By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
We’re coming into the holiday season with Halloween being the first major holiday just around the corner! There is no better way to kick off the holidays than with an overload of sugar-filled Halloween candy, which is just the beginning of all the holiday treats that are yet to come! However, if we’re honest, we all enjoy some of that Halloween candy, because some of it, (like Reese’s in my opinion) is just downright good. 
But, if you’re looking to cut back on how much sugar your kids are consuming, or just wanting to combat the amount that you’re handing out to the trick-or-treaters that come to your door (because you know they will get plenty of candy from other houses!), here is a list of healthier treat alternatives to consider.
- Granola bars
- Nut/Trail mix bags
- Mandarin oranges
- Bags of popcorn
- Beef jerky
- Mini raisin boxes
- Fruit snacks
- Honey sticks
- Juice boxes
- Water bottles
- Pretzel bags
- Packs of crackers
Or, if you’re looking to hand out non-food items you could try ideas such as:
- Bouncy balls
- Temporary tattoos
- Fun pens or pencils
- Erasers
- Glow sticks
- Bubbles
- Mini notepads
- Whistles
- Play-Doh
- Crazy straws
- Flavored lip balms
- Scented markers
If you do choose to hand out treats other than the conventional Halloween candy, don’t fear being the “un-cool” house on the block! Often times, kids enjoy having variety, and their parents will probably appreciate your efforts too!
Find more Halloween articles on the Fill Your Plate blog!