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The Halloween Mishap
A couple years ago I was new to having allergies and Halloween came around. It sucked not being able to eat all that delicious Halloween candy the kids brought back. Thinking I knew what was safe, I ate some nerds… Let’s just say that was a huge mistake I paid for for the next 2 weeks. I vowed to never eat any Halloween candy and certainly not let my kids with allergies eat any without thorough research.
Now I’m well versed in the fact nerds have gluten and halloween is SUPER disappointing for kids with allergies. Halloween is THE candy holiday and it excludes a growing number of kids with allergies! It presents a real need for non candy Halloween treats at more homes!
There is a misconception that buying things for kids with allergies is hard and expensive but this list SHATTERS THAT MYTH COMPLETELY. This list of 25 awesome non candy trick or treats contains some of the coolest things all kids will want in their bucket PLUS they are all under a dollar a piece which means it is significantly CHEAPER than candy. Even if kids don’t have allergies they’ll love these toys.
Plus who really wants their kids to eat a ton of candy, get sick, bounce off the walls, and crash all in one night when they could be enjoying their fun Halloween favors!
Why Non-Candy Halloween Treats Matter (More Than You Think)
1 in 13 kids these days have food alleriges, that’s actually quite a few in your own little neightborhood if you think about it. That’s why offering non candy halloween treats is so important, your kid’s friends need them, your neighbour, other kids in their school class, so many places kids are getting left out. In traditional halloween candy any of the top 9 allergens is in almost ALL of it!
Not only does this keep all kids safe and included, but 1 in 5 kids are obese! When we switch from candy to non candy halloween treats we are able to stop so many epidemics in our own neighborhood! It feels so good to see kids playing with or being so excited to visit your house or trunk on Halloween, knowing they will be safe and welcomed!
For inclusion and safety all season long check out my list of homemade allergy friendly halloween treats!
(Source: Allergy Statistics in the US – Allergy & Asthma Network, Childhood Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDC))
25 Non-Candy Halloween Treats Kids Actually Want
Navigating food allergies and a tight budget makes halloween a challenge! These non candy hallowen treat ideas fix both of those issues! Most of these halloween favors are under 50 cents a piece and all are under $1 each!! These are all something kids will be genuinely excited about!
I have listed each one by cost per unit in parentheses based on the amazon price on October 6th 2025. Prices may change, but a lot of them were on sale so I’d act fast! I found these all on amazon because nothing beats convenience of these getting shipped quickly right to your front door, but most of these things could be found at a dollar store, oriental trading, target etc… if you want to go on a hunt!
Under 20 Cents: Amazing Halloween Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
1. Glow Stick Bracelets (8 cents each) https://amzn.to/3IKLrzU
2. Fake squishy bugs (7 cents each) https://amzn.to/3IXX0Uj
3. Vampire Fangs (7 cents each) https://amzn.to/3IX94VM
4. Halloween Pop-its (20 cents each) https://amzn.to/3KEdWQg
5. Halloween Stickers (6 cents per vinyl sticker) https://amzn.to/48ceV3X
6. Sticky hands Halloween themed (20 cents each) https://amzn.to/3WoPd53
7. Halloween Stampers (18 cents each) https://amzn.to/4gXledO
8. Halloween Rainbow Scratch Crafts (11 cents each) https://amzn.to/4gXmopG
9. Bouncy Balls (12 cents each) https://amzn.to/4pVxVtJ
10. Mini pull back cars (20 cents each) https://amzn.to/3VUBpz5
11. Halloween Bookmarks (16 cents each) https://amzn.to/48Wx3yW
12. Make a pumpkin face stickers (15 cents each) https://amzn.to/4mNru9p
13. Rocking Animal toys (13 cents per piece ) https://amzn.to/48OvqmW
Under 50 cents: The Sweet Spot for Non Candy Halloween Treats
14. Mini Bubbles (25 cents each) https://amzn.to/435OnxI
15. Play-Doh Minis (33 cents each) https://amzn.to/46Wsxy2
16. Halloween squishy toys (25 cents each) https://amzn.to/46RILbE
17. Mini Slinkies (22 cents each) https://amzn.to/3IAJ3vA
18. Mini Finger Flashlights (30 cents each) https://amzn.to/3KEeMMU
19. Halloween Coloring Books (30 cents each) https://amzn.to/4mPBu20
20. Punch balloons (30 cents each) https://amzn.to/46ETO9p
21. Stretchy fidget toys (40 cents each) https://amzn.to/4h6tbha
22. Mini Activity Books (32 cents each) https://amzn.to/3IRaUYr
50 cents to $1: Premium Non-Candy Halloween Treats Worth the Splurge
23. Halloween Rubber Duckies (75 cents each) https://amzn.to/46BEquk
24. Halloween Sunglasses (83 cents each) https://amzn.to/3WmAfwq
25. Mini Stuffed Animals (75 cents each) https://amzn.to/4nFv5aZ
Real Budget Breakdown: What I Actually Spent
My Actual Halloween Budget
There is no way that I am spending more than $50 on Halloween treats, I can’t afford to and when I run out I run out! Where I live there are lots of kids and I will be attending a trunk or treat, but not many kids come to our house. I will plan for about 100 kids! With most of the products I listed they come in packages of 80 or more. Where I live, there are usually younger kids (under 8) that will be trick or treating so I will plan accordingly.
