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8 Non-Candy Halloween Goodies Your Trick-or-Treaters Will Love

October 31st is approaching quickly, which means Halloween will be here before we know it! Children and adults both look forward to celebrating this special time of the year, ready to dress up in their favorite costumes and score some seasonal goodies. Have you thought about what you’re going to hand out to the neighborhood kids this year? Before you stock up on candy, consider passing out non-candy goodies instead! Not only will they be a neat keepsake, but it’s the best way to protect their oral health. If you need some ideas, here are Halloween candy alternatives your trick-or-treaters will love.

How Does Sugar Affect Oral Health?

Halloween is the most candy-filled holiday of the year. Although it’s tradition to return home with a bucket full of candy, too much sugar can wreak havoc on your little one’s teeth. Cavities and tooth decay are two of the most damaging effects caused by prolonged exposure to sugar. If your child eats candy and fails to brush their teeth afterward, the bacteria inside their mouth will feed off the sugar and produce a harmful acid. This byproduct damages the enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities. That’s why it’s crucial to teach your children the importance of moderation and set ground rules to prevent them from devouring their treats all in one night.

Non-Candy Halloween Goodies

Instead of contributing to children’s stockpiles of candy, consider handing out these non-candy Halloween goodies:

Slime

Slime has become increasingly popular among kids in recent years! You can purchase a variety of fun options online or at your local supermarket.

Plush Toys

Why not hand out a sweet keepsake that the children can have for a long time? Mini plush toys are the perfect Halloween goodie! You can choose spooky and non-spooky characters, such as a pumpkin or a ghost.

Glow-in-the-Dark Vampire Teeth

Your trick-or-treaters will love trying out these spooky glowing vampire teeth, even if they didn’t dress up as a vampire. With so many fun colors to choose from, they’re hard to resist!

Slinkies

Halloween-themed slinkies are an amusing toy the kiddos will love playing with on Halloween night. They’re excellent alternatives to candy!

Stickers

Who doesn’t love stickers? Children can decorate their school notebooks, binders, or other personal items with these fun adhesives.

Glow Bracelets

Did you know that children are most at risk for being hit by a car on Halloween night? Luckily, handing out glow-in-the-dark accessories (like bracelets) can help them stay visible and safe!

Snack Bags

If you still want to hand out an edible treat, consider making snack bags with non-candy goodies! Pretzels, fruit snacks, and crackers are a few great choices that children love.

Pencil Top Erasers

Fun school supplies like Halloween-themed pencil top erasers will give the kiddos something they can enjoy even after the holiday ends. Plus, they’ll have a blast showing off their items to their classmates!

As you can see, there are several non-candy Halloween goodies you can pass out instead. Next time you go to the store, stock up on these fun alternatives that won’t pose a threat to your trick-or-treater’s oral health!

About the Author

Dr. Aaron Neale completed his education at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is passionate about helping his patients maintain and achieve their absolute best smiles. Dr. Neal and his team at Blackwell Dentistry enjoy working with patients of all ages. For more tips on how to keep your children’s smiles safe this Halloween, visit our website or call (580) 262-8420.