With Halloween just around the corner, you’re probably shopping for candy to hand out to the kids. However, more parents and caregivers are trying to cut back on sugar, preferring children donate or even throw away all but a small amount of candy. This, coupled with the rising amount of food allergies means that traditional candy treats may not be as good an idea as they used to be. As a dentist in Cary, we aren’t sad about reducing sugar as we know exactly how it can lead to dental health problems, but we still want Trick or Treat to be fun for both kids and those passing out treats. That’s why we’re sharing some great alternatives to candy to pass out this year, many of which can easily be ordered from Amazon or party supply companies like Oriental Trading company.
Snack-Size Pretzels and Crackers
More chip, pretzel, and cracker manufacturers are making Halloween-sized bags that are perfect to hand out to trick or treaters. They fill that desire for a tasty snack without adding extra sugar, make a great lunch box addition, and there’s no sticky mess to worry about from bubble gum or lollipops. While they are simple carbohydrates, there’s no added sugar to worry about.
Bubbles Are Perfect for Tiny Trick or Treaters
For toddlers, some of the most popular Halloween candy given out is a choking hazard, like Dum-Dum lollipops, Skittles, Starburst, and Tootsie rolls. Instead, tiny bottles of bubbles are a hit with babies and toddlers, and they’re a great way to keep the littlest princesses, superheroes, or goblins happy in the stroller as parents take them from house to house.
Mini Rubber Duckies
The rubber ducky has come a long way over the years, going from plain yellow with black dots for eyes and an orange beak to all different designs. Now, you can buy bags of glow-in-the-dark duckies or Halloween themed options that will make bathtime after trick or treating fun.
Glow Sticks Are Fun and Safe
Glow sticks are not only a fun, inexpensive treat to hand out, they are practical, too! When trick-or-treating starts at 6:00 P.M., it’s already dark in the area. Handing out a glow stick or glow bracelet gives the kids a fun way to be visible as they go from house to house or make their way back home.
Pencils, Erasers, and Crayons
If you have a lot of kids every year, you probably want an economical option, and packs of Halloween-themed pencils, erasers, or mini-packs of crayons will be perfect. Not only do they last a lot longer than candy, they have a practical purpose, too, which parents are sure to appreciate. You can also purchase packs of mini-coloring books or mini-activity books and create a little treat bag that will be a huge hit.
Happy Halloween from Our Cary Dentist
We want to wish all of you a safe, happy Halloween this year! While you may be thinking about costumes and candy, it may be a good time to think of checkups and cleanings – for your teeth, that is. If you’re past due for a dental checkup, we’re taking new patients, and you can reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at (919)-600-6262 and our Cary dentist office at (919) 467-2203. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.