Every year when the leaves change and the air gets that crisp autumn smell, I find my thoughts drifting towards pumpkin spice lattes, cozy scarves and Halloween.
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If you’re anything like me, you’re also already having mini panic attacks at the thought of all the sugar your kids will consume.
There is an argument that is usually presented on these holidays in favor of ‘just letting them have some candy!‘
That’s fine, I agree it’s fun to let them have candy sometimes-
HOWEVER-
It is NOT just on these holidays that they are getting over loaded with sugar, dyes and chemicals. It seems to be more like every single day. It’s like our level for what is acceptable has been raised so high that it’s like meh, whatever in regards to Halloween candy.
Between my 3 children and huge family on both sides, we seem to going birthdays, BBQ’s, holidays and special events almost every. single. weekend.
Which makes for a huge influx of junk food all the time. So, why should you let your kids have free rein over a giant bag of candy that really should be enough to last two years just because it’s Halloween?
There is also a growing awareness for the “Teal Pumpkins”. Houses that display a teal pumpkin are letting the trick or treaters know that there is a non-food or allergen safe option for children with food allergies.
So because of this insane level of sugar/junk food all the time and the growing number of children with food allergies or special diets, I created this list of super fun, exciting things that any kid would be happy to get in place of candy.
These Halloween candy alternatives are fun, allergy friendly and good for all ages!
1. MINI PLAY-DOH
Mini Play-Doh is perfect for all ages, super fun and still exciting to get! These also work great for non-candy party favors ? The price is also extremely budget friendly! (Depending on how many trick or treaters you get.)
2. MINI GLIDER AIRPLANES
Fun for either sex, mini glider planes are an easy and fun thing for kids to get while trick or treating!
3. JUICE BOXES
Still pretty sugary but juice boxes are a bit healthier and definitely allergen safe!
4. BUBBLE WANDS
Bubble wands provide so much entertainment, are safe and completely allergen free.
5. MINI PUTTY
Mini putty is so much fun for kids!! My kids each got one of these one year and were PUMPED!
6. TINY KEYCHAINS
These emoji keychains are super cute and totally safe for kids of all ages.
7. STICKY HANDS
I’m guessing you had a sticky hand at some point in your childhood. They still haven’t lost their appeal!
8. TOOTHBRUSHES
Maybe. But honestly, this isn’t for the kids. This is for the parents! My kids each got a toothbrush last year and were excited to try out their new toothbrush on Halloween.
That’s a parenting win. So do the other parents a favor ?
9. APPLE CIDER PACKETS
This is such a cute idea! Especially if it’s cold where you live, so nice for the kids to have a warm and cozy drink for after trick or treating. Hot chocolate would work too!
10. FRUIT SNACKS
If you still want to give out something candy-ish, Annie’s organic fruit snacks have no artificial color or flavors added!
11. FRUIT LEATHER
Fruit leather is a great alternative to sugar and dye laden candy. It’s also completely nut free and good for any age.
12. SLAP BRACELETS
These things are always a major hit. Do you remember slap bracelets from elementary school? So much fun!
13. MINI SLINKIES
Everyone loves a slinky- you gotta have a slinky! Seriously, what kid doesn’t love a slinky? Especially these rainbow colored ones!
14. HALLOWEEN PARTY FAVORS
Check out this giant 156 piece Halloween party favor pack- cute Halloween themed stuff for all ages!
15. STRETCHY GLITTER SKELETONS
These always provide ample entertainment- what is it about squishy things that kids love?
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I hope you found something useful on this list of Halloween Candy Alternatives! For all the kids with nut/dairy/any allergies and for all the parents who will seriously be thanking you all night- enjoy!
DID YOU USE ANY OF THESE HALLOWEEN CANDY ALTERNATIVES? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS IF WE MISSED SOMETHING THAT YOU’D ADD!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN ?
LOOKING FOR MORE HALLOWEEN IDEAS?
This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure at the bottom of the page.