The tradition of dressing up in costumes and going door to door on holidays to beg for treats dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, most children in the United States carry on the tradition by going trick or treating on Halloween.
Most people hand out an assortment of candy to the children who come to their doors dressed as goblins and ghosts. There was a time when homemade treats were popular, but fears of contamination have greatly reduced the practice of handing out homemade candy apples, cupcakes, and caramel popcorn balls. Nowadays, most people distribute miniature candy bars and treats purchased commercially.
There are other options for people who don't want to pass out candy or who prefer a more creative approach. Here are a few ideas that are simple and sure to please the children who show up chanting "trick or treat."
Art Supplies
Most children love art and would be delighted to receive new art supplies instead of candy. Coloring books, crayons, paint sets, child safe scissors, glitter, stickers, Play-Doh, modeling clay, markers, and colored pencils make wonderful treats.
Bath Time Supplies
For many children, bath time is play time. Consider handing out fun shaped soaps, bottles of bubble bath, bath toys, shampoo, lotion, or new toothbrushes. Brightly colored bath towels can be folded into various animal shapes similar to ones provided on cruises. This makes fun and useful gifts for children of any age.
Healthy Snacks
Instead of chocolate bars and other sweets, consider snacks that are nutritious. Granola bars and cereal bars are good options, but so are small packages of goldfish crackers, boxes of raisins, small cans of fruit, yogurt covered raisins, cheese sticks, individually wrapped prunes, and bags of dried cranberries.
Nostalgic Toys
Once upon a time, toys used to be simple. Nowadays, electronic devices and toys are all the rage. But sometimes the simplest toys are the best. Consider giving some of these toys at Halloween. Marbles, yo-yos, dominos, Old Maid cards, Go Fish cards, a Barrel of Monkeys, Matchbox cars, and small dolls are certain to bring a smile to any child.
Promote Reading
There is no doubt that books are more costly than miniature candy bars, but what better way to promote reading among children than to give them a book for Halloween? For younger children, choose picture books or Halloween books with images that are less frightening. School age children will likely relish a good ghost story. Check Kids' Halloween Books for suggested titles or ask a local bookseller for recommendations.
With a little imagination, anyone can make Halloween special for children without resorting to the usual candy bars and other sweet treats.
Jayne Pupek - I completed my M. A. in Counseling Psychology and spent a number of years working in the mental health field before turning my attention ...
