8 Alternatives To Handing Out Halloween Candy

Candy is great, but let’s face it: there’s only so many rolls of Rockets that a kid can eat! They’ll be getting tonnes of sugary goodies from the neighbours—why not give out something other than sweets? Plus, it’s more inclusive for those kids who have certain food allergies (and to be honest, it’s kinder to parents, too). Here are eight alternatives to handing out candy this Halloween. —Jennifer Cox

chips. Not only do bulk stores sell mini bags of chips for reasonable prices, but you can usually find a variety of chips in smaller bags in the Halloween aisles of major department stores. They’re ideal for school lunch snacks and can help curb sugar highs.

pencils and erasers. Hit up your local dollar store for festive pencils and erasers with pumpkins, witches, and bats. They’ll come in handy at school or at homework stations.

stickables. Again, the dollar store is a great place to get a slew of fun or spooky stickers and temporary tattoos that can be given to trick-or-treaters. It beats stale candy and can encourage some creative play as well.

glowsticks. Glowsticks are always fun for little ones (and big kids too). Plus, they can help keep little ghosts and goblins safe while walking around in the dark going door-to-door for their loot.

granola bars. Bought in bulk, granola bars can surprisingly be more economically friendly than doling out handfuls of candy. And they’re more nutritious than all the dyes or artificial flavours and colours that can be found in other treats.

fruit leather. You can find great deals on individually wrapped fruit leather strips. These are often naturally made and are healthier than the usual candy haul.

bubbles. Add some magical playfulness to Halloween with small bottles of bubbles. Mini bubble wands are great options as well. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent any leakage mishaps.

silly straws. Halloween-themed straws in orange and black, or twisty curly-cue ones, will be a huge hit with kids. They are lightweight to carry around and they won’t cause cavities!