cdrumm4448 Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We have several parties next week and for most of them I put together treat bags that contain no sweets at all. Actually, they contain no food at all. I mentioned this to my 4-year-old's preschool teacher and she was very surprised.Like she's never even thought about it surprisd. So, my question is: if you give non-candy treats to trick-or-treaters, what do you give? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We have 2 buckets-one with candy and one with spider and bat rings, pencils, vampire teeth, those little parachute guys, etc. Trick-or-treaters get something from each bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We've passed out apple juice boxes (it is still warm here in Bakersfield) before and that was appreciated. Usually we just pass out store bought rice krispy treats, goldfish, or something like that. I steer away from candy just because everyone is doing that. We have a lot of little children that come to the door. The older teenagers don't come around until after 8:30pm & we've turned off our porch light by that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 A couple of years ago, we came upon big bags of individual-sized play-doh for Halloween treats. They're tiny tubs, about 1/4 of the size of the standard one-color sized ones. There is a significant number of tubs in the package, but I can't remember how many. Dh and I figured they were pretty much the same price as getting the "nicer" boxes of candy. I stocked up on those, so we're good to give those away for a couple of years. :) I also do have a box of candy necklaces that I'll put along side with the play-doh, lest we get the complaining kids who insist on candy. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 A neighbor of ours gave out mini-size bags of popcorn to microwave. The ActII brand makes them specially for Halloween. The kids liked being able to make their own little bag for themselves. (Although that may open up a new can of worms about whether the simulated butter solid in those bags is any better than sugar ;)). Temporary Halloween tattoos, maybe? Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 temporary tattoos Halloween pencils spider and bat rings Halloween-themed plastic drinking straws Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We have several parties next week and for most of them I put together treat bags that contain no sweets at all. Actually, they contain no food at all. I mentioned this to my 4-year-old's preschool teacher and she was very surprised.Like she's never even thought about it surprisd. So, my question is: if you give non-candy treats to trick-or-treaters, what do you give? I have always given out no candy treats, due to all our allergies- if I had candy in the house, ds or I would eat it, and would pay, lol. I give out spiders, ghost rings, fake teeth, etc, and nickels and dimes. I add to my collection every year at after halloween sales, and get stuff at the regular stores, or dollar stores. The littles always love it. Only the teens, who probably are too old for T-or T anyhow, have ever complained or given us the evil eye. My kids always hand stuff out (we don't t or t but do a halloween party at church, due to the candy-allergy issue), so kids rarely complain to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in OH Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Well, I'm not giving these out to trick-or-treaters, but, we have a small homeschooling group and within it are several children with food sensitivities as well as a few moms that don't want processed foods and a few that only want food made by people thinking happy thoughts (no, I'm not joking). We are having a halloween party for the kids and I found the cutest little plastic eyeballs with bubble solution in them at Target. So that's the "treat" I will be contributing this year. At Easter we do a candy-less egg hunt and I was thinking of filling my eggs with Mardi Gras beads. All of our kids are 9 and under and the kids just love those silly beads! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinderSafari Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We would set out three different pots with lids on them and tell the kids to pick one. We just stuck random things in there like "old" McDonald toys, apples, pennies or nickels, pencils, and occasionally a treat. The kids had so much fun, they were so surprised! They would sit there and STUDY the pots like they could figure out what was inside each one. No one ever asked for something else. After all, it was their "choice"! And we really didn't have one that was just for candy, or one just for toys, etc., so we couldn't really remember either what was inside them. And for people who are asking for free stuff - they shouldn't be so demanding was our philosophy! They were welcome to take it or leave it! :) But like I said, no one complained! They all thought it was silly and fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'd rather the kids come home with treats than junky "toys". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'd rather the kids come home with treats than junky "toys". Hmmm... I only offer the things *my* kids love to get. (And they often raid the pencils, rings, and tattoos for their favorites before giving them out to other kids. Ha!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Hmmm... I only offer the things *my* kids love to get. (And they often raid the pencils, rings, and tattoos for their favorites before giving them out to other kids. Ha!) Yep. Same here, even with teens- they love the pencils, and the fake teeth, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cammie Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 and a few that only want food made by people thinking happy thoughts (no, I'm not joking). Is this some new food fad I haven't heard of??:001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We don't do Halloween, but when I was growing up my dad had one of those huge, old-time popcorn machines (like the size of an apartment fridge, with lights and all) and he would wheel that out to the front porch on Halloween and have it making fresh popcorn for the trick-or-treaters. He bought a case of those small paper popcorn bags to hand it out in. Over here there is a trick-or-treat like atmosphere on the two Eids, with little kids (and some not so little) coming around ringing the doorbell. Traditionally you're supposed to give money, like 1 dirham coins or maybe a 5 dirham note; but I'm really not comfortable with that -- I mean, I don't know how much to give, is it too much/too little, etc. So I buy a bunch of candy and put it in a big basket and when the kids come we just take the basket and let them choose what they want. It was very cute this year, we had quite a few kids, and one older one went back and got his tiny baby sister he carried over and lifted to get her treat from the basket. No costumes, btw, everyone is dressed in their finery (which is pretty cute as well). