• Home
  • About Me
  • Work with Me
  • Advertising for Bloggers
  • Become A Subscriber
  • Freebie Library
  • Disclaimer and Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Main Categories
    • My Personal Journey
    • Minimalism
    • Self Care
    • Mental Health
    • Parenting
    • Teaching
    • Pregnancy/Babies
    • Books/Reading
    • Crochet
  • Gumroad
Tidbits of Care

Lifestyle blog for self care, mental health and personal growth

Parenting  /  September 8, 2021

10 Scary and Fun Alternatives to Candy for Halloween

It’s almost spooky season! And with that comes the much anticipated Halloween night. I loved Halloween as a kid. Getting dressed up, heading out for trick or treating, it was so exciting and nothing really brings that feeling back that I had back then. And as a teacher, I get to have fun every year with my students as we all dress up, watch some Halloween movies and do crafts and what not around the season. Teaching kindergarten can be fun! But this year, there will be minimal Halloween fun for me as I’m on mat leave with my baby. And, since I live in a condo, I won’t even get the fun of handing out candy to kids as our building has a “save the hallways” rule and children have to go down to the lobby to get candy. What fun is that?

But it does bring me to the topic of today’s post which is candy. And more specifically, alternatives to candy for Halloween. I can’t tell you how much junk is handed out at Halloween. Hard candy no kid wants, a ludicrous amount of lollipops (yes, parents send this stuff in the lunch bags) and sticky candy that no four year old’s teeth should have to contend with. Nor should mine for that matter. Other teachers in my school dump a bag full of said candy on the lunch room table because they don’t want their own children consuming it. And in recent years, I have noticed a trend of less children going trick or treating, which to me seems sad. I mean, there is nothing like being out on Halloween night, the fall leaves crunching under your feet, the moonlight casting eerie shadows, dashing up “haunted” houses with the other ghouls and goblins. Or, you know, superheroes.

I’m wondering if parents would resume the tradition of trick or treating if other items were handed out instead of just candy, especially cheap candy. So today’s post is all about what we can replace candy with for the trick or treaters who visit our homes on Halloween night. And, I promise you, it’ll be stuff kids will love.

Spooky Stickers

Get a good package of Halloween stickers and hand them out! I cannot tell you how much kids love stickers. You can get really nice ones online from stores like Scholar’s Choice though I’m sure Amazon has some as well. Instead of handing out a whole sheet, cut them down into sections of two so each child gets two stickers each. Stickers are great alternatives to candy for Halloween.

Eerie Erasers

The dollar store has Halloween erasers–which I would recommend over pencils as the holiday pencils are usually wrapped in plastic and are impossible to sharpen. Trust a teacher on this. The erasers, on the other hand, are a good size and kids are totally into them as they are interesting shapes and colours. I mean, wouldn’t you have been stoked as a kid to have an eraser that looked like a jack-o-lantern? I would have.

Haunted Crafts

If you’re a crafter, or just especially love Halloween, then consider making a craft to hand out on Halloween night. These Coffee Filter Ghosts by Lynn over at Lynn Mumbling Mejia are super easy, low cost and will delight little trick or treaters. I would totally make these with my kindergarten students if I was teaching this year. They are just super cute!

Want more Halloween content? Check out my Haunted Houses post.

Ghoulish Bookmarks

Bookmarks are another idea you might consider instead of candy. If you can find some Edgar Allan Poe bookmarks, great, but any bookmarks will do. Superheros and unicorns will be big hits, trust me. Kids amore into books than we might think as there are wider reading options than we were exposed to in school. Today, kids get crack open graphic novels and the middle grade genre is far more interesting than I remember it being as a child. And I liked reading.

photo of trick or treaters

Bouncy Boo Balls

So there is no reason why I have the word “boo” in the subheading other than it works for my Halloween words theme for my subheading, but whatever. It’s supposed to be a fun post, all right? Bouncy balls!! I did not have enough of these as a kid–they are super easy to lose–and their appeal to kids is timeless. You might be able to get some Halloween themed ones too, and kids will LOVE this in a big way. These are my favourite alternatives to candy.

