I get it, for kids, there's something so exciting about obtaining an insane amount of candy on Halloween. I was once that kid. But in reality, most of the candy goes uneaten, tossed, (eaten by parents...who me???), or traded away anyway.
So, what can you give kids that will have them finding a real treat in their bags at the end of the night? Here are just 6 alternatives to candy.
Loose Change: Grab that jar of spare change and drop a few coins in trick-or-treat bags. Growing up, one of my favorite houses to visit on Halloween was the one that gave out a bunch of nickels. To me, it was like hitting the jackpot!
Small Activity Books or Notebooks: You can find small notebooks (18 for $1) to give out to your trick-or-treaters. They come in Halloween-themed shapes! I love this idea because it's a fun and educational treat that does not involve sugar or plastic.
Small Toys: Check your house for this one. I'm sure you have a ton of little toys lying around. Collect them and put them in a bowl near the door to hand out. You will give those unused items a second life, save money and clean out your own clutter.
Coupons: This was always an exciting one for me as a child. A free ice cream cone coupon or a round of bowling was one of the best surprises I could find in my bag.
Something from your Garden: Why not share what you have grown? Sunflowers, flowers, or small pumpkins are a surprising treat for your trick-or-treaters. If you don't mind having them pick their own, let them!
Tricks: After all, it is trick-or-treating, right? Offer to show a trick! Even if you aren't the best magician, you can have fun with this one. You'll all get a laugh and create a memorable experience for your little guests.
When you think outside of the box, you can come up with some inventive ideas that you can use each year. Yours just might be the house that gets talked about for Halloweens to come!
What was the best thing you ever received while trick-or-treating?
Looking for clutter-free gifting ideas? Clutter-Free Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions -"The Ungifty Gift" (wixsite.com)