Alternatives to Candy for Halloween

Candy Alternatives for this Halloween

Halloween is upon us and here’s how to NOT be the house kids avoid flaunting their costumes to because you don’t dole out the treats.

So whether it be a dietary restriction, allergy, or a personal preference you choose not to give out candy on Halloween, but you don’t want to build a reputation as “THAT house.” To avoid earning that title, avoid handing out chips, pretzels, or apple slices. These have all been overdone and are not well received by trick-or-treaters. Here are some of our favorite alternatives.

Homemade Slime

Kids are obsessing over slime with its slick texture and fun sound effects. It is super fun and easy to make too! Maybe even get your kids involved! To make slime here’s the recipe:

1 teaspoon borax powder
1 1/2 C water, divided
4 oz (1/2 C) Elmer’s glue, clear or white food coloring
Sequins or other little additions for extra pizazz, get creative! (optional)

• Add borax powder to 1 cup of water and stir until it dissolves. Set aside.
  Pour glue into a medium mixing bowl and add 1/2 C water. Add a few drops of food coloring until the desired color is reached and then stir to mix the glue solution until smooth.
• Pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture and watch the solids start to form. Stir for a few moments and then use your hands to marry it together. The mixture will be very soft and wet.
• If you choose, mix the sequins or whatever you chose, in step three.
• Keep kneading until it firms up and feels dry. Discard the excess liquid in the bowl. The more you knead and play with the slime the firmer it will become.
• Portion off your slime for your anticipated number of visitors and keep it sealed in airtight sandwich bags.

Play-Doh
In a time crunch and can’t make slime? Mini Play-Doh is a super fun alternative and can be found at craft stores anywhere!

Mini Toys
Fun mini toys can be found at Dollar Stores and pharmacies and last longer than candy in a child’s hand! Think slinkies and mini wind-up toys.

Temporary Tattoos
These are very cheap to buy in large quantities and available for every holiday at most party goods stores.

Bubbles
Bubbles are always a fun activity that can be found at party stores, dollar stores, and plenty of other places.

Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are fun, cheap, useful and add to the spooky mood of Halloween. These luminescent treats are great because they much needed light when navigating the neighborhood at night!