The month of October and Halloween kicks off what we like to call, “The Season of Sugar,” which goes through New Year’s. Everyone will be over-inundated with more sugar-filled choices than the rest of the year. We all know that sugar-filled sweets and candy are bad for your health and teeth so why not hand out some snacks that are candy alternatives? That will help you lessen the impact of all that sugar on your family or even others who may come to your house or parties. Another option – things that aren’t edible like themed toys and trinkets (see the list below for ideas).
Most kids will still have plenty of opportunities to get lots of candy and sweet treats from other places during this time. They will get it at their friend’s houses, school parties, relatives, and more. If you are trying to cut down on sugar overload this year, think about switching things up with some non-candy treats. The best part? Your kids will love these items just as much as traditional candy, if not more!
Candy Alternatives Ideas
Below, we’ve included lists of candy alternatives for Halloween and some fun toy options as well. These are Halloween-themed trinkets. You can find the same type of small give aways for other holidays as well.
Non-food related items Candy Alternatives:
- Halloween-decorated glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls
- Mini containers of playdough or slime
- Bubbles
- Glow sticks
- Temporary tattoos
- Stickers
- Snap bracelets
- Halloween stamps
- Mini Halloween pop fidget toys
- Light-up Halloween rings
- Halloween mini rubber ducks
- Make-a-pumpkin mini stickers
- Bookmarks with Halloween themes
- Glow in the dark critters &bugs
- Halloween pencils or erasers
- Scrunchies with Halloween prints
- Costume Halloween glasses
- Keychains with cute Halloween characters
Food items Candy Alternatives
Think of the many things that are single-packaged snack options for lunches. Look for things that are healthy alternatives and from reputable companies:
- Lunch-size bags of trail mix
- 8 oz Water bottles – mini-sized
- Honey sticks
- Mini bags of pretzels
- Dried fruit packets
- Small lunch-size bags of fish-shaped cheesy crackers
- Lunched-sized bags of gummy fruit snacks
- Popcorn cheese puffs (5 oz bags)
- Bunny shaped fruit flavored snacks
- Apple straws
- Veggie straws
- Organic mini-granola snacks
- Cracker & cheese packets
If your kids do end up with lots of Halloween candy, here are some ideas on what to do with it
The last thing a parent or caregiver wants is your kids hopped up on sugar. Here are some candy alternatives to deal with candy overload, should your family have participated in trick-or-treating or attended Halloween or Fall Harvest parties where many treats were handed out. Plan these ahead of time so you are prepared with something to trade.
- Sell – let the kids sell the candy to you by the pound for cash
- Trade – have the kids pick a bag of toys or healthy tasty treats in exchange for the candy
- Freeze – you can freeze the candy and let them have one piece a day
After all the Halloween fun is over
Just remember, the best cavity prevention is to eat healthily, stay away from as many sugary foods and drinks as possible, gently brush your teeth after every meal using a soft toothbrush, and floss twice a day. And don’t forget to visit your hygienist and dentist at least once a year for a check-up and cleaning.
For an interesting read, check out our article Do You Know How Much Sugar is in Halloween Candy?
Where to Find Candy Alternatives
Where to find candy alternatives that are Halloween-themed mini toys and snack packs: Oriental Trading, Amazon (look up Halloween party favors & Halloween snacks), Walmart, Target, Party store, Costco.