Boo-licious Alternatives: Non-Candy Halloween Treats Kids Will Love!

Non-Candy Halloween Treats: Fun and Healthy Alternatives for Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is often synonymous with candy, but there’s a growing trend of offering non-candy treats that are just as fun and exciting for kids. Whether you’re looking to avoid sugar overload, accommodate allergies, or simply want to offer a unique surprise, there are plenty of options that can make your house or trunk the most memorable stop on Halloween! Over the past few years I have been offering more and more non-candy options for Halloween and the kids truly come back to see if I have any leftovers at trunk or treat. I love that they prefer more activity based treats over the candy! Last year slime and fake vampire teeth were the big winners. This year I am going 100% candy-free! Here are some creative ideas for non-candy Halloween treats that kids (and parents) will love!

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1. Glow Sticks and Bracelets

What could be more exciting than glow-in-the-dark toys on Halloween night? Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces are a big hit with kids. They add an extra element of safety while trick-or-treating, as they make kids more visible in the dark. Plus, they're just plain fun to wear! I bought bulk necklaces this year and made a ring toss game with a handful of them too: https://amzn.to/4eXmPhw

2. Stickers and Temporary Tattoos

Stickers and temporary tattoos are always popular with younger kids. Choose Halloween-themed designs like pumpkins, ghosts, or friendly monsters. They’re inexpensive, mess-free, and provide entertainment beyond Halloween night: https://amzn.to/4887uZC

3. Mini Notebooks and Pencils

For something that’s both practical and fun, mini notebooks or Halloween-themed pens (https://amzn.to/3ZXF5n1) make a great non-candy treat. They allow kids to get creative and keep them occupied long after the trick-or-treating has ended. Look for spooky designs to keep the Halloween spirit alive. I especially love the invisible ink pens (https://amzn.to/3XXstcY) it adds to the Halloween vibes of mystery and magic.

4. Bubbles or Balloons

Mini bottles of bubbles are a fun and inexpensive alternative to candy. Kids love blowing bubbles, and it’s an activity that can be enjoyed inside or outside. Look for Halloween-themed bubble bottles to keep with the holiday spirit. These Halloween themed punch balloons were a hit last year: https://amzn.to/3Y2vUie

5. Mini Play-Dough or Slime

Mini tubs of Play-Dough or slime are great hands-on treats for kids. They offer hours of creative play and are a fantastic alternative to sugary snacks. You can find Play-Dough in Halloween-themed packaging, or even make your own slime with spooky colors like orange and green. This slime is on my giveaway list this year, pumpkin guts slime…How can kids resist?! My kids love playing with the pumpkin guts after carving: https://amzn.to/3Y2wuMW

6. Halloween-Themed Toys

From plastic spider rings to bouncy balls and mini figurines, there are plenty of Halloween-themed toys that kids will enjoy. You can find bulk packs of small toys at most party supply stores, making it easy and affordable to hand them out. Squishies are by far a big request in this category. Not as messy as slime and come in all sorts of adorable or spooky options. These are the squishies my daughter picked for this year’s trunk or treat: https://amzn.to/4eCiJfh

7. Fruit Snacks or Applesauce Pouches

If you still want to give out something edible, consider healthier snack options like fruit snacks, dried fruit, or applesauce pouches. These treats are often made with real fruit and have much less sugar than traditional candy. Plus, they are allergy-friendly and perfect for kids who may have dietary restrictions and toddlers that can’t safely consume hard candy.

8. Craft Kits

For a creative twist, offer small DIY craft kits like make-your-own Halloween masks or make your own Halloween characters. These can be an interactive and memorable way for kids to enjoy the holiday even after they’ve finished trick-or-treating: https://amzn.to/3YdCXWN. For toddlers that may not be able to safely enjoy candy, these are great options that also works their fine motor skills!

9. Bookmarks

Encourage reading with fun Halloween-themed bookmarks. These are a great treat for older kids, especially those who love books. You can find many colorful designs that feature pumpkins, witches, and other Halloween symbols. Scratches are quite popular right now and these cute scratcher bookmarks let the kids design their own unique bookmark: https://amzn.to/4h09R4t

10. Puzzles and Games

Hand out small puzzles, maze books, or mini card games. These are great for kids who enjoy a challenge and make for a treat that lasts beyond Halloween. Choose pocket-sized versions that can easily fit in their treat bags. Pocket Uno, Tic-Tac-Toe (https://amzn.to/3U3bCnA) and classic card games are hit at our house. These offer a more eco-friendly option with less single use plastic!

Why Choose Non-Candy Treats?

There are many reasons to offer non-candy treats on Halloween:

• Allergies: Many children have food allergies or dietary restrictions, and offering non-edible items ensures that everyone can enjoy the holiday without worry.

• Health Concerns: Limiting candy helps reduce sugar intake, which parents often appreciate. Many toddlers can’t safely consume small hard candy and these options provide safe, fun alternatives.

• Uniqueness: Non-candy treats stand out and can make your house a memorable stop during trick-or-treating.

What to Do With All the Candy After Halloween?

After chatting with my neighbor about our neighborhood Trunk or Treat event, we both committed to non-candy treats this year! We then discussed what we can do with the large amount of candy that will undoubtedly be brought home. She recommended a candy exchange and I LOVED that idea. I researched some additional options and came up with this list to help parents minimize a weeks long sugar rush and subsequent sugar cravings battle with your child:

1. Candy Science Experiments

Turn leftover candy into a learning experience by conducting fun science experiments:

• Dissolve it in different liquids: See how long it takes for candy to dissolve in water, vinegar, or soda.

• Microwave it: Watch what happens to different types of candy in the microwave (under supervision, of course).

• Candy chromatography: Separate the colors in candy like Skittles or M&Ms using coffee filters and water.

2. Make a Candy Exchange

Instead of consuming all the candy, set up a "candy exchange" where kids can trade in candy for experiences or privileges. For example:

• Trade a certain number of candies for a family movie night or an extra 30 minutes of screen time.

• Use candy as a “currency” to earn small toys, books, or craft supplies.

3. Use it for Learning Activities

Turn candy into a fun and educational tool for:

• Math lessons: Count, group, or sort candy by color, size, or type for math games.

• Color sorting or pattern-making: Use candies like M&Ms or Skittles to teach sorting, counting, or creating patterns.

4. Compost the Unwanted Candy

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, you can compost certain types of candy. Remove any wrappers and check to see if the candy is made from organic ingredients that will break down properly in a compost pile.

5. Candy Buyback Programs

Many dentists and orthodontists offer Halloween candy buyback programs. These programs encourage children to bring in their candy in exchange for small toys, money, or other incentives. The collected candy is often donated to troops overseas or to charitable organizations. While this is a great gesture, my only criticism is that it still passes on high sugar, low nutrition food off to other people. Hopefully it’s consumed in a more moderation appropriate fashion.

What's Not to Love?

Non-candy Halloween treats can be just as fun and exciting as traditional sweets, with the added bonus of being healthier and allergy-friendly. Whether you opt for glow-in-the-dark accessories, creative toys, or practical items like notebooks, you can make Halloween a special experience for all the kids in your neighborhood. Try mixing it up this year with some of these fun alternatives—you might even start a new tradition!