Halloween is coming up, and along with Halloween comes trick-or-treating. Kids from all around the neighborhoods come knocking on people’s homes in hopes of getting a treat instead of a trick. As fun as trick-or-treating can be, it is also a time when kids get an endless amount of candy in their bags. While this is exciting for kids, parents know where the candy is going to end up. And as a result, kids get dental problems and have a risk of developing high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. While you can’t control what your neighbors put in kids’ Halloween bags, you can control what you give out. Today, I’m going to go over some healthy alternatives to candy that you can pass out this Halloween. Most are still fun and tasty, but they are not loaded with sugar. Let’s get started.
Popcorn
Who doesn’t love popcorn? Not only is this a tasty treat, but it is also full of whole grains. Whole grains are high in fiber and contain B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and healthy fats. You can decide if you want to give out popped popcorn or unpopped popcorn. Unpopped popcorn is a better option because families get to decide when they want to eat it. If you do pop the popcorn, only add a little salt and skip the butter. This is a great Halloween alternative to candy that kids won’t be disappointed about.
Stamps
Stamps can be fun for decorating paper and even stamping on the backs of kids hands. You can get stamps that have pumpkins, bats, ghosts, skeletons, and even the words “Happy Halloween”. Or you could give out stamps that having nothing to do with Halloween so that kids can use them even after the holiday is gone.
Trail Mix
A small bag of trail mix is a great alternative to hand out at Halloween. Most trail mixes contain nuts, dried fruit, and some chocolate chips or M&Ms. However, there are many different trail mix flavors available, so the ingredients will vary among each flavor. Even though most trail mixes contain some candy and sugar, this is a much healthier alternative to candy bars and other Halloween candy.
Play-Doh
Play-doh is something that every kid loves. With it, kids can make crafts, toys, art, and more. Older children may not be as interested in this alternative to candy, but it will definitely catch young kids’ attention.
Dark Chocolate Covered Raisins (Or Plain Raisins)
Image Source: Nuts In Bulk
While you may be wondering how this can be an alternative to candy, this little snack is actually much healthier than other candy options. Dark chocolate has many health benefits, as it is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that protect the cells from free radical damage and also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Raisins are rich in iron, B vitamins, and potassium. When these two foods are combined together, the result is a snack that keeps kids feeling energized and healthy. If you are still hesitating about giving kids bags of chocolate, consider giving out plain raisins instead. Plain raisins are a healthy alternative that should satisfy that sweet tooth.
Bracelets
Friendship bracelets will last much longer than candy and they can be fashionable to wear. An alternative to friendship bracelets would be glow-in-the-dark bracelets. Glow-in-the-dark bracelets are a good option because drivers can see when kids are crossing the road. Besides, glow-in-the-dark bracelets can be fun to look at.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are delicious to eat and are loaded with health benefits. Halloween is also a great time to give out pumpkin seeds since pumpkins are most popular this time of year. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, and fatty acids. While most people cook pumpkin seeds with salt, there are many other flavors you can try. You can make turmeric roasted pumpkin seeds, BBQ spiced pumpkin seeds, and even pumpkin seeds coated with sugar. Just remember not to add too much sugar, since that is the reason why you are trying a healthier alternative.
Pencils
Pencils are something everyone can use, especially school children. Consider giving out pencils that have pumpkins and skeletons on them instead of regular pencils. Even though kids may wish you gave out candy instead, they will be glad you gave out pencils when they go back to school the next day.
Apple Cider Packets
Although kids may be disappointed when they realize they can’t eat what you are giving them as soon as they leave your door, they will love this alternative to candy when they get home. Like apples, apple cider has many health benefits. It helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Apples are also a source of antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals in the environment. While kids may not like the thought of eating apples, they will surely fall in love with apple cider.
Puzzles
Surprise kids with puzzles that are shaped in pumpkins, ghosts, and candy corn. You don’t have to give puzzles that are big. Just give out mini puzzles that can be played with as soon as kids get home.
Almond Butter
Almond butter can be a little more expensive, but it is a much healthier alternative to candy. It has a unique nutty flavor that tastes like almonds. Almond butter is slightly healthier than peanut butter because it has more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Because some kids may have nut allergies, you may want to ask them or their parents if they can have almond butter. You’ll want to give out packets of almond butter since jars of almond butter would be too expensive to give out. You can buy 30 packets of almond butter on Amazon by clicking here.
Notebooks
Every kid can use a notebook. Whether they use it for school or just for drawing pictures in, kids will be excited that you gave out notebooks. You could stick with notebooks that have plain covers, or you could get notebooks with Halloween covers, covers with animals on it, or covers with characters from movies.
Almonds (You Can Give Other Nuts Too)
Instead of giving out trail mix or even almond butter, why not give out plain almonds. That way, you know there are no preservatives and no oils that would be unhealthy. You can also give out peanuts, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
Stickers
Image Source: Halloween Arts
Kids love stickers, so why not give them out at Halloween. You can get stickers that have pumpkins, candy corn, monsters, and more on them. You can also stick with stickers that have animals and movie characters on them. You will want to allow the kids to pick out which stickers they want since each child has different tastes.
Mandarins
Who doesn’t love a sweet and tangy mandarin? While kids may not be excited at first, they will surely love this snack once they try it. The health benefits of mandarin oranges include that they contain Vitamins A, B, and a high level of Vitamin C, they are a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, they prevent infections, cramps, and vomiting, and they are great for the health of your skin. What’s not to love about that?
Bubbles
Give out some bubble wands this Halloween so kids can have fun blowing bubbles. Not only will kids love this alternative to candy, but it will last longer than candy too.
Granola Bars
Image Source: Greatist
Granola bars can be a healthy alternative to candy as long as you choose the right brands and kinds. Don’t hand out granola bars that have a lot of sugar or ingredients. Make sure you can pronounce all the ingredients; if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, they probably aren’t good for you. You’ll want to look for ingredients such as nuts, berries, and fruits. There are many healthy granola bar options available. You’ll just need to make sure you are not buying granola bars that contain artificial sweeteners and unpronounceable ingredients.
Bouncy Balls
Image Source: Blue Frog Toys
Kids will be delighted when they find out that you are giving out bouncy balls. Bouncy balls are fun to play with, and can even get kids moving rather than having them eat candy. Remember that small bouncy balls can be a choking hazard to young children, so you may want to have another option for young kids.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you understand more about healthy alternatives to candy for kids. As you can see, there are many healthy alternatives that you can give out at Halloween. Whether you give out trail mix or stickers, by giving out these healthy alternatives you are saving those kids from getting cavities, becoming obese, and even from developing heart issues and type 2 diabetes. Have fun giving out these healthy alternatives to candy!
Related Article: Halloween Treat Ideas That Will Make Every Kid In The Neighborhood Smile
