I haven't even gotten to trick-or-treating age w/dd, but I thought we'd get dressed up, and greet trick-or-treaters with something other than candy. Idea/suggestions, and where do you get it?
Thanks!

Some pretzel and chip companies make Halloween sized decorative bags of pretzels. I think that's what we might do this year. So many things I could make or bake, but parents get iffy about things that are not packaged. ;)

Chantelle

pencils, stickers and other toys are always good. my mom has always done pencils but then again she's a teacher.

when your DD gets to trick or treating age you could always have a party instead of going out. I know there are lots of places that hold parties for kids instead of having T or T. Hey, even the city of Beloit holds a children' halloween party. There is also one at the Y & one at our Moose club. At a party it's easier to focus on the games & fun rather than the food.

But we're not candy free by any means, so I should talk LOL.

eta: I was very proud that last year at trick or treating my then 3 yr old DD got about 2 blocks from home and said to me "ok I'm done. that's enough candy." So I don't feel too bad about taking her out as long as she does that. We'll see this year though.

oh and she also decided to go to the halloween party at the local museaum instead of the Moose club because "I like the games at the museam better"

Chole

Little boxes of raisins, little bags of pretzels, little bags of fruit treats or fruit leather, single packs of microwave popcorn. How about non-edibles like stickers and little crayon packs and stuff like that? Or you could go to the party supply aisle and get some of the inexpensive party favors.

Growing up, one of our neighbors was a dentist and he would always give out toothbrushes and floss. :joker: We always thought that was really funny. (Oh, and his name was Dr. Blender. ROFL! He was a cool guy.)

Tara

You could check out Oriental Trading's website. They have tons of fake tattoos, pencils, erasers, crafty stuff, lip gloss, etc. relatively cheap. Oh, if you hit their search box, they have the cool rainbow crayons too.

I remember loving the houses that gave crayons and stickers. We got sooo much candy that those things were a welcome distraction from the candy! The apples and raisins weren't a big hit with me and my friends (but I don't like raisins anyway). I would think the pretzles or chips would be a great idea as well.

We have some friends who let their littles go out trick or treating and when they get home they're allowed to choose 5 pieces of candy. They get to trade the rest in for a small "treasure" (usually something like a new book or game...something not terribly expensive but still fun). That way the kiddo gets some candy but mom and dad don't have to deal with the total sugar high! The dad takes the "traded" candy to work and leaves it in the break room:)

j

I give out seashells and glass gems or things like that. Chinese stores sometimes have little red envelopes for new years gifts and I found some with a golden boat on those. Stones and crystals, too

Originally posted by lillaurensmomma
We have some friends who let their littles go out trick or treating and when they get home they're allowed to choose 5 pieces of candy. They get to trade the rest in for a small "treasure" (usually something like a new book or game...something not terribly expensive but still fun). That way the kiddo gets some candy but mom and dad don't have to deal with the total sugar high! The dad takes the "traded" candy to work and leaves it in the break room:)

oooooooo jamie! We may have to do this.

Tho I like trick or treating since it means chocolate in the house for ME!

~amey (who likes halloween candy :o )