, due to allergies and chemical induced behavior issues. It was a big deal for a few years, but now it's the norm and everyone is on board.
Victoria says
We put out non food treats for the younger kids mostly. Then, rather then having to go somewhere to donate the candy, we simply dump it back in our treat bin that sits on our porch when we get back from trick or treating. The non food treats are usually all gone by then and the older kids are just starting to come around. Not the healthiest for these kids, it's true, but at least it doesn't cost anything!
Susan says
Not a healthy alternative, but we give out small bags of chips. The kids love it - I always get positive comments.
Anita Smith says
our family repurposes some of our the excess candy - all the hard candy and gum goes into our Samaritan's Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes...it comes up right after Halloween :)
Linda says
Lisa Thanks for these alternative ideas. Last year my kids did not have Halloween. People may think this is cruel but my kids have significant allergies and any amount of sugar makes my youngest son have problems. I let him have an otter pop at field day and he paid for it for 3 days afterwards. I really appreciate what you are doing!
Daphne says
When I was little (in small-town 70s) my mom (a whole-food hippie if there ever was one) made homemade whole wheat baked apple doughnuts to hand out (granted, we only got about 20 trick or treaters) and they were so good. We put them in baggies and included my mom's name, address and phone number. All the neighborhood kids loved them. It's really sad that this would be practically unthinkable these days, but they were really good and really fun for everyone.
I always got to eat all the candy I received, and it lasted a couple of weeks because I doled it out to myself very slowly (it was such a rare treat!). That said, it probably amounted to about three or four kid-size double-handfuls total, so it wasn't THAT much. I think being allowed to eat all you want that evening (and maybe the next day) and then donating it somewhere is a great idea if kids get bucketloads of candy. I still hate the idea of throwing out perfectly good candy -- SOMEone would love it.
Alex says
One year I ran out of candy and forgot to turn off my porch light. The next batch of kids were so cute and polite that I just couldn't turn them away empty-handed. I dug out a bunch of stickers I had on hand and let them choose. They were thrilled. Stickers aren't such a hit with the older kids who generally politely decline, but the younger kids really liked them. I'm not a mom, so I don't have to deal with candy overload, but I figure it's nice for the kids to get some variety.
Helen says
lisa, we don't tend to do Halloween in the UK but your ideas as always are a breathe of fresh air and much appreciated!!
Thank you so much xxx
Jenn says
Sorry you got nasty comments back on your glowsticks. At our old neighborhood, the house that gave out glowstick necklaces was the biggest go-to house every year. My kids always wanted to start there so they could have their necklace all night. Love your blog!
Julie says
LOVE YOU! You feisty, fabulous Female!!
Julie says
ps. Our dentist has a Buy Back program!! Each kid is allowed to Bring him 1 pound of candy & he gives them $2, and then he ships the collected candy to the Troops overseas!
Amber says
We received the finger lights listed in #2 at National Night Out and we will be purchasing them to hand out. They are super bright and very helpful when the evening sets in. My girls loved them.
Stephanie says
I hear what you're saying, Lisa, but I still hand out candy. I despise all the cheap plastic made-in-China crap. I would consider stickers or temporary tattoos, but the other stuff just clutters up my house until it gets thrown away.
As for volume, my kids are still little (3 & 7) so we just go to a few houses. Some kids really make a career out of it, going to multiple neighborhoods and ended up with a ridiculous haul! Our kids collect maybe 20 pieces of candy each. They have a few Halloween night. I put them in lunches for a treat for a week or so, then we're done.
The plastic trinkets, however, seem to live forever!
Danika says
I find it sad that you'd even have to worry about people making accusatory comments. The real question should be, why is this crap even around in the first place? Just once so easily turns into several times. If we let the kids have it "just once" they would have one or two birthday parties at school every week, Sunday church treats, after school treats at friend's houses, every holiday, trips to Grandma's house. What's to decide that Halloween is the only "just once" this year? We teach and educate and our kids know that there is no need to eat petroleum laden crap because we can make anything better at home anyway. Halloween gets a fun once over trip around the block early in the night, then we give away the candy they just collected while we're busy making our own yummy treats at home.
Nicole says
I saw several comments mentioning throwing away left-over candy and I just thought I'd mention that, in addition to places that collect it to send to the troops overseas, you could also check with local food banks (especially the small food pantries at local churches). There are a lot of people right here at home who would really have their day brightened by a piece of candy. I know a lot of people who do the Switch Witch thing or candy "buy backs", but I kind of want to avoid another holiday where my kids expect to get something. They already got to dress up, go door to door, and eat candy- do they really need money or a toy, too? But if they help box up the candy and go with you to send it, they learn what it means to give instead of just receiving.