Scary Playdough

Playdough can be used to create all sorts of scary things! From witches hats to monsters, play dough will be the biggest hit with trick or treaters. You can get the “fun size” (425g) and delight the trick or treaters who arrive at your door. As a kid, I was never allowed to have playdough (because, you know, mess) so this would have tickled me pink.

Creepy Crayons

All kids love new packages of colouring materials, and crayons are sure to be appreciated by your trick or treaters. There is just something about having a brand new, pristine pack of crayons that is so exciting. An eight pack of Crayola crayons can be found at dollar stores, and will be used by kids of all ages as well. I still use crayons to colour in my adult colouring book.

Terrifying Tattoos

Super cool, tattoos are alternatives to candy kids will be delighted by. You can get temporary tattoos at the dollar store (though of course, Amazon would have these as well, and many of the other items I’ve suggested) and Halloween themed tattoos would be especially fun for kids as they can show them to all their friends the next day. I’ve worn these as an adult, and if I have fun with these, you can bet your bottom dollar kids will too.

Hauntingly Healthy Treats

And finally, you can always give out a healthy treat! You can find lots of healthy of mini packages from Made Good, which is free of most allergens as well, which is super important these days as so many kids are allergic to nuts, eggs, diary, soy and more. And, I can tell you from personal experience Made Good tastes good. Kids will love these health treats as alternatives to candy.

photo of jack o lanterns

In Conclusion

It’s easy to get around handing out junk and cheap candy at Halloween! Kids will love the alternatives, and parents will thank you too. So will staff rooms across the city. I would personally prefer to hand out some of these items than lollipops as so much of those are going to end up in the garbage anyway. And if you really want to hand out candy, because hey, candy is fun too, stick to the chocolates like Aero and bags of chips instead of hard candy and toffee. They are much preferred by kids and won’t end up in the garbage either! Happy Halloween my friends!

What do you think of these alternatives to candy for Halloween? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Related posts:

How to Instil a Love of Reading in Your Children
Unexpected Expenses for New Moms
Outdoor Fun for March Break Kids Will Love

Tags:

  • halloween
  • ,
  • kids
  • ,
  • life
  • ,
  • parenting

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket

Post navigation

How to Have a Cozy Fall Day
5 Ideas for a Soothing Self Care Weekend

Meet the Blogger

Hi! I'm Giulia
I write a lifestyle blog that seeks to inspire others to begin to their own journey into self care, one tidbit at a time. I am passionate about sharing my own journey from the last decade, and what I've learned along the way. I love chips and dip and Tudor ficiton.

Follow Me

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Ravelry
  • Etsy
  • Goodreads
Buy my product

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Translate

Topic Bits

I’m Looking For…

Let's Connect: Instagram

Today has been a wonderful, quiet day—after all the cleaning was done that is. I cherish quiet days. It’s nice to just melt into them and enjoy the sense of peace that comes with them. I love to read, or crochet on quiet days, or watch the baby as he plays. Who else loves quiet days? #tidbitsofcare #peacefulday #selfcaresunday🌸 #quietdayathome #lifestyleblogger #blog #selfcareblog #timetoreflect🙏
I really want to see green things and flowers again. We had a mild winter until March hit, then snow and wind and rain. I know it’ll be a while till I see green and springs blooms, but who says I can’t indulge in spring like things? Or delight in the longer days? It’s spring in my mind today. When life gets too blah, your imagination can really lift your spirits! Do you imagine warmer days, upcoming vacations or yummy dinners? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #springiscoming #spring2023☀️ #springtime🌸 #lifestyleblogger
Yesterday I ran errands and did some housework but I also got on me time and got my nails done. I’ve been doing more light, neutral shades lately. They just feel more me and more elegant. But if I’m in the mood, I splash into colour too! It’s all about just being myself. Because it’s okay to just be me ☺️ #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selflove #selflovemoments #blogger #lifestyleblogging #bloggers #selfcareblog #bloggerlife #bloggerstyle
Life needs living. But each moment doesn’t have to be a blur. Take time to just be. It’s easier than you think! #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #personalgrowth #bloggers #blogging #blogs #bloggerlifesyle #bloggingcommunity #mindfulness #mindfulmonday #mindfulnessmoments
I try to live my best life everyday; be the best mama I can be, but also enjoy the little things, like these. What little things have you enjoyed lately? #tidbitsofcare #selfcareblog #lifestyleblog #bloggers #blogs #personalgrowth #selfcareispriority #selflove #selflovesaturday #bloggingcommunity #bloggerlife
Change is life, is living. #tidbitsofcare #personalgrowth #selfcarebloggers #selfcareispriority #blogggers #blogs #aspiringblog #selfcarepost #blogger #lifestyleblog

