Gooey, chocolaty, sticky, sugary treats are scary enough. Throw in non-GMO ingredients and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, and Halloween candy becomes a nightmare! This year, aim for a healthier holiday that’s just as fun with these creative alternatives.
- Instead of miniature mainstream candies, toss these better-for-you goodies into little goblins’ trick-or-treat bags:
- For kids with food allergies (and their parents!), Halloween can be very scary. To keep things safe and positive for everyone, consider handing out non-food loot rather than candy. Let neighborhood wanderers know your home is an allergy-friendly zone by placing a pumpkin painted teal (the color of food allergy awareness) on your porch and printing out a sign from the Teal Pumpkin Project. A few fun, non-candy options include:
- Stickers
- Coins
- Vampire teeth
- Pencils
- Bubbles
- Of course, there’s more to Halloween than candy. Play up the festivities in other ways to redirect kids’ attention away from sugar.
- Make it a fun family night with favorite scary movies and non-GMO popcorn
- Craft spooky decorations from recyclables
- Make creative costumes from attic or thrift store finds
- Enjoy a night of trick-or-treating, then have kids exchange candy for a gift they choose at the toy store