Trick-or-What?: Healthy Alternatives to Candy This Halloween

Halloween is less than a month away, and we know many of our Winter Haven neighbors are preparing for spooky guests of all ages visiting their neighborhoods to retrieve bagfuls of candy on October 31st.  While we fully support participating in the fun, the horde of candy and sweets that many kids receive on Halloween not only wreaks havoc on their appetites, but it can also lead to stomach upset, issues with their teeth, and for kids with health concerns and/or allergies, can alienate them since they can’t partake in the treat portion of “trick-or-treat”.

So, how can you still show up for the kids in your neighborhood while staying within a “healthy” margin this Halloween?

First, there are several alternatives when it comes to treats for your doorway visitors.  Since we live in Central Florida, the temps on Halloween are often still quite warm, so why not offer small, chilled bottles of water for your trick-or-treaters?  For a fun touch, you can find a plethora of free, printable water bottle labels online.  Print out some with a ghostly theme and you’ll be the hit of the neighborhood with thirsty kids!  If you don’t want to do water, or would like a second option to offer, juice boxes also make a great addition to your cooler!  Drinks aren’t your style?  Why not offer prepackaged snack crackers (there are many healthy, allergy-friendly options available) or purchase some party prizes like small toys, noisemakers, glow sticks, etc. in bulk online or from your local party store.  Kids will go crazy for these, and they are safe for EVERYONE and won’t rot any teeth!

Secondly, consider participating in Halloween in a way other than trick-or-treating.  Maybe instead of handing out something at the front door, you set up a fire pit in the driveway and have a hot dog roast open to your neighbors passing by.  Another fun option is to set up an activity for kids and/or families in your front yard.  A Halloween obstacle course (as simple or as complex as you choose) is appreciated by those with kids of all ages, since it gives them a break from the walking door-to-door.  You could even go really simple and have some Halloween coloring sheets and buckets of crayons set up on the driveway with some lawn chairs for parents.  It makes a great break for tired moms and dads of little ones, and keeps kids entertained for at least a short while.

We hope these tips and tricks help you think of some out-of-the-box ideas for your Halloween celebration this year.  Want to really be ready for Halloween?  Make sure your current insurance policies are up to date and that you, and your home, are ready for the upcoming holiday season. We can help.  Give us a call, or if you’re in Polk County, stop by our Winter Haven office, and let us go over your existing coverage and determine if it’s truly the best plan for your family.