Want the perfect alternative to Halloween candy for trick or treaters? Here’s a non-candy treat idea thats cost-effective, easy, and fun!
How do you participate in the Halloween festivities without breaking the bank? There has to be an alternative to the huge bags of tootsie rolls (that no kid likes) to save your money at Halloween time. With food allergies escalating nearly as high as Halloween candy prices, we started brainstorming to find the perfect non-candy alternative!
I looked into buying bulk items from places like Oriental Trading Company. My kids get a bunch of that stuff as prizes from various activities though, and most of it ends up in the garbage the same day because it IS so cheap. Glow sticks were too expensive…
What about just giving kids money? I asked my kids. What would you rather get trick or treating? Candy or money? Some instantly replied ‘money!’ while others had to think long and hard about it!
We decided to launch an experiment. We had two bowls for trick-or-treaters to choose from. One bowl of money and one bowl of candy. Kids that came trick or treating at our house had to choose. Which ever ran out first would be the obvious winner.
The experiment had really interesting results. Older and younger kids all chose candy, but the kids ranging from 5-9 almost always took the pennies. I had one older kid come back and trade me some peanut candies for pennies since he has allergies. The candy did run out first, but only by about 15 pieces. All in all, it was a fun experiment!
Lest you think we will had a big bowl of money where kids could just take a handful, I devised a clever plan. The word “BOO” formatted just right, has two perfect spots for pennies. Trick or treating is tailored for little kids anyway, so I figured pennies are perfect for them. You could easily make a bowl of nickels or dimes for bigger kids though if you wanted!
Here’s the printable I made, perfect for sticking a penny on with some double-sided tape!
Guess what? This is also Teal pumpkin friendly. Two birds, one stone!
What do you give on Halloween besides candy?
I love this idea and will use it this year! I’m always on the lookout for celebrating and rewarding without food – especially candy!
Glad you can use it!