Trick or Treat

In a matter of days, it will be Halloween, and children across America will be donning their costumes to traipse around their neighborhoods in a quest for bags full of treats. Whether you’re chaperoning a little one around or holding watch at your front door, you may be searching for an option to the sugar-laden treats that most children crave.

Although we’re no longer in a world in which fresh fruit is an acceptable choice — mostly because no one trusts giveaways that aren’t individually, hermetically sealed — there are other valid alternatives to put smiles on kids’ faces.

Healthy Food

While most children jump for joy at the sight of Twix, Snickers, and Hershey’s bars, there are other, healthier options that can excite them. Raisins come in individual packs, as do granola bars. Small packs of nuts are another tasty snack for children to enjoy. Check at your local health food store for organic or natural treats such as cane sugar-sweetened lollipops.

Toys and Goodies

You can skip the issue of high-fructose corn syrup-laden candies altogether by opting for non-food treats. Party stores and mail-order shops, such as Oriental Trading, sell little toys in bulk, so you can provide a bit of fun and something different to your trick-or-treaters. Try spooky rings, modeling clay, and glow items; your guests will appreciate them.

A Word about Food Allergies

If your little ghost or goblin suffers from food allergies or is diabetic, Halloween can be a true nightmare. While you don’t want to take away the fun of traveling door-to-door, most of the things your children will collect may contain nuts, sugar, dairy, or soy. So what to do? By all means, allow them to knock on doors, but let them know that you have “safe” treats for them at home. They’re probably already used to having their own options at birthday parties and other gatherings.

Halloween can be a fun, safe holiday for all with a little planning and patience. Happy trick-or-treating!