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to get more content and access to our freebie library.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    39 Comments

    • Tiffany McCullough- Metaphysical Mama says:
      September 8, 2021 at 11:29 am

      These are such amazing ideas Giulia! My son would be thrilled to get any one of these while trick or treating. I think the stickers and tattoos would be great! Thanks for sharing these fun alternatives to candy!
      Tiffany McCullough- Metaphysical Mama recently posted…How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Get Stuff Done!My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 8, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        If I could give out Halloween treats, I’d use one of these for sure because it’d be a treat for kids that they would not be expecting 🙂

        Reply
    • I jamieadstOries says:
      September 8, 2021 at 11:30 am

      EeRie ERASERS sound cool. I like halloween theme items.

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 8, 2021 at 12:35 pm

        Glad you liked the post!

        Reply
    • Caroline says:
      September 8, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      I love the idea of handing out alternative treats! I would love to receive a bookmark way more than sweets haha x
      Caroline recently posted…The benefits of candles and crystalsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 9, 2021 at 10:14 am

        I think we ought do a mix–some alternatives and some sweets. All sweets is just too much and wasteful too.

        Reply
    • Jaya Avendel says:
      September 8, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      I love the idea of putting a different spin on Halloween as I have never been one for handing out or eating lots of candy.
      Originally, people ate sugar during Halloween so they could stay awake all night to keep away the evil spirits that haunted the night. Now it has become a commercialized reason to hand out sweets to kids of all ages and sizes.
      Thanks for sharing some fun ways to add something new to Halloween! You have a lovely list of crafty and engaging items to hand out.
      Jaya Avendel recently posted…Book Review: Blackbirch: The Dark Half by K.M AllanMy Profile

      Reply
    • Fransic verso says:
      September 8, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      I agree, the old days can’t be back but at least you having fun with the students. I love Halloween as well.

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 8, 2021 at 6:20 pm

        It’s such an atmospheric day!!

        Reply
    • Michelle Gast says:
      September 8, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      Yay for being more healthy! Tahnks for the ideas for alternatives to candy!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 9, 2021 at 10:12 am

        Glad you liked the ideas 🙂

        Reply
    • Sarah says:
      September 9, 2021 at 8:41 am

      These are super fun ideas! I would have loved any of these as a kid. Heck, I’d still love any of these as an adult haha Halloween is so fun!
      Sarah recently posted…Elevated Croissant Egg Sandwich with Ham and CheeseMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 9, 2021 at 10:13 am

        Right?! I totally want to go trick or treating again.

        Reply
    • Yemi Edwards (King) says:
      September 10, 2021 at 8:39 am

      I miss Halloween and yes kids don’t go out as much. It’s fairly new to trick or treat In England. LAst year I gave most of the things you have mentioned. It is a great alternative and less Waste.

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 10, 2021 at 9:33 am

        I love that you handed out some alternatives instead of candy!

        Reply
    • Fransic verso says:
      September 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      I can’t wait for Halloween as I’m already living it haha. It will be so much fun since things open this year.

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 10, 2021 at 4:09 pm

        I hope we can have a fun Halloween this year!

        Reply
    • Her Digital Coffee says:
      September 10, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      This is such a wonderful post! I used to buy spooky erasers and put them in goodie bags for Halloween. It’s such a treat that I loved as a kid and it’s something I know other kids will appreciate as well. I love the sticker and bookmark idea! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 10, 2021 at 5:43 pm

        Glad you found some new ideas to add to your treats.

