Non-Candy Trick-or-Treat Options

Non-Candy Trick-or-Treat Options For The Teal Pumpkin Project
As we approach Halloween this topic is coming up more and more. Many parents are looking for alternatives; some for the Teal Pumpkin Project (offering alternatives, for children who have food allergies), and some are just tired of the unhealthy excess of refined sweeteners and food dyes.
As an environmentalist, I am bothered by the amount of plastic waste that comes from cheap trinkets, but I also know quite a few families with life threatening food allergies and extreme food sensitivities. Many of them have been forced to skip Halloween simply because it was extremely disappointmenting for the children. When there is a sensitivity to food dye, preservatives, milk, gluten, nuts and/or soy, there really aren’t any acceptable treats in the typical Halloween loot.
Our children aren’t that fond of candy, they eat a few pieces and are done, so getting items that can enjoy for the full night or a few days following is super exciting to them.
They have loved the vampire fangs and spider rings that they go last year- and yes, that is clutter. But minimalism is about balance, and for us, it really is the only time of year when they acquire these little trinkets. (Partly because we limit birthday parties, we homeschool and we have stepped away from typical kid clubs.)
 

Non-Candy Trick-or-Treat Options

  • Stickers
  • Temporary Tattoos
  • Glow Sticks
  • Finger Lights
  • Glow Rings
  • Bubbles
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Erasers
  • Chalk
  • Mini Coloring Books
  • Bouncy Balls
  • Play-doh
  • Balloons
  • Chapstick
  • Loose Change
  • Bottled Water
  • Juice Boxes
  • Fruit Packets
  • Fruit Leathers
  • Chips
  • Popcorn
  • Clementines
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Pudding Cups
  • Hot Chocolate Packets
  • Raisin Boxes
  • Honey Sticks
  • Toothbrushes

Do you have any other suggestions? What has been your child’s favorite Halloween treat?

About Rachel Jones

Hi there! I’m Rachel Jones, and I founded Nourishing Minimalism in 2012 at the beginning of my minimalist journey. If you're looking for encouragement in your journey, I created a FREE Facebook Group - feel free to join me there: Nourishing Minimalism Facebook Group and I share videos each week on YouTube

11 Comments

  1. Brittany on 10/09/2015 at 2:07 pm

    On behalf of my tube fed kid, thanks for suggestions for those who cant enjoy traditional treats. Glow sticks are a hit here:)

  2. SamRI on 10/09/2015 at 2:30 pm

    We hand out bags of homemade salted organic popcorn. It thrills the kids and we always put a sticker on it that says: Happy Halloween from the Jones Family on Maple Street. Most of the parents know us and know that it is safe. Plus, it is so much cheaper than buying bags of candy wrapped in plastic!

  3. Lori Alexander on 10/09/2015 at 7:11 pm

    The healthy organic Yum Lollipops are great! You can get a huge 5 lb bag from Amazon for $30.
    http://amzn.to/1N8x7tm

    • Rachel on 10/12/2015 at 10:40 am

      Thanks Lori!

  4. Lori Alexander on 10/09/2015 at 7:12 pm

    The Yum Organic lollipops for $30 on Amazon are great! Their 5 lb bag has a ton of them in it.
    YumEarth Organic Lollipops, 5 Pound Bag

  5. Christina @ Embracing Simple on 10/11/2015 at 6:23 pm

    These are such fun ideas and great alternatives to candy! I know my 15-month-old would be absolutely thrilled to get stickers or glow sticks! I still think she is way too young for candy, so I’m kind of hoping that some of the houses we go to pass out fun things like these!! 🙂

  6. Sara on 10/12/2015 at 10:31 am

    Just a thought: If you are participating in teal pumpkin (thank you!) project make sure that the options you offer are non-food. Some kids are allergic to the non-candy food items – even bananas (like my son) and the healthier packaged foods are often cross-contaminated (like made in a factory with peanuts, tree nuts, etc). Safest bets are non-food related. Thank you for participating in teal pumpkin! Our food allergic kids are so grateful!

    • Rachel on 10/12/2015 at 11:43 pm

      Thanks for that Sara!

  7. Alexis on 10/15/2015 at 8:26 pm

    Great list! I bought a small Halloween Lego set for my two Lego fans (it’s a bat). We live in Singapore so don’t really do the house to house trick or treat thing, but I have a party and a scavenger hunt and these will be great treats for that. I’m filing this list away for Christmas time when I need ideas for allergy friendly stocking fillers (we can’t have egg or dairy) 🙂

  8. kerri on 10/16/2015 at 3:45 pm

    I know our local rec centre is offering a pack of 20 child swim passes for 25$. Its part of the remedy of the sugar intake in the season.

    • Rachel on 10/16/2015 at 4:57 pm

      That is very cool!

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