As someone who has struggled with weight the past few years, the major candy holidays (Halloween, Christmas and Easter) are difficult for me. Therefore, I try to not keep a lot of candy in the house. If it’s not here, I can’t eat it.
“What about the trick-or-treaters?” you ask. Well, I’m not a total scrooge! I give non-candy gifts. Here is a round-up of ideas for non-food gifts you can treat the kids in your neighborhood to:
Glow Sticks & Glow Jewelry
Not only are these a hit with the kids, but they are also a hit with the parents, as they provide additional visibility to the trick-or-treaters after dark. I bought 100 glow bracelets on Amazon for a little more than $10 this year. That beats $40 or more on bags of candy at the local store.
Coins
Everyone loves money! I remember when I was younger receiving a few coins on my trick-or-treating route, and they went straight into my piggy bank as I sifted through my pumpkin bucket. Just be sure to sort through your child’s treats with them, especially since coins and candy can be a choking hazard for small children.
Stickers
Stickers are fun, and pre-school and elementary school-aged kids enjoy them particularly. You can buy them by the roll and give a few to each child. Or consider purchasing a large sheet and cutting out stickers individually. You can even buy single stickers that are already wrapped and ready for gifting. OrientalTrading has a wide variety of stickers and offers free shipping when you purchase a certain dollar amount. Talk about Halloween made easy!
Temporary Tattoos
These can be Halloween-themed or have a favorite character on them. Two years ago, we handed out tattoos with the “Avengers” on them. You can buy them in bulk from Amazon, but I happened to find mine at the discount section when I first walked into Target. And because you are buying in bulk, you’ll have plenty left over for your own kids.
Pencils
Everyone remembers having a favorite pencil in elementary school. You know, the one with the coolest design on it? Make it your mission to give out the most epic and cool pencils this year, so every kid can do their homework in style.
Jewelry (plastic)
Spider rings anyone? How about some cute jelly bracelets? Jewelry can be purchased in bulk from Oriental Trading, Party City, and Amazon. It’s definitely a nice change of pace from all the candy and it gives children something to play with long after the holiday is over.
Frisbees
These are great fun to play with and you can buy the miniature versions to ensure they fit in your trick-or-treaters’ loot bags.
Bookmarks
Find or create your own fun Halloween or character-themed bookmarks. They can be made from paper and laminated, or you can purchase plastic ones.
Sunglasses
For all the cool kids in your life, you can find bulk lots of sunglasses from Dollar Days and Oriental Trading.
Inflatables
Guitars, Beach Balls, Microphones, Saxophones… Inflatables can be purchased in bulk from Oriental Trading in their “Carnival” section.
What ideas would you add to the list?
