Healthier Halloween: 25 alternatives to handing out candy

Looking for some healthier alternatives to hand out instead of candy this year? Halloween can be healthy. It just takes a little effort. All throughout this week, this column will focus on ways to enjoy a healthier holiday. Yesterday we looked at ways to control the sugar frenzy in your home. Here are 25 ways you can help the kids in your neighborhood have a healthier Halloween. Instead of candy, fill their trick or treat bags with:
 

1. Bubbles
2. Pencils
3. Erasers
4. Super Balls
5. Tattoos
6. Pennies/Nickels/Dimes/Quarters
7. Roasted pumpkin seeds
8. Sunflower seeds
9. Apples - you'll find local field run apples for as low as 4 pounds/$1 right now
10. Popcorn
11. Raisins
12. Granola bars
13. Mini graham cracker pouches
14. Sugar free gum
15. Juice boxes/pouches
16. Bottled water
17. Stickers
18. Crayons
19. Balloons/Water balloons
20. Spider rings/skull rings
21. Glow sticks
22. Yo-yos
23. Tops
24. Small decks of cards
25. Toothbrushes/Dental Floss - a favorite of dentists

Keep in mind that most parents will discard any treats that are not store-bought. This is sort of a Catch-22. Here you are, trying to do something good, and people want to err on the side of caution and assume you are doing something, well, not good. But don’t let that deter you. If you know the children and their parents, just say something to them when they come to your door so they’ll remember later. Or, you can always put a sticker on the treats, “From _________.” Print a page of address labels from your computer to make it easy on yourself.

Here’s an additional healthy tip for Halloween: Go trick-or-treating with the kids and you’ll get some exercise to boot. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and layer your clothes so you can stay comfortable. Bring a water bottle, too.

Are you planning to give out candy this year?

What alternatives have you given/have your children received to candy over the years?