Plan Ahead for Healthy (and Fun!) Halloween Treats

For the past five years, I’ve been conducting my own little research project on Halloween.  It all started when I wanted to offer kids something besides candy.  But would kids go for it?  My investigation revealed that younger kids LOVE alternatives to candy.  I would hold out two bowls – one filled with candy and the other filled with a variety of other goodies from hair ties to Halloween pencils and erasers.  The younger kids would get so excited to choose a prize.  One little girl even came by my house twice to show her friend the “nice lady”.

Last year, life was super busy and I didn’t have the chance to find some bargain prizes.  All I offered was candy and it just wasn’t as fun.  Kids were polite and said “thank you”, but there wasn’t the excitement of seeing a bowl full of prizes.  So this year, I’m planning ahead.  I just ordered a bunch of fun prizes from an online store.  All were comparable to the cost of candy.  I enjoy offering something healthier than candy and the kids are thrilled with something unexpected.

This year, consider offering some alternatives to candy.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Stickers
• Tattoos
• Bookmarks
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Barrettes
• Pencil toppers
• Crayons
• Pens
• Stampers