Alternatives to Halloween Candy are something we get asked about a lot! With record levels of food allergies and special diets among children, Halloween has become a minefield for parents balancing their children’s well-being and making memories of a beloved holiday.
Whether it’s a school party or trick-or-treating, no one wants to tell kids they can’t dig into their goody bags because of concerns for sugar, gluten, nuts, and dyes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to Halloween Candy that will keep kids entertained with treats while avoiding the tricks! Whether you’re a roommate looking for an inclusive way to celebrate the school holiday, a parent with a sensitive child, or just a concerned neighbor, check out these ten alternatives to the typical sugar-laden offerings and preservative.
And if you’re still worried about the tricks (and the price), you can still give out candy. Just keep a bowl of alternative prizes by the door if you need them for the neighborhood ghouls and goblins.
Alternatives to Halloween Candy
1. Glow toys
A perennial favorite, especially at Halloween, glow toys come in stick, bracelet, or necklace form and are a great (and safe) option for trick-or-treaters! You can often find them in packages of ten or twenty at your local dollar store. Or order them in bulk online.
2. Mini Erasers
These Halloween erasers is a great fun trick or treat idea for kids. Plus they are useful as well as cute! $20.99 from Oriental Trading.
3. Assorted Toy Coffin Chest
Scary spiders, eyeballs, hand clappers and other Halloween toys that trick-or-treaters love! This treasure chest is perfect for trick or treating or your trunk-or-treating event.
4. Jack O Lantern Toy Assortment
If you’re looking for some family-friendly Halloween toy ideas, this is it Jack O Lantern pack is perfect. Packed with 100 pumpkin-themed tricks or treats, kids will love them!
5. Putty and Slime
Another great option that kids love is the mini slime and putt tub! This slime multipack contains 50 pieces and will delight your trick or treaters!
6. Slap bands/bracelets
A kid fashion accessory that never seems to go out of style, slap bracelets can also be bought in bulk. They come in a variety of fun colors and designs to delight every child on your doorstep.
7. Temporary tattoos
Consider grouping several tattoos together in small plastic pouches and tying them with blue and pink ribbons to indicate male or female designs. This way, you (and they) don’t have to search through a bowl of designs, but are guaranteed to get at least one they like. Plus, anything in a plastic pouch with a ribbon is a winner with the younger set.
8. Sticker sheets
Go extra-luxe and hand out full sheets of stickers instead of individuals. Choosing several men’s and women’s designs speeds up the selection process and keeps the price low. You can usually buy booklets filled with identical sticker sheets at educational supply stores.
9. Scented markers
Forget the pencils! Those remind the kids too much homework! Grab a few multi-packs of scented markers and let your guests choose their favorite color (or three)! Decade after decade, this art supply remains a kid favorite.
10. Pocket puzzles
Remember those little plastic ball mazes that came out of birthday party goody bags? Step up your puzzle game with mini Boggles or shaped jigsaw puzzles, usually available in dozens. They’re a more expensive option, so they’re better saved for class parties and low-volume trick-or-treat spots.
11. Magnetic bookmarks
Sure, not every kid is a reader, but no one can resist two-sided magnetic bookmarks in the shape of animals, cartoon characters, or emojis. Buy them online in large packs. Then cut the cardboard backing into individual pieces for easy distribution.
12. Backpack hangers
Cuddly, cute stuffed animals in plastic backpack clips? Even teenagers can’t resist the temptation (even if they enjoy them quite a bit). It’s also a relatively expensive option, so they’re better in a situation where you only need to buy a few. But give them a go and you’re sure to be crowned Halloween King or Queen.
13. Cable bites/buddies
Almost every child has at least one electronic device… which means they also have frayed cords. Provide animal or cartoon-shaped cable bites, plastic protectors that surround the delicate junction between cord and connector, and kids and parents alike will thank you!
14. Lip balm
There isn’t a kid on the planet who doesn’t like flavored lip balm… buy them in bulk online and let your trick-or-treaters pick their favorite flavor! They work even in a high volume situation, when you buy mini lip balms of the kind that are given out in doctor’s offices and salons. Just make sure to choose kid-friendly flavors!
Alternatives to Halloween Candy – Final Note
With these ten ideas for every budget and preference, you’re sure to find a candy alternative that will surprise and delight kids who might otherwise be left out of the fun and magic of Halloween. These ideas work great for parties, trick or treating or even Trunk or Treat!
About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
