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It’s the time of year when pumpkins appear on porches, store aisles explode with candy, and ghosts lurk around every corner. Halloween is in the air!
For little kids, or even teens, trick or treating is the ultimate celebration of Halloween and tops the list of Halloween traditions. In this post, we’ll look at snack ideas and non-candy alternatives that ghosts and goblins of all ages will love.
Plus, we’ll share some boo-tastic facts and Halloween customs that are sure to interest any little ghost or goblin. So, let’s kick off spooky season with some fun Halloween ideas!
From mini chocolate bars to lollipops to sour candy and beyond, you can’t go wrong with handing out classic sweet treats to trick or treaters. Bonus points if you’re the house that hands out full-size candy bars!
These are great because they come in all sorts of themes, like spooky, cute, or character-based. They’re easy to hand out and kids love using them to decorate their notebooks, binders, or even their hands and arms. Plus, they last longer than a piece of candy!
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They may seem ultra-practical, but kids often get a kick out of fun pencils and erasers. Whether they feature pumpkins, ghosts, glitter, or bright colors, pencils and erasers make for a cute, school-friendly alternative to candy.
Give kids a break from candy overload with little bags of chips, pretzels, cheddar crackers, or other salty and savory snacks. Many brands now offer salty snacks in Halloween-themed packaging for a festive touch.
Glow sticks, glow bracelets, and glow rings are always a hit with kids. Not only do they add an extra element of excitement, but they also help keep kids visible as they walk around in the dark. You can find glow-in-the-dark accessories at most dollar stores or online in bulk.
Granola bars are a great candy alternative to tide kids over between houses on their trick or treat route. Plus, after the festivities are over, these easy snacks for kids can make their way into kids’ lunch boxes or the family snack jar.
Mini containers of playdough or clay are a creative option that’s sure to be a hit. Kids will love making shapes, monsters, or whatever their imaginations can dream up. These little containers can easily be found in multi-packs, making them a budget-friendly choice.
What’s more fun (and fitting for Halloween) than some gooey slime or silly putty? Available in small, individual containers, slime is a sensory treat for kids that doesn’t involve sugar. Just be ready for some extra excitement as kids squish and stretch their way through the night!
We love ghost stories as much as anyone else, but we also like to share real-life Halloween knowledge to turn spooky season into a teachable moment. Boost your kid’s Halloween IQ with these fun-size facts!
Halloween’s roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago in the region we now know as Ireland, the UK, and northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time of year associated with death. Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Oooooh – very spooky!
According to Halloween myths, people would ward off ghosts and disguise themselves from evil spirits by lighting bonfires and wearing costumes made of animal skins. As time passed, elements of Samhain merged with Christian practices, particularly All Saints’ Day (November 1), a day honoring saints and martyrs. The evening before, October 31, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually transformed into the Halloween we know today.
Trick-or-treating developed from a variety of ancient and medieval practices. In Celtic times, villagers would leave food out for wandering spirits. By the Middle Ages, children and the poor in Britain and Ireland would go “souling” on All Saints’ Day, asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead.
This tradition eventually morphed into children in costumes going door-to-door asking for treats—often candies, chocolates, or small toys—on Halloween night. Today, trick or treating is one of the most celebrated Halloween traditions around the world, especially in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and Mexico.
The history of the Halloween costume goes back to Samhain, but, like other Halloween cultural traditions, it has evolved over time. In medieval Europe, when people would dress up as saints, angels, or demons during parades celebrating All Saints’ Day. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America, Halloween customs have shifted toward more playful and festive themes, with people wearing costumes to ward off evil spirits or simply to have fun!
How do you celebrate Halloween when you’re feeling crafty? You carve a jack-o’-lantern, of course! This tradition comes from the Irish folktale of “Stingy Jack,” a trickster who was doomed to wander the earth with only a burning coal inside a hollowed-out turnip to light his way. Today, carving a pumpkin and placing a candle inside is one of the most iconic Halloween traditions for families. Whether you carve a classic face or use a stencil to create an intricate spooky scene, jack-o’-lanterns never go out of style.
When stocking up on trick or treat goodies and Halloween party snacks this year, don’t forget to grab Welch’s® Juicefuls® Monster Splash™ Juicy Filled Fruit Snacks! Featuring shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and skulls, these conveniently packaged and delicious treats are the perfect alternative to candy and are sure to scare up some fun. Happy Halloween!