Taria says
Appreciate the alternative ideas -- lots of kids with food allergies in the neighborhood, so these are fun options that they can enjoy as well!
lissa says
Non candy treats are THE BEST! I handed out vampire teeth, spider rings and cheese cracker packets last year and kids (even middleschoolers) went nuts, they loved them! My kids love anything non candy as it's different and unexpected....unlike another mini chocolate bar. Plus with birthday parties, holidays etc kids have a never-ending stream of sugar dished up to them, not to mention the amount of sugar some kids get at every meal aka all processed foods. With artificial flavor and food dyes this is a health hazard. You're not doing your kids a service by allowing them to eat a pillow case filled with candy. Yuck.
Stacey K says
We found glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos on sale at a big-box store, so that is what we will be giving out this year. That way, if we have lots left, I don't mind letting my kids have them. They get enough candy.
We let them have some candy, we save some for decorating gingerbread houses (thanks to Spooonfed for that tip!), and the rest "disappears" in exchange for some money. The kids know this, so they actually do less trick-or-treating, choosing to mostly visit the homes of people we know.
Liesel says
I have to laugh, because for me personally, I don't have to worry much. You see, as much as my son LOVES to go trick-or-treating and wants to eat the chocolate and suckers etc. immediately ... Somehow they are all forgotten about within a few days. And what do we do? We end up throwing out the candy.
(Actually we have him pick out a few favorites then get rid of the rest. The past two years his school has been accepting left-over candy the week after and donates them to the troops to give out in war-torn areas. Sure, someone will ask "Do those kids need junk food?" Probably not, but isn't it a nice gesture to make?)
Lia says
My son has food allergies so I also appreciate the non-candy alternatives! Things with peanuts or milk are tossed or go into the communal candy bowl at work; he chooses a few things and everything else gets put into a jar to use on our gingerbread house at Christmas. His favorite things are the stickers, glow sticks, and small plastic toys anyway.
Liesel says
I love the idea of using the candy on the gingerbread house!
Valerie says
Great posts and lots of good ideas! I'm a little concerned with the syringe pens - considering the epidemic of substance abuse, specifically heroin in this country. But otherwise, thanks for this information.
rebekah says
truly appreciate that you ask for readers to share ideas and actually put together great resources for considering better options, toys AND treats wise. it's very evident to me that you truly care about your girls and other kids well being and have thought beyond the norm expectations for celebrations. i applaud you for choosing to do things differently, even with harsh responses based on assumptions.
Susan says
Love the ideas! Halloween may just be one night, BUT then there's all the crap food at Thanksgiving, Christmas cookies and candy, soon comes Valentine's day, and the food rolls on! With a son who is allergic to red food coloring (which is used to make the oranges and blacks at Halloween and Thanksgiving and is used to make the reds and pink for Christmas and Valentine's) until we figured out that allergy we often spent the next night in the hospital! "Once a year" just isn't worth it. For us.
Jana says
I've been debating what I'll hand out this year. Since candy is at just about every house I'm thinking I might not hand that out this year. I mean I'd sure love to look in my own daughters bag and see something besides candy in there. Sure, we will let her have a little bit but most of it will likely just get tossed.
FARE says
Have you heard about the Teal Pumpkin Project? This Halloween, FARE is encouraging communities to start a new tradition that will help make this holiday season less scary for children with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies during the Halloween season by providing non-food treats for trick-or-treaters, and painting a pumpkin teal – the color of food allergy awareness – to place in front of their house along with a free-printable sign from FARE to indicate they have non-food treats available. Learn more here: http://blog.foodallergy.org/2014/10/06/the-teal-pumpkin-project-for-an-allergy-friendly-halloween/
Molly Riley says
Where can I buy organic lollipops besides online? Love your blog and all of your recipes! I will be getting your book for Christmas and I can't wait! :)
Lisa says
My Target has a small selection of organic lollipops and some other organic candy - it's in the Halloween section, but separate from the other candy.
Kristin says
I buy Yummy Earth Organic Lolipops from Whole Foods and a local grocery store with a large natural foods section. Trader Joe's also sells a knock off dye, corn syrup and artificial flavor free lolipop.
Danielle says
I for one am glad when my kids get other things besides candy. They get way more than one little person can eat and enjoy the pencils, toys, and such. I often see my own kids picking the toys over the candy because they like having something a little different. Thanks for the ideas!
