Halloween is just days away and many of us are striving to provide healthier treats for the visiting ghosts and goblins. Here are some simple ideas to help reduce or eliminate sugary treats! Some of these ideas are also individually wrapped (COVID-19 friendly). Happy Trick-Or-Treating!
Check out your local dollar store and load up on:
- Miniature toys
- Puzzles
- Colouring books
- Crayons
- Stamps
- Stickers
- Hair bands, barettes and accessories
- Fun socks
- Keychains
- Play Doh
- Yoyos
- Jewellery
- Wooden puzzles
- Plastic eyeballs and other Halloween items
- Temporary tattoos
- Individual packets of facial tissue
- Bubbles – wedding supply stores are a great source for these, too
- Mini hand sanitizers
Allow the children to select their own treat, to ensure they get something they will enjoy.
If you’re handing out food items:
- Hot chocolate packets
- Snack packs of microwave popcorn
- Look for the peanut-free symbol on treats and keep them in a separate container for children with nut allergies
Preparing Your Pumpkin
As you’re picking out your pumpkin to carve, paint and decorate, you may have noticed some pumpkins painted teal. That’s a signal to trick-or-treaters and parents indicating that particular home is offering non-food treats, making them a safer option for children with food allergies and sensitivities. Learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project here.
Halloween Should Be Fun For Everyone
When greeting trick-or-treaters, be patient and kind. Make it a fun-filled evening for everyone.
- If a child appears disappointed by the selection, don’t be discouraged – it may reflect an allergy or food sensitivity issue
- The child taking a great deal of time to select their treat may be flustered or overwhelmed. They may have allergy issues or others at home have challenges, and they’re trying to make the best choice to accommodate those around them. Just relax and give them time
- A child who does not speak – even to say ‘thank you’, may be non-verbal
- A child not wearing a costume may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory issues, or maybe they couldn’t afford a costume, even in its simplest form
- The one you think is too old to be trick-or-treating may appear more mature than their age. Don’t spoil their evening by pointing it out
Have a happy, healthy Halloween from INLIV!
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