- Associated Press - Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Halloween is often all about candy, but kids crave more than just sweets. Fun and unique goodies can make their spooky season even better. Think of cool toys, glow sticks or festive stickers that keep the fun alive without the sugar rush.

Benefits of non-candy treats

Non-candy treats offer a healthier alternative for kids. Candy treats can lead to a sugar overload, potentially causing health issues like cavities and hyperactivity. Non-candy goodies are a smarter choice to help avoid these problems.

Items like stickers, pencils and temporary tattoos are fun. They keep kids entertained without the sugar rush. Parents appreciate these choices, too. They want their children to enjoy Halloween while staying healthy.

Non-candy treats come in many forms. Consider giving out small toys or games instead of candy bars or chewy candies. These can include vampire teeth, mini puzzles or glow sticks. Each item can spark joy and excitement.

Choices to encourage creativity

Kids love variety in their Halloween stash. A mix of fun items makes trick-or-treating more memorable. Non-candy goodies stand out in a sea of candy bowls filled with hard candy.

Encourage creativity and imagination with craft kits or coloring books to inspire kids to create something new. This is different from just eating candy treats. Engaging in activities helps develop skills and keeps children busy.

Parents often prefer these options because they promote learning while having fun. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Fun and festive presentation ideas

Kids love surprises. Goodie bags filled with fun items make great alternatives to candy. Use colorful plastic bags and fill them with seasonal accessories. Add items like temporary tattoos, glittery bracelets or mustache stickers.

Seasonal charms can brighten up any Halloween celebration. Consider adding little pumpkins or pumpkin oranges in the mix. Children enjoy collecting these cute items. They can use them for crafts or decorations around the house.

Sticky hands are another fun item. They provide endless entertainment without a sugar high. Kids can stretch and fling them around, creating laughter and joy.

Exciting toys

Kids love surprise toys. These toys come in fun packaging. Each package hides a different toy inside. The excitement of opening them adds to the fun. Kids enjoy the mystery of what they will get.

Many fun toy options are available for Halloween. Bouncy balls are always a hit. They bounce high and provide endless playtime. Jump ropes also offer great exercise and fun. Both toys can keep kids active during the holiday.

Glow sticks are perfect for Halloween night. They shine bright in the dark. Kids can use them while trick-or-treating. This keeps them safe and visible to others. Glow sticks also make great party favors.

Fun games with prizes

Quick games can be a fun part of trick-or-treating. Have kids toss a hoop over pegs or a ball into a hole. Or, have a wheel they can spin to determine what they get. Game prizes like slime or pencil sharpeners make it exciting. Kids love playing games and winning cool stuff.

Add funto Halloween with games and prizes to keep kids entertained. Kids enjoy playing and showing off the things they win, and these small items can bring a lot of joy. Parents will appreciate these longer-lasting candy alternatives as well.

Healthy snack alternatives

Kids enjoy snacks that look fun. Pumpkin-shaped snacks can be a hit. You can find crackers or cookies shaped like pumpkins. They are tasty and fit the Halloween theme well.

Buying snacks in bulk helps save money, so look for assorted healthy snacks in bulk packs. Options like dried strawberries, popcorn or baked tortilla strips are excellent choices.

These snacks keep kids full and happy without the sugar rush from candy. They can enjoy different flavors while staying healthy. Just watch out for snacks that may be junk food.

Creative and educational options

Kids love plantable pencils, which can grow into plants after use. They come with a seed at the end instead of an eraser so children can enjoy writing and gardening at the same time.

Craft sets are another great option. These sets often include materials to create spooky decorations. Items might include colored paper, glue and stickers. Children can make their own Halloween crafts.

A fun STEM activity kit can also be built for an at-home learning project. A balloon rocket can be built with a balloon, string, straw and tape. Place these simple items in a bag with instructions for the project.

These candy alternatives encourage creativity. They also help kids learn new skills by making simple projects. Parents can join in, too, making it a family event.

Stop Halloween sugar overload

You’ve discovered some fantastic alternatives to candy that kids will love. Non-candy treats bring joy and excitement while also being healthier. There’s something for every little one, from fun toys to creative snacks. Plus, these options can spark creativity and learning.

Think about how you can mix things up this Halloween. Ditch the sugar rush and hand out goodies that are just as thrilling. The kids will appreciate the thoughtful treats, and you’ll feel good knowing they can enjoy something other than candy. So, get creative and start planning your Halloween goodies today.

Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author based in Connecticut. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa enjoys hiking and taking scenic day trips around New England.

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