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We don't do Halloween, but when I was growing up my dad had one of those huge, old-time popcorn machines (like the size of an apartment fridge, with lights and all) and he would wheel that out to the front porch on Halloween and have it making fresh popcorn for the trick-or-treaters. He bought a case of those small paper popcorn bags to hand it out in. Now *that* is cool. I'll bet your father had those trick-or-treaters lined up around the block! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Vampire teeth.... I get them from Oriental Trading... cheap and fun. The kids love picking out what color they want, and often have them in their mouth before they've left my yard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Pencils, erasers, and stickers. I try to give out things I would want my own child to bring home, and I would greatly prefer to see her bring home fun and useful items, rather than a bag full of junk food. -Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 One year I did both the Halloween Play Doh and Candy. My dh was horrified. The Play Doh was gone first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Well, we always just give out candy; but my kids have come home with several non-candy items... stickers tattoos pencils rings vampire teeth erasers pennies and nickels small bottles of water cans of soda (LOL, this really happened one year) microwave popcorn small bags of pretzels small bags of Goldfish crackers religious tracts balloons small tubs of play-doh little bouncy balls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Growing up, we had a dentist on the block and he gave out brand new toothbrushes and tiny toothpastes. It was actually neat to get. The nuns on the block (our street was next to the Catholic church/school) gave out FULL SIZED candy bars. The priests in their house a few doors down kept their lights off and gave nothing. Party poopers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsrevmeg Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We have done popcorn balls, pretzels in little bags, teddy grahams, small popcorn bags, and small boxes of raisins. We usually have a church harvest festival. Most people bring candy or junk toys. We always get lots of hits because we bring *different* stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsrevmeg Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Growing up, we had a dentist on the block and he gave out brand new toothbrushes and tiny toothpastes. It was actually neat to get. When we used to trick or treat, my kids would go downtown to all the stores. (It was a big deal, the stores on mainstreet give out stuff and the church at the end of the street had a huge festival) One year a salon ran out of candy and gave out shampoo samples. My kids thought that was the coolest thing they got. Followed by a close second-magnets and small empty boxes from a real estate agent. Its funny how strange things get kids excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 One year I did both the Halloween Play Doh and Candy. My dh was horrified. The Play Doh was gone first. AHHHHHH....So you're the one who gave out the Play Doh that ended up ground into the carpet, eaten by the dog and that I found traces of 2 days later in the cat litter box! :glare::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Growing up, we had a dentist on the block and he gave out brand new toothbrushes and tiny toothpastes. It was actually neat to get. We have a Pediatric Dental Office right around the corner and every year they put out a big sign that says, "WE BUY HALLOWEEN CANDY". My kids always consider selling theirs, but after trick-or-treating, they're mesmerized by all of that candy and don't want to get rid of it. They don't know, though, that I secretly throw a lot of it in the garbage when they're not paying attention.... a little each day.... :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 little bouncy balls ALWAYS a hit over here! As a matter of fact, I think I'll head out and get some of those for this year's trick-or-treaters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 they're mesmerized by all of that candy and don't want to get rid of it. They don't know, though, that I secretly throw a lot of it in the garbage when they're not paying attention.... a little each day.... :lol: :svengo: Throw out CANDY?! (I can't resist candy... It takes everything I've got NOT to eat my children's candy! You could give it to ME instead of the garbage can!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 :svengo: Throw out CANDY?! (I can't resist candy... It takes everything I've got NOT to eat my children's candy! You could give it to ME instead of the garbage can!) I have a hard time resisting, too. That's another reason that I throw it away. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'd rather the kids come home with treats than junky "toys". Me, too. It is just more stuff to end up in a landfill. At least the candy will rot! : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauracolumbus Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Love the little balls idea. My kids adore those. We give out pretzels, goldfish, teddy grahams. I try to break up the monotony of junk food. I must confess the year we gave out play-doh it was a huge hit. A friend gives out juice boxes and I know those are popular as well. