“Trick or treat!” they squeal. Their eyes grow wide when they look in that plastic pumpkin filled with treats. Skittles, Snickers, little bags of Candy Corn, Dum Dums, the list goes on.
Hopefully they say “ thank you” and on to the next house everyone goes.
I love sugar; I always have. I am not one of these moms who won’t let my three-year-old daughter have a juice box or a pack of gummies. When we go to the grocery store, we usually get a free sugar cookie. And don’t get me started on our baking.
But with the fun of holidays comes the excess of sugar. And for my daughter, Elizabeth, the over indulgence of sugar makes her nearly self-combust. She gets hyper and then over-tired and unable to sleep. Throw some “threenager” attitude in there, and Mom and Dad are the ones who will be having the nightmares (if they could first nod off to sleep though).
In lieu of candy this Halloween, I thought I would share some non-candy items, because let’s face it: there will be no shortage of sugar in your kids’ Trick-or-Treat bags. And these items are suitable for all different ages.
(I am a huge fan of the dollar store. Also check out the dollar aisle at Target, the party store and even online. You can always Google “party favors” and get a nice list of offerings. The goal of course is not to break the bank, but rather think how fun it would be to have these treats to dole out this Halloween.)
Elizabeth is holding stickers, pencils and a bag of erasers found in the dollar aisle at Target.
1. Bubbles
You can find mini bubbles offered in various colors. I also love these for party gift bags. We love to blow bubbles (outside of course) and also in the bathtub.
2. Stickers
Elizabeth and I are obsessed with stickers. You can find these about anywhere and can always cut a few off of a sheet.
3. Mini Slinky
I cannot believe that the Slinky is still around. Apparently it has proven to be popular.
4. Tattoos
I should clarify that these are temporary. These are fun for everyone- adults love them too!
5. Pencils
What parent or teacher would object to a fun pencil?
6. Erasers
I found a whole bag of mini Halloween-themed erasers. Elizabeth has been playing with them opposed to erasing, but these are still fun to have and probably more useful for older kids.
7. Glow sticks
Really these need no explanation. Glow sticks go well with Halloween and are enjoyed by every age.
8. Silly bandz
These rubber bracelets come in all different colors and shapes.
9. Plastic rings
You can get the spider rings or mix it up with other bugs and characters.
10. Bouncy balls
Somewhere Elizabeth picked up a bouncy ball with an eyeball on it. She loves it! Bouncy balls are easy to entertain and can be found in different designs and in various colors.
Whatever you choose to offer Trick-or-Treaters, have a safe and happy Halloween!
