I’m always on the hunt for new ideas to add to my ultimate list of candy alternatives for halloween, so if you have anymore ideas I’d love to hear them in the comment section at the bottom of the page!
I have to admit I’m not really a fan of halloween or trick-or-treating… sort of.
I didn’t grow up doing a lot of the halloween traditions other people do. Instead we did something called a harvest party, we skipped out on trick-or-treating, and we brought joy and excitement around this time instead of fear and spookiness.
So I’m definitely more partial to my experiences growing up around the halloween time, and I’ve raised my kids the same way.
Should I give my kids Halloween candy?
I’ve asked myself this question many times over the years in my parenting journey. And as I’ve educated myself more, and observed my children, I KNOW it’s crucial to cut out as much candy around this time as possible!
Why should you cut out candy?
Besides the age old saying about candy rotting your teeth, there are so many other reasons children shouldn’t or can’t have gobs of candy. Like;
- sugar can cause behavioural problems
- artificial colouring is known to cause health and behavioural problems
- can contribute to cavities and dental problems
- children with certain health conditions may not be able to eat candy at all (diabetes for instance)
- candy is made with so many artificial and low quality ingredients
Of course giving your child candy is your decision and you know your child better than anyone! For me, I like to use these alternatives listed below to bulk up their loot without filling their bodies with too much junk.
I hope you enjoy this fun list of candy alternatives that I’ve written out. I use so many of these items each year!
Ultimate list of candy alternatives
- stickers
- popcorn
- nuts
- playdoh
- tattoos
- fruit squeeze packs
- erasers
- fun pencils/pens
- notepad
- bookmark
- fun face masks
- ink stamps
- stain glass mini colouring book
- second hand stuffed animals
- fishy crackers/Annies bunnies
- pretzels
- flower/veggie seed packets
- veggie sticks
- bouncy balls
- collidoscope
- sparkling water
- nerf darts
- pumpkin carving tools
- toothbrush
- finger puppets
- apple
- seaweed packets
- floss sticks
- banana
- light up toys
- jewelry
- glow in the dark stickers
- dried fruit
- oranges
- mouth noise makers
- twirly straw
- fun socks
- bubbles
- chalk
- fun sunglasses
- glow sticks
- hair accessories
- apple sauce cups
- slap bracelets
- mini slinky
- loofah
- mini toys (cars, action figures, etc)
- hacky sack
- whoopee cushion
- fruit leather
- mini coin/change bag
- cds or movies from second hand store
- books
- printable fall/halloween activity sheets
Save this list in PDF version for later
Click the download button below to get my PDF version of this list! It can be stored on your phone or computer to have on hand whenever you need a reminder.
Our trick or treat alternative
Over the course of my life there’s been several different reasons we’ve needed a trick or treat alternative. And I always go back to it time and time again because for us, what we do instead of traditional trick or treating is way more fun!
Click HERE or on the picture to read more about what our family does for Halloween!
I’d love for you to follow me on instagram so that you can see what we are up to. My family lives off grid in a tiny house on wheels that we built ourselves, developing our beautiful acreage in Ontario Canada!
This is a great idea! All my kids get too much candy each year and would enjoy not receiving so much of it!
What a fun idea! I’m a fan of handing out dollar store crafts like waterpaints, crayons, markers, etc. I literally laughed out loud when I got to “floss sticks”…haha. Hilarious! Very appropriate for the sweets season.
haha! My young ones love those floss sticks (my vacuum hates them though) so they are special still. ill keep that going as long as i can!
Such a great list of ideas. I’m definitely in agreement for more non candy options at this time of year.
thankyou, and yes!
As a parent of a child with food allergies, I know Halloween can be tricky and disappointing when a child can’t have certain candies. I love this list of alternatives to candy!
i was hoping people with food allergies could benefit from this post!
Personally, I don’t celebrate Halloween, but this is a great list of alternatives! I’m sure it will come in handy for birthday parties and other holidays, as I as try to down on the amount of sugar I keep at home!
thankyou! yes less sugar is always good lol
These are all great ideas! You always have such great ideas.
awe thankyou so much!