The leaves are starting to fall and the temperature is dropping, which means it’s almost that time of the year… HALLOWEEN! I can only assume that most parents are like me; we LOATHE all the Halloween candy our kids bring home after a night of trick-or-treating. We don’t want our kids eating pillowcase-sized bags full of candy, and we also don’t want to have it around for us to eat (I can’t resist a Reese’s cup, having them in the house is dangerous)!
Passing out non-candy goodies is not only good for our kids’ nutrition, but it also supports our sensory and allergy friends as well. My son is Autistic and does not like candy, and his friend is allergic to dairy. Neither of them can ever find allergy and sensory-friendly goodies on Halloween.
Here are my 20 BEST non-candy goodies that you can pass out to the neighborhood kids this year:
Bubbles
They are loved by everyone, even the little babies who go trick-or-treating and can’t eat candy yet!
Fidgets
These are great for kids who need help with self-regulation and attention/focus.
Glow Necklaces and Bracelets
Statistically speaking, kids are 3X more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night. Glow necklaces and bracelets are not only fun, but they also keep kids seen and safe in the dark.
Halloween-themed Pencils and Erasers
School is in session! Who couldn’t use a few extra pencils?
Crayons and Markers
Kids are always breaking crayons in half and losing marker lids causing them to dry out. New markers and crayons are always needed!
Juice Boxes or Mini Water Bottles
Kids are always thirsty, especially when walking long distances while trick-or-treating. My neighbor offered drinks last Halloween, and I thought it was a great idea!
Spider or LED Rings
Both boys and girls enjoy spider and LED rings.
Hair Scrunchies
Hair scrunchies are no longer a trend from the 80s and 90s… they are BACK! Orange and/or black scrunchies will work, but if you can find Halloween scrunchies, that would be even better!
Stickers
Kids are really into putting stickers and decals on their water bottles. You can find Halloween-themed stickers at just about any retail store.
Mini Play-Doh
Squishing, rolling, and molding Play-Doh helps build strength in children’s hands and promotes great fine motor skills. They sell mini Play-Doh party favors that would be perfect to add to your Halloween bowl.
Temporary Tattoos
These are very inexpensive for a large pack, and you can find some in all types of designs and colors!
Mini Rubber Ducks
I see jeeps with mini rubber ducks on the dashboard all the time. Kids can have fun putting out ducks on their favorite jeeps or play with them in the tub!
Silly Straws
I remember using these when I was young. They are so much fun!
Bookmarks
As an author, I love when people hand out bookmarks. Kids are excited to use them and it can help motivate them to open a book and read!
Bouncy Balls
What kid doesn’t enjoy a bouncy ball?
Halloween Coloring Books
Dollar stores sell coloring books at a great price. Pair this with some crayons and you are gifting an activity rather than a cavity!
Stretchy Skeletons
Stretchy toys are another great sensory tool for kids with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc. They can help with self-regulation, focus, and anxiety.
Keychains
Keychains are perfect for kids to throw on their school book bags.
Slap Bracelets
I think slap bracelets are enjoyed by both boys and girls. My son loves them!
Stress Balls
Squeezing a stress ball not only helps alleviate stress, but it helps strengthen the muscles in your hand to promote good fine motor skills.
There you have it, my 20 BEST non-candy goodies that you can pass out to the neighborhood kids this year! I hope you and your family have a fun AND safe Halloween this year! Happy Haunting Season!
