Halloween is one of the best times of year.  It is a time when children and those young at heart can let loose and have some fun.  And who can forget the candy?  Of course, Halloween is not the greatest time of year for teeth.  It is also not the best time of year in terms of child obesity, one of the United States’ untold and frightening problems.  But of course, Halloween does not have to include candy, as strange as that may sound.  There are numerous non-candy treats that can be fun and exciting that replace candy on Halloween.

Glow sticks were once only considered part of the rave scene but today are a source of fun for kids and adults alike.  And best of all there are many different styles to choose from.  There are glow sticks, glow bracelets and even glow necklaces that can provide children with fun options.  And they are most likely going to be added to whatever the kids’ costumes which adds a little fun and can be used for safety as well.  While these may be a little pricier than candy, they are a great treat for kids that won’t hurt their teeth.

Instead of candy, you could offer the kids a snack food to enjoy. This could potato chips, pretzels, trail mix or goldfish crackers. All come in single serving sizes and although they are not as healthy as a piece of fruit, they are better for the children overall. And best of all, kids love these snack foods as well. You can also find these treats in large bulk at Costco or other grocery warehouses stores so it could help the budget as well.

What kid doesn’t love stickers? And today there are so many to choose from that you could offer a number of different options.  You could have Halloween themed stickers, cartoons, sports or any other theme that kids can love.  You could also offer temporary tattoos, always a hit with children.  And stickers are not all that expensive either so you can afford this non-candy treat without hurting your pocketbook. Sheets of stickers are available at the dollar tree and other discount stores.

If you really like the candy tradition at Halloween but do not want to give dentists in the area a lot of work, you can always offer children sugar free chewing gum.  Just make sure the gum is approved by the American Dental Association. There are many different flavors available and you can buy sugar free chewing gum in bulk at Costco or other grocery warehouses.