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K&Rs Mom Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We usually give trinkets - yo-yos, bouncy balls, pencils, stickers, etc (whatever caught my eye at Oriental Trading). I try to get those McDonalds coupons too (they're like 12 for $1). One year when my younger was a toddler, a lady down the street was giving mini-boxes of cereal for the little ones, and candy for those big enough to eat it. I thought that was really nice of her to consider - most of what R got that year she wasn't able to eat yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdrumm4448 Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 I am so impressed with all the ideas! I'm heading out to Sam's Club tomorrow as I have to get supplies for the co-op party food for Tuesday's Halloween party. We are doing no sugary items, except for eyeball cupcakes. One family said they would bow out of the party due to the expected influx of sugar, and we all decided to just have a no-sugar party instead. That way, if anyone wants to avoid sugar all they have to do is avoid the cupcakes. Everything else is healthy. I'm in charge of the eyeball cupcakes and I'm also bringing Fire Ants on a Log. I think I may take the plunge this year and forgo candy for the trick-or-treaters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HayesW Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 We're going to a trunk or treat tonight. I have bouncy balls, pencils, erasers, jelly bracelets. No candy. I am also taking water bottles for drinks. I'm the weird mom. Also, we used to have a peanut allergy kid. I wanted to be sure he got something he could enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 religious tracts I'd rather see my child come home with almost *anything* other than the Jack Chick tracts. Someone in the neighborhood where we trick or treat (my girlfriend's--they always have a party and the kids go out together) sticks these in the bags often. I can't imagine the people who hand them out would welcome their children being given religious propaganda by those of another religion, so it seems a direct contradiction of the Golden Rule. :confused: I can understand that they feel compelled by their religious directives to proselytize adults (though I think even that should be done directly rather than covertly), but I would prefer them to keep covert proselytization of minors out of the mix. When I was a kid, we had one house (the mayor's) that gave out individual gumdrops on toothpicks. *Not* a popular house.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 (edited) One year when my younger was a toddler, a lady down the street was giving mini-boxes of cereal for the little ones, and candy for those big enough to eat it. I thought that was really nice of her to consider - most of what R got that year she wasn't able to eat yet. After reading the suggestion on here, last year we gave our daughter some of the mini-boxes of cereal as stocking stuffers. We quickly discovered Froot Loops were a ***big*** mistake.:tongue_smilie: She's 9 though, so it was a matter of too much of the sugar/dye intensive stuff (evidently she ate both little boxes of Froot Loops, when our normal cereal is Cheerios or plain shredded wheat) combined with the total insanity and off-schedule-ness that is the holidays. It was nice of the woman to consider the little ones. Edited October 23, 2009 by KarenNC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moni Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Who gives non-candy treats to trick-or-treaters? My mother....!....ugh! We give out the good stuff, chocolate bards, etc. :lurk5: :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I give out candy and a non-candy treat. One year, it was pencils. Another year, it was skull and spider rings. For the past several years I have given out Usborne project cards - either art, optical illusions, things to spot, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I'd rather the kids come home with treats than junky "toys". I have to agree. At least I can eat their candy while they're sleeping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyOwl Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 We're giving out glow-in-the-dark bracelets. 15 for a $1 at Michaels, so they're pretty cheap and the kids love them! We've also done Play-do and candy in the past if I can't find the bracelets cheap enough. Have fun everyone! Mary Alin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I feel inspired by all the creative ideas bounced around on this thread. I usually have some candy, but mostly give away UTZ's prezels. One lady in St. Louis gave out fresh baked soft prezels. I think for the trunk or treat maybe we'll do something different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 We are giving out glow bracelets this year because the local craft store had tubes of 50 for $10. We normally hit target to pick out non candy treats, in the past it has been pencils, bracelets, mini decks of cards, playdoh and tattoos. We also do bags of goldfish for the littlest kids and candy for the ones who just have to have it. We started because a friends kid has food allergies and he was upset about missing trick or treating and I have found that most kids prefer a noncandy treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckens Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween. This is the third year that I will be giving out Glow-in-the-Dark-Necklaces from Oriental Trading. They are a little pricey, but the kids get plenty of candy from the other neighbors; plus, this is a "toy" that will be tossed in a few days when the glow is used up. I'm also in favor of anything that makes kids more visible/more safe on Halloween night. --Laura in Iowa partner to Loverboy mother to dd2 babysitter to C3 and babyM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween. This is the third year that I will be giving out Glow-in-the-Dark-Necklaces from Oriental Trading. They are a little pricey, but the kids get plenty of candy from the other neighbors; plus, this is a "toy" that will be tossed in a few days when the glow is used up. I'm also in favor of anything that makes kids more visible/more safe on Halloween night. In general I'm pretty unimpressed with non-candy Halloween treats (except for freshly popped popcorn), but I love this idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in OH Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Is this some new food fad I haven't heard of??:001_huh: The Mom is a very nice but strange woman. I had actually never heard that before until one of the other Mom's in our group told me about it. I have no idea if it's a fad or just her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Growing up, we had a dentist on the block and he gave out brand new toothbrushes and tiny toothpastes. It was actually neat to get. The nuns on the block (our street was next to the Catholic church/school) gave out FULL SIZED candy bars. The priests in their house a few doors down kept their lights off and gave nothing. Party poopers! All the priests I know give full sized candy bars here too! The kids love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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