Take a break from the sugar-loaded sweet candy, chocolate bars, and candy corn this Halloween season and dispense healthy goodies to the little witches, Power Rangers, and ghosts that will grace your doorstep.
Here are some ideas for healthy Halloween goodies that won’t set you back a frightful amount of money.
Halloween Stickers, Pencils and Small Toys
A wealth of cute and clever toys, stickers, pencils and other Halloween items crop up every fall at big box stores and at online and catalog retailers such as Oriental Trading. Especially fun are stickers sets such as Oriental Trading’s Make a Graveyard Stickers, where kids peel off monsters and tombstones and place them to make a spooky background (on sale at $1.97 for 12; shipping for up to $30 is $6.95). Halloween themed pencils and erasers are always needed by school-age ghosts and goblins. Oriental Trading’s Pencil Top Erasers (pictured below) are one-inch tall and feature bats, ghosts, witches, pumpkins, and vampires ($4.99 for a set of 144).
For those who plan ahead: Non-perishable Halloween items like are perfect to buy on sale after October 31 and save for next year’s festivities. Unlike food and candy, they won’t spoil over the next 12 months.
Mini Granola Bars, Popcorn, or Raisins for Halloween
Snack food makers like Quaker and Utz make Halloween-themed miniature microwave popcorn bags, pretzels, and granola bars. Raisins, too, come in convenient snack-sized containers that are perfect for doling out on Halloween night. Don’t be surprised, however, as the trick-or-treater on looks less than thrilled at the healthy gift. These snacks will look better on November 1 after a night gorging on chocolate and sugar. Mom and Dad will thank you too.
Coins as Halloween Treats
Cold hard cash can serve as a valuable hand-out on Halloween night. Collect those stashes of pennies, nickels, and dimes around your house and dump them into a large-mouthed container or serving bowl. Allow kids to grad a small handful as their treat.
For younger trick-or-treaters, place the pennies in their containers for them so they are not tempted to taste one. If you’re feeling generous --or have just received a substantial inheritance -- take a trip to the bank and get a few of the latest state quarter issued by the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarter program and distribute one to each Halloween night visitor. Safety note: coins are a choking hazard, so tell kids these are real pennies for their piggy banks, not edible treats.
While healthy Halloween options will please parents and provide you with a warm feeling of responsibility, your neighborhood kids may not greet the non-sugary treats with enthusiasm. The little ghouls should be grateful you didn't hand out dental floss and a toothbrush.
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