Cori says
When I was a kid, one of the houses on our trick or treating route had a giant bowl of coins, and we were allowed to get one handful. Man we dug deep, but there is only so many coins little hands can hold. We thought it was so cool!
Connie says
I can't understand why anyone would have a problem with you giving out something other than candy. But then again, I am even okay with people not participating at all. A couple homes giving out non-candy treats won't ruin the fun of the holiday, some people need to get a grip! There will still be plenty of candy to be had. We don't have kids...we don't normally participate in handing out treats, we normally go to a party.
pj says
I loved getting little toys when I was a kid. The kids here still like spider rings etc. We were taught to be grateful.
Jolaine says
I'm not sure what we will give out. Last year we had little Halloween themed bags of cheese balls and pretzels. But then didn't have a lot of visitors. (Seem like we had more the year before). Anyway, so I'm debated to go the candy route or go with a non-candy/food item again. We usually keep some leftovers then give the rest to my work's youth ministry program. This year will be the first year our daughter (oldest) will go trick-o-treating (she's 3.5...last year she had a major tantrum and unfortunately didn't get to go) interesting to see how much she gets and what we will decide to do with it all.
I grew up in the country so we had to be driven around to houses (even in town...since areas were a little spread out). Anyway, I fondly remember that our priest handed out full size candy bars, and the liquor store/bar gave us a choice between a bag of chips or a can of pop!!
Raylene says
I buy the Costco size mini playdoughs for the little ones. Bigger kids do get junk if they choose!
Shay Ruggles says
I handed out those rubber bracelets that kids were all about. I had kids GO NUTS over them. I practically had to beat them off with a stick. That candy at the bottom of my bowl... untouched! I think these are fantastic ideas!
Lori says
One time when my kids were little, someone was handing out toothbrushes (likely a dentist). My kids thought it was great!
Piper says
All three of my kids go wild over toothbrushes--they love them and would buy a new one every time we go to the store if they could :p
Stacey Sprock says
I do a variety of things. I have Candy always chocolate (my fav LOL) I love glow sticks, I have pretzels or cheeze it snack bags for younger kids. I have done fruit snack in the past. This year I have 24 mini bottles of bubbles. I also toss in my basket unopened happy meal toys that I may have picked up over the year. One year I gave out 3pk of crayons and a small coloring book. I like to have a mix. I let the kids pick and if they are young I let the parents pick. Every year I am different. My nieghbor gives out capri suns.
Jill says
Over the years, I've watched how my kids react when they get to homes that hand out something other than candy -- a toy or a bag of chips for example. They get REALLY excited, showing it off to the group, planning on when they'll eat it, etc. On the flip side, they tend to just take a piece of candy, mutter a thank you, and dash off to the next house. And these are kids who LOVE their sweets. Their reaction prompted me to change the treats given out from our home. Last year we gave glow sticks and knock-off playdoh (probably highly toxic, but hopefully no one is eating it). The real upside of this change is that it kept me and my husband from chowing down on the candy between trick or treaters, because we only buy what we like!
Helen says
I have a memory from about 50 years ago, trick-or-treating in my neighborhood. A rumor went around that a certain house was giving out 12" rulers! Everyone wanted one! We headed there but they were all out already. I don't remember much about what kind of candy I got, but the idea of getting something different stuck!
Laura Blile says
I think your ideas are great. My son has food allergies, so I love when we don't have to worry about what is in his basket. Have you heard of the teal pumpkin? http://blog.foodallergy.org/2014/10/06/the-teal-pumpkin-project-for-an-allergy-friendly-halloween/
It's a way to let others know that you are offering non-food treats.
Anna says
My kids would LOVE a glow stick! Toys or candy, either way, the kids are having fun :)
Beth says
We are planning to do a trunk or treat nearby. We have 3 under 4 years old in a setting not condusive to trick or treating in a neighborhood. I was a preschool teacher for years, and even before I had little ones of my own I gave out halloween goodie bags to the little ones and candy to teenagers. Not sure where the disconnect is, but I and my kids would appreciate anything gifted to us. Happy Halloween!!!
Maura says
I disagree with Kim's judgement here. You are human Lisa! We follow you for different reasons- inspiration for me. For some it is easy to criticize you behind a screen...I thank you for your transparency and being real, even when you feel bugged by some! We choose to read some or all of what you present to us. When I read some of those comments - I too felt annoyed for you...like Come on people, why be so rude?! But that is just it right...freedom of speech here...Anyhow, Thank you...keep on, keeping on...