Halloween has become the second most commercial holiday in America, after Christmas. Americans spend billions each year on costumes, décor and of course candy. We spend over two billion dollars on Halloween candy each year. What’s at the top of that list? Chocolate! The National Confectioners Association (NCA) reveals, without surprise, that chocolate is the favorite Halloween candy by over 70% of Americans. According to the NCA, chocolate makes up ¾ of a trick or treater’s candy collection. No wonder we love it – it contains compounds which boost our serotonin levels to help with a better mood.
Most everyone gives away candy or chocolate. With childhood obesity on the rise and so many allergic reactions to food additives consider additional options this year. Some kids may like something different. Here are some suggestions for all natural Halloween giveaways.
Bags of organic popcorn which are sugar free and gluten free
Bags of pretzels, natural caramel corn, trail mix or sunflower seeds
Bags of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies which have no MSG, corn syrup, fake coloring or artificial flavor
Mini boxes of organic raisins
Clementines
Organic real fruit lollipops or gummies by YumEarth, Smartsweets or Surf Sweets
Organic or fair trade individually wrapped chocolates by Unreal, Ocho or Little Secrets
If you want to give out commercial candies, pick brands that do not contain high fructose corn syrup, GMO’s, artificial colors or flavors. Read the labels.
Tip: Don’t over buy because you’ll wind up eating all those left over treats. Alert the blood sugar police. Candy can last up to six months so encourage children to savor their candy the following days or weeks after. Let it be a teaching opportunity for self-discipline and a lesson in health.
Many opt to not Trick or Treat. Then host a fun party for the neighborhood, friends or your child’s class. Here are some ideas:
Host a Pumpkin Carving Party – Prizes for the most creative, the ugliest and the best-carved jack o lantern. Everyone votes anonymously for someone other than themself.
Host a Costume Party – Make Halloween themed food and have a contest bobbing for apples, swinging at a ghoulish piñata, or a dance contest to Thriller or Monster Mash.
Host a Movie Party – Guests come dressed in costume or mask and watch a flick. Pick a movie genre…scary movies like the 1978 classic Halloween or Tales from the Crypt. Or a Halloween movie like It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or The Nightmare Before Christmas. Or pick a funny movie like modern classics Young Frankenstein, Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands. Or one of my faves, Poltergeist.
Host a Halloween Craft Party – Check out ideas on Pinterest, Martha Stewart or Instagram.
Have a Bootiful Halloween!
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