37 Trick-or-Treat Items to Hand Out Besides Candy

Halloween is known for its tricks and treats, and while it’s traditional (and tasty) to hand out candy each year, it’s important to remember that not all kids can eat foods risk-free. Some kids are allergic to ingredients commonly found in candy. Others have conditions that come with dietary restrictions. And some trick-or-treaters may have sensory issues that make candy hard to enjoy. 

If you choose to hand out non-food items, you might want to join the Teal Pumpkin Project. This can include adding your address to a map so families know you’re not handing out candy, setting out a teal pumpkin on your front step, hanging up a free, printable sign from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), or just keeping some extra non-food items on hand if you notice any trick-or-treaters don’t take candy.

Here’s how efforts like this have helped people in our Mighty community:

“My daughter has oral aversion and is literally afraid to put food in her mouth. It’s nice to have options like the teal pumpkin project to make trick or treating fun for her too.” — Melissa H.

“My child has a rare metabolic disorder called Classic Galactosemia, she’s on a special diet for life. Teal pumpkin project means she can partake, that means so much!” — Michelle H.

“My son has a feeding tube. He is not allowed any food by mouth. Teal Pumpkin is the only way he can participate in Trick or Treating.” — Kathryne H.

We’re not here to tell you how to celebrate Halloween, but if you’re looking for non-food items to hand out this year, we’ve compiled a list of fun items. We’ve included some links as examples, but we know not everyone has the same financial situation. You may be able to find cheaper options with a quick search. Know that our community is nonjudgmental and appreciates any considerations you take this year. 

1. Stickers: Pick Halloween-themed stickers or find other themes that fit your family’s personality. These fun ones allow kids to “make a face” with stickers.
2. Temporary tattoos: These are Halloween-themed, these glow in the dark, and these have all-gender-friendly miscellaneous options. 
3. Rubik’s cubes: These may feel a bit pricey, but may work if you don’t get a ton of trick-or-treaters each year, or if you want to make a mix-and-match box of non-food items for kids to choose from.
4. Glow sticks: Kids love glow sticks, and you can choose from sticks, bracelets, headbands, and more.
5. Stress balls: These can be fun for everyone and come in a ton of different shapes.
6. Stencils: These might be a great craft for kids to do with their parents.
7. Pencils: You can find silly pencils in all different colors and at different price points that work for you.
8. Goofy glasses: There are a lot of options and price points for these.
9. Rings: Of course, if you choose a small item like this, make sure it’s for children who won’t be at risk of swallowing it.
10. Finger puppets: These come in different shapes, too, so shop around.
11. Window clings: Plenty of Halloween-themed and general options exist. 
12. Fans: Even if you live in a colder area, some kids find these useful and amusing.
13. Keychains: Kids love to add these to their clothes and backpacks. Tons of options exist.
14. Yoyos: You might enjoy these as much as your kids. There are many options and price points.
15. Spinning tops: A little old-school, but kids still dig them.
16. Bookmarks: If you find an assorted pack, kids can have fun trading them.
17. Bubbles: This classic option still keeps kids entertained. 
18. Rubber duckies: These can be fun to trade or play with. 
19. Crayons: You can find different-sized packs or make bundles yourself
20. Mini dinosaurs: These ones glow in the dark.
21. Erasers: You can choose classic, colorful ones or sillier ones.
22. Silly straws: Honestly, these are even fun for adults.
23. Magnets: You can find all sorts of shapes and sizes.   
24. Toy cars: These can be pricier, but we wanted to give you the option.
25. Bouncy balls: Another classic option (because they’re still fun).
26. Mini stuffed animals: These can be fun backpack decorations.
27. Hackey sacks: Also a little pricy, but if it’s in your budget, these are fun.
28. Kaleidoscopes: Depending on how many trick-or-treaters you get, these can be a creative option.
29. Nail stickers: You can find options for all genders, and some glow in the dark.
30. Magnifying glasses: You can encourage mini-scientists or detectives with these.
31. Playing cards: This might be more reasonable if you have fewer trick-or-treaters, but it’s a great way to introduce new games to kids.
32. Slinkies: These are a classic and still a good time for all. 
33. Hand-clappers: Parents may not love these, but kids sure do.
34. Bracelets: Tons of fun options exist, and you can pick what’s best for you.
35. Silly putty: Yep, this is still around. You can shop around for a good price point. 
36. Mini coloring books: Kids can trade these with each other. There are many options and price points.
37. Slime: Sounds gross, but these are less messy than you’d think and can act as stress relievers.

Do you have any ideas of your own? Share them in the comments below.