Trick Or Treat! Alternatives To Candy-Giving

Having been around the block a few times as a parent (literally and figuratively), I’ve seen my share of handouts at Halloween-time.  While my kids LOVE to go door-to-door on our block, greeting the neighbors with a hearty “Trick or treat!” and grinning for the latest and greatest handout, I have to admit that I secretly love the more creative side of my neighbors.  Those neighbors that go beyond the chocolate candy bar or pieces of bubble gum have inspired me to look for alternatives to hand out this year.

First of all, sugar is definitely something most kids do not need more of.  It isn’t good for the teeth or their nutritional needs.  My kids will get plenty of sugar over the course of the next couple of weeks, so finding things to give (and get) that aren’t laden with sugar is always a plus.  Couple that will allergies, diabetes, hyperactivity - finding goodies to give away that aren’t sugary is always a great thing.  So, here are a few suggestions:

1. Stickers or rub-on tattoos - my boys LOVE things like this, and it is so easy to do.  Purchase a package of stickers and cut them into small strips to hand out.  Many places sell holiday-themed stickers in large “tablets” (look for teacher incentive stickers in the stationery section) for a few dollars.  They typically have anywhere from 500 to 1000 stickers, so each child can get quite a few stickers!
2. Bubbles - we found a package of 24 small bubble containers for my son’s birthday party for about $3.  That’s $.125 cents a piece!  Bubbles are something children of all ages would love to get and don’t cost much at all.  Check out all the birthday goody-bag supplies - those are usually a great alternative to candy as you can buy them relatively cheap and in bulk.
3. Pretzels - our local store carries snack-size pretzel bags at Halloween-time.  These are a terrific alternative to candy while still giving away a snack-type prize.
4. Balloons - while I would not recommend giving these away for younger children, older children would have a blast with an un-inflated balloon or two in their collection.  Balloons can be purchased in bulk and cheaply, making them a great giveaway on Halloween.
5. Sidewalk chalk - our local Dollar Store has containers of sidewalk chalk for $1.  There are 20 pieces of chalk in each container!  To cut down on the chalk-mess, consider wrapping them in saran wrap and possibly tying it shut with a ribbon or twine.
6. Toothbrushes - we had one neighbor who worked for a local pediatric dentist.  She was able to bring home a huge supply of giveaway toothbrushes that she handed out on Halloween night.  She was the hit of the neighborhood with the parents!  Her comment?  Her boss would have happily donated toothbrushes to any parent who had asked - what a great treat on Halloween!
7. Pennies - we’ve decided this is the BEST idea this year.  Pennies are money to kids, have weight, and jingle when shaken.  Throw about 5 - 10 pennies in a child’s bag and they’ll think they’ve hit the jackpot!  Want to up the ante?  Throw in a nickel!  It is an excellent way to get rid of all that change that has been accumulating on top of the dresser!

What are your ideas for Halloween this year?