IS IT POSSIBLE TO GIVE OUT ALTERNATIVE TO CANDY THAT KIDS ACTUALLY LIKE?
Yes. Yes, it is.
Halloween, just like Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day, overloads our bodies with the influx of sugary treats. And we generally all love that. However, there are ways to keep the little ghosts and goblins happy in our neighborhoods without becoming known as the ‘mean house’ on the street. And parents can feel good about sending their kids to your house knowing that you care about the health of their children.
Parents are always looking for ways to keep their children entertained and educated. These suggestions can spark the imagination in the little policewoman or fireman in your house and possibly turn yours into the favorite house to trick-or-treat at next year.
TATTOOS –
What could be more fun this Halloween than getting (or giving) tattoos? Not real tattoos (would that be considered a trick or a treat?), but temporary ones. Kids of all ages can have fun with temporary tattoos and you can find age-appropriate styles at many party supply stores — everything from Halloween-themed to butterflies, princesses, pirates and also dragons. For added glamour grab glitter or glow in the dark types.
Temporary tattoos are applied with water and generally stay on the skin for a few days. Remove at any time with rubbing alcohol.
Stickers and Other Halloween-Themed Supplies
Break from Halloween candy tradition with a trip to your local school supply store. School supplies? Sure. But think less wide-ruled paper and more in the realm of orange and black.
Halloween-themed pencils, stickers, coloring books, and crayons or markers are often front and center in discount store displays, right along with the costumes and decorations. Crayola, for example, has you covered with their Halloween Crayon Treat Pack. Not only do they last longer than a candy bar, but they also inspire kids’ imagination – which is exactly what this holiday should do.
Break from Halloween candy tradition with a trip to your local school supply store. School supplies? Sure. But think less wide-ruled paper and more in the realm of orange and black.
Halloween-themed pencils, stickers, coloring books, and crayons or markers are often front and center in discount store displays, right along with the costumes and decorations. Crayola, for example, has you covered with their Halloween Crayon Treat Pack. Not only do they last longer than a candy bar, but they also inspire kids’ imagination – which is exactly what this holiday should do.
Pre-Packaged Snacks
Instead of giving away chocolate bars and candy, pick up healthier pre-packaged options this Halloween. Replace chocolate bars with granola bars and 100% natural fruit leathers, fruit chips and/or fruit cups with 100% juice. Also consider adding single serving bagged pretzels, water and cheese sticks to your treat bowl.
Though it sounds like a good idea, handing out fresh fruit or homemade treats isn’t necessarily a good idea unless you really know your neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Most parents will throw suspect food items away to keep kids safe.
Toys after the Sugar Rush
Since when does a treat always mean candy? One healthy way of substituting something healthy for candy at Halloween is to forgo handing out candy altogether. (Parents of kids with braces will thank you for it!)
Instead, visit a local dollar store or bulk grocery outlet and pick up a supply of Play-doh, small containers of bubbles, plastic jewelry, glow-sticks, even vampire teeth – anything small, inexpensive and fun for kids. If it glows in the dark, even better for Halloween.
Glow Sticks
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Children are most at risk of being hit by a car on Halloween night, according to TODAY. While you can’t control what costumes other kids wear (though light-reflecting options are ideal), you can toss glow-in-the-dark accessories into their bag to help them stay visible on dark streets. Plus, who doesn’t love a glow necklace or bracelet?
Halloween is Fun for Everyone
Keeping your neighbor’s children healthy and safe is part of being in a community. Yes, candy is great (who doesn’t love a Snicker’s?), but there are other ways to celebrate this holiday with the kiddos.
And parents, be sure to wear comfortable support shoes while you walk around. If you run into back problems related to walking – or carrying your kid’s pillowcase of treats home – just give Shimer Chiropractic a call. We’ll be sure to make you feel better.
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