        Reply
    • Molly @ Transatlantic Notes says:
      September 11, 2021 at 10:06 pm

      These ideas are great — I hadn’t thought about candy alternatives but these are perfect! I would much rather give out a combination of these and a bit of chocolate, etc as I think it makes it more fun for the trick or treaters. Thanks so much for sharing!
      Molly @ Transatlantic Notes recently posted…Morning Affirmations To Boost Your DayMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 11, 2021 at 10:19 pm

        I think it’s more fun too! Glad you liked the post 😊

        Reply
    • Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl says:
      September 12, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      Aww I love all of these suggestions! Halloween is my favourite time of year, love when the kids are teick or treating but I think things will be a bit different this year. Definitely going to get the little tattoos, they would be fun for a goody bag to give out.
      Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl recently posted…August Roundup | Taking a look back at AugustMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 12, 2021 at 4:09 pm

        I know, it might be different. Hopefully the kids can still have fun.

        Reply
    • Charity says:
      September 14, 2021 at 7:24 pm

      These are all such greatd ideas for halloween. Thanks so much for sharing them!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 15, 2021 at 7:59 am

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    • Simply Alex Jean says:
      September 16, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      These are awesome alternatives – I love the ideas of erasers, pencils and stickers as those are so fun to use for kids at school! What a great list – thanks for sharing.
      Simply Alex Jean recently posted…How to grow on Pinterest – 4 strategies you can do today!My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 16, 2021 at 6:48 pm

        So glad you liked the ideas!

        Reply
    • Lynn says:
      September 23, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      OMG, Giulia! This is an awesome list!! My nieces and nephews are getting older and don’t want to do that many crafts with me anymore but I love these for myself and future children! Thank you for featuring my craft too! It was so fun to make. Lovely post xx

      Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
      Lynn recently posted…Scooby-Doo’s Eggplant Burger with Chocolate SauceMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 23, 2021 at 3:52 pm

        So glad you liked the post 😀

        Reply
    • Jackie says:
      September 28, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      I love all the spooky names you created for this! And I was such a fan of themed erasers when I was a kid!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        September 28, 2021 at 6:46 pm

        I lived Thebes erasers too; I collected them!

        Reply
    • Mind Beauty Simplicity says:
      October 4, 2021 at 11:14 am

      these are some great alternatives for trick or treating. thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        October 4, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    • Food Explora Blog - Kevin FOODIE says:
      October 2, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      Even though I do not celebrate Halloween, I appreciate your creative healthy and fun Halloween ideas. Like the Tattoo activity for the children.
      Food Explora Blog – Kevin FOODIE recently posted…Best New Orleans Restaurants For Foodies | Tourist Attractions.My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        October 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

        Reply
    • Mummy Conquering Anxiety says:
      October 2, 2022 at 6:28 pm

      These are great suggestions for people who want to avoid the sweet stuff.
      Mummy Conquering Anxiety recently posted…How to Explore Emotions With Your ToddlerMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        October 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        It’s fun to mix it up!

        Reply
    • Elizabeth says:
      October 2, 2022 at 6:57 pm

      This is sucH an awesome post! I love the idea of spooky play-doh, stickers, and crayons! Fan ideas that kids will love much more than suckers! Thanks so much for sharing!
      Elizabeth recently posted…Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: The Best New Fall Outfits, Boots, and RecipesMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        October 2, 2022 at 9:51 pm

        My pleasure ☺️

        Reply
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

    ConvertKit Form

    I’m Looking For…

    Like My Facebook Page

    Like My Facebook Page

    Tags

    anxiety baby blog blogging blogs books christmas crochet crystals fall food gifts goals gratitude happiness haunted health hobbies home intentional living journalling life lifestyle love mental health minimalism movies parenting personal growth pets poems pregnancy reading selfcare self care shopping stress teachers teaching travel wedding wellness worklife writing yarn

    Archives

    • March 2023
    • December 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    © Copyright Tidbits of Care by LyraThemes.com. All rights reserved.
    Cressida Pro by LyraThemes.com