8 alternatives to candy for a healthy Halloween - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

By Jane Harrison, RD
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Months before Halloween, large bags of sugary treats and chocolates are already piled high on supermarket and convenience store shelves. Most of us go with the program and load up on candy for trick-or-treaters. But is there an alternative we should consider?

You may toy with the idea of passing out non-sugary treats. But how will the kids at your door react? Will it make you the nerd of the neighborhood if you fill up your treat bowl with crayons or juice boxes?

Check out the eight Halloween treat ideas below. Many of these items can be found at party supply stores at a low cost or at "dollar" stores. You can also find them in bulk on Internet sites that cater to parties, holidays and special events.

1. Stickers

Kids love stickers. In addition to fun Halloween or fall-themed stickers, opt for different types such as animal, ballerina, sports, hearts, etc.

2. School supplies

Sound boring? Colorful erasers, pencils and pencil sharpeners can be found with all sorts of themes that appeal to younger kids. Parents will appreciate these as well.

3. Mini crayon, chalk and marker sets

Kids love to draw and color, so these will never go to waste.

4. Glow bracelets

Perfect for Halloween eve, kids will love to don glowing bracelets or necklaces as they walk around the neighborhood. It can even help make them a little safer.

5. Temporary tattoos

Most kids enjoy fun tattoos. The bonus is they can be washed away in the bath or shower.

6. Plastic jewelry

Little girls will love Halloween "bling." Funky necklaces, bracelets and rings will appeal to their sense of dress-up. Just make sure to have other treats for the Spidermans and Ninjas that show up at your door.

7. Other bulk items

Many kids are fans of little toys like mini kazoos, key chains, finger puppets, yo-yo's, squirt guns, whistles, bouncy balls and spider or bat rings. Think party supply store and be creative!

8. Juice boxes

Kids who are out trick-or-treating may love to have a refreshing drink on their trek. This can be a pricier option, though, so may be more feasible if you live in a low traffic area. And make sure the drink is 100 percent juice -- otherwise, it's really no better than a sugary treat.

Make sure that anything you do give out is age-appropriate for your trick-or-treaters. Be aware of things with small parts that can be a choking hazard to any younger children or siblings.

Still a little nervous to break with tradition? How about offering both candy and a non-sugar alternative? Let your little ghost and goblin visitors make up their own minds. When the doorbell rings, you may be surprised at which bowl the skeleton hand dives into. 

View the original Trick or Treat - or Something Else? 8 Alternatives to Candy article on myOptumHealth.com