Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids, big and small. But the consequences of eating too many sweets are not. Cavities, weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes are just a few of the issues linked with eating too much sugar. So instead of purchasing pumpkin-shaped chocolates and hard candies this Halloween, pass out some of these healthy alternatives!
Halloween School Supplies
Pencils decorated with ghosts, pumpkin-shaped erasers and fall-themed pencil sharpeners are great alternatives to candy. There are plenty of options when looking for Halloween-themed school supplies, and they are often less expensive than large bags of candy. Plus, these treats can be used more than once, both inside and outside the classroom!
Small Toys
Instead of sugar-filled candy, pass out small toys and other goodies that are themed to the holiday. Mini puzzles, bouncy balls and mini containers of Play-Doh are all great options that trick-or-treaters will actually enjoy!
Halloween Goodies
There are plenty of fun non-candy options that you can hand out to trick-or-treaters. Small goodies like glow sticks, temporary tattoos, spider rings and mini coloring books are fun alternatives to sugary treats that can be enjoyed for more than one night.
Healthy Snack Options
Not passing out candy doesn’t mean you have to skip on handing out treats. Snacks like pretzels, raisins, popcorn and sugar-free granola bars are healthy options that kids will enjoy just as much as candy.
If you would still like to hand out candy, choose tooth-smart options. We all know sugar is bad for our teeth and overall oral hygiene, so picking sugar-free candy helps to prevent tooth decay. Hard candy, sticky candy and anything labeled as sour should be avoided to help promote healthy teeth and gums.
Hand Sanitizer
One of the best treats you can pass out this Halloween is mini hand sanitizer. There are plenty of fun Halloween and fall-themed sanitizers that make the perfect addition to any trick-or-treater’s goodie bag! The best hand sanitizers to purchase are those that have at least 60% alcohol. Also, avoid sanitizers packaged with labels or shapes that can easily be mistaken for candy or other edible treats.
Staying Safe While Trick-or-Treating
Whether you’re handing out treats or looking to play some tricks, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities. So be safe this Halloween by continuing to follow CDC guidelines, including:
- Practice good hand hygiene: Washing your hands while trick-or-treating is not possible, and it can be challenging to step away from your door to wash your hands. Fortunately, you can use hand sanitizer as a quick solution. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly when you get the chance to help reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Keep your distance: Last year, we saw many creative ways to pass out candy with little to no contact, including DIY candy slides and “serve yourself” candy tables!
- Wear a mask: Face masks come in all types of colors and patterns. That makes it easy to match your mask if you’re wearing a costume!
- Get vaccinated: While COVID-19 vaccines are not yet approved for children under the age of 12, you can help protect trick-or-treaters by getting vaccinated. HealthLinc offers all three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. If you’re interested in beginning your vaccination process, you can schedule an appointment at 1-888-580-1060.