This year I decided on:
Glow sticks: 100 pieces $7.99
Halloween pop-it’s: 48 pieces $9.99
Total= $18.00 for 148 pieces
Compare to Traditional Candy:
- Name-brand fun-size candy: $10-15 per bag (50 pieces) = $30-45 for 150 treats
- Non Candy Halloween treats: $18.00 for 148 treats
- Savings: $10-25 PLUS allergy safety!
You totally can save money and include every kid for LESS than traditional Halloween candy!
How to Present Your Non-Candy Halloween Treats
If you are worried about how the kids will feel as you drop a loose toy in their basket, there are other ways to present them that make them feel like more “important” or “Special” gifts than candy. This is really not necessary, but if it would make you feel more comfortable go ahead!
Here are some super cheap cellophane bags to use https://amzn.to/3Kxl2WS !
1. Teal Pumpkin Tags (Free Printable)
This is a project that is sweeping the nation, a way of signifying you have non food items!
- Download my free printable teal pumpkin project tags
- Print on cardstock
- Attach to treat bags with ribbon
- Add to TealPumpkinMap.org so families can find you
2. Halloween Treat Bags
- Dollar store cellophane bags
- Tie with orange/black ribbon
- Creates gift-like experience
4. Create Choice
You can do both if you’re worried about kids being disappointed, but trust me it’s different and exciting so kids will welcome the change! Especially kids with allergies, you’re changing Halloween for them!
- Two bowls: “Candy” and “Non-Candy Treats”
- Let kids choose preference
- Label clearly
- Educates all trick-or-treaters about allergies
The 8 Pillars of Wellness: Why Non-Candy Halloween Treats Support Family Health
When I talk about the 8 Pillars of Wellness, people don’t always connect Halloween to health. But choosing non candy halloween treats actually supports multiple wellness pillars! Here’s how these halloween ideas create wellness beyond just avoiding allergens.
Emotional Wellness
The Connection: Traditional Halloween triggers anxiety for allergy families. Non candy halloween treats create:
- Inclusion and belonging for allergic kids
- Reduced parental anxiety
- Positive Halloween associations
- Self-esteem boost for kids who don’t feel “different”
Social Wellness
The Impact: Halloween favors that work for everyone strengthen community:
- Kids with allergies participate fully in traditions
- Families connect over inclusive choices
- Neighborhood bonds strengthen
- Children learn about considering others’ needs
Physical Wellness
The Safety Factor:
- Prevents allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- No emergency room Halloween nights
- Peace of mind for safe celebration
- Bonus: Better dental health (no sugar!) and no sugar crashes
Financial Wellness
The Budget Win:
- Non candy halloween treats cost LESS than quality candy
- Bulk buying stretches dollars
- Sales shopping creates savings
- Inclusive choices prevent buying multiple treat types
Intellectual Wellness
The Learning: Many items encourage development:
- Books and coloring activities
- Puzzles and mazes spark problem-solving
- Creative toys inspire imagination
- Teaches kids about allergies, inclusion, and empathy
Get Your Free Teal Pumpkin Printable Bundle
Make your non candy Halloween treats special with these free printables!
In Your Download:
- Teal Pumpkin gift tags
- Yard sign: “Non-Candy Halloween Treats Available”
- Educational allergy awareness cards
How to Use:
- Download the PDF
- Print on cardstock
- Cut along lines
- Attach to treats or display on porch
- Share with neighbors!
Start Creating Your Allergy-Friendly Halloween Today
This is the perfect time to get started! Set your Halloween budget and order your favorites from this list! You can choose one or 5, whatever works best for you! Right now is a great time with sales and amazon big deal days right now! You can start assembling your bags with your teal pumpkin labels if that is apart of your plans and don’t forget to register on tealpumpkinmap.org!
For under $1 per treat – often much less – you can be the house that a mom tells her friends about, the house a child remembers, the house that made Halloween safe AND fun.
This Halloween, let’s choose inclusion. Let’s choose safety. Let’s choose non candy Halloween treats that every kid can enjoy!
I’d love to hear what treats you’re choosing this year, your experience with the teal pumpkin project or any questions you have! Don’t forget to grab your FREE PRINTABLE teal pumpkin labels!
