By Nov. 1, most parents are already trying to figure out what to do with leftover Halloween candy.
Halloween is all about candy — but let’s not forget about the importance of non-candy Halloween treats.
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is set to reach a record-high of $13.1 billion in 2025 — and $3.9 billion of that spending is expected to go towards candy.Â
In fact, 96% of households plan to buy candy and 66% plan to hand out candy for Halloween this year, per the NRF.
But what if you come across a trick-or-treater that can’t (or chooses not to) eat candy?
Believe it or not, that’s a reality for many kids dressing up for Halloween this year — so much that it inspired a worldwide movement known as the Teal Pumpkin Project, which was founded in 2012.Â
The initiative has since been adopted and expanded by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).Â
As part of the initiative, FARE encourages households to stock up on Halloween candy alternatives for the millions of children with food allergies and medical conditions that prevent them from eating candy.
Offering non-food Halloween treats is the perfect way to ensure inclusivity this spooky season.
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Households that support this initiative often leave a teal pumpkin by their doorstep to let kids know that they give out candy alternatives for Halloween — hence the name of the Teal Pumpkin Project.Â
Likewise, kids who can’t accept candy are often seen walking around with a teal candy bucket.
If you come across any of those kids, then you might be wondering what to hand out — after all, candy has been the primary (if not the only) thing most people hand out come spooky season.
Don’t worry, we have some ideas!
Non-Food Halloween Treats to Hand Out This Year
Not every trick-or-treater is in it for the sugar rush — and that’s where non-food Halloween treats come in.
They’re fun, festive, and totally inclusive, making sure every child who knocks on your door leaves with a smile (and something they can actually enjoy).
You can find most of these items on Amazon or at a local retail store, such as CVS, Dollar Tree or Target.
From glow sticks and temporary tattoos to bubbles and Play-Doh, these non-food treats for Halloween prove that the spooky season doesn’t have to come wrapped in chocolate.
Pokémon Trick or Trade booster packs
A fun alternative for kids who love to collect! These mini Pokémon card packs have become a Halloween staple (now entering their fourth year) and are sure to excite little trainers who show up at your door.
School supplies
Pencils, erasers, crayons, and mini notepads are simple, useful, and surprisingly fun for kids to receive — especially when they’re Halloween-themed. Plus, it’s one less thing the parent has to buy them for school!
Glow sticks and party sticks
Another Halloween staple. Glow sticks make costumes pop, help kids stay visible while trick-or-treating, and double as a fun accessory once the lights go out. They come in sticks, bracelets and necklaces!
Beaded bracelets and necklaces
Kids love wearable goodies! Hand out Halloween-colored bracelets (anything orange and black will do) or glow-in-the-dark necklaces for something they can show off long after the candy is gone.
Halloween fidget toys
Pop-its, squishy monsters, spinners and mini stress balls make perfect candy substitutes. They keep kids entertained and you can buy them in bulk on Amazon or in-store without breaking the bank.
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Jack-o’-lantern slinkies
These mini slinkies are small, colorful, and endlessly entertaining. They’re a great addition to a candy bowl and a hit with both younger and older trick-or-treaters. Plus, they look like small jack-o’-lanterns!
Coloring books or activity sheets
Give kids something creative to do after trick-or-treating. Print Halloween-themed activity pages or hand out mini coloring books for a treat that lasts beyond one night. A pack of crayons will bring it full-circle!
Stickers and stamps
An easy, mess-free option that every age group loves. Halloween-themed stickers and stamps are affordable, adorable and perfect for classroom parties or trick-or-treat giveaways.
Bubbles
Mini bubble bottles shaped like ghosts or pumpkins are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re inexpensive, fun and perfect for kids who can’t enjoy candy. You can also set up a bubble machine by your doorstep to add to the fun.
Temporary tattoos
Let kids show off their Halloween spirit with themed tattoos — from spooky spiders to smiling pumpkins. They’re simple to apply and come off just as easily, so parents don’t have to worry about anything permanent.
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Sidewalk chalk
Encourage creativity with colorful chalk sticks. Halloween-themed sets (like orange, purple, green and black) let kids draw their own spooky masterpieces outside — where they can enjoy the fall weather!
Halloween bookmarks
A thoughtful, candy-free option for little bookworms. Hand out bookmarks with ghosts, bats or pumpkins — they’re fun, practical and perfect for classroom trick-or-treating. Plus, reading is good for the soul!
Fake vampire teeth
No Halloween is complete without a little vampire fun. These classic glow-in-the-dark teeth are silly, safe, and great for pretending to be spooky long after trick-or-treating. They’ve been a Halloween staple for years!
Mini Play-Doh cups
A teal-pumpkin favorite! Mini Play-Doh containers come in bright colors and give kids endless creative possibilities — without the sugar crash. You can find these in bulk in small, 1-ounce containers.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
It might sound funny to hand out toothbrushes on Halloween, but parents (and dentists) will thank you — and kids might even get a kick out of it! Go for Halloween-themed toothbrushes and pair it with mini toothpaste tubes.
Non-Candy Halloween Treats That Are Still Snack-alicious
Not every candy alternative has to be a toy — some treats can still be snack-worthy without all the sugar.
These options are great for kids who want something to munch on but need (or prefer) a break from chocolate and gummies. Think crunchy, salty or fruity — all the fun of a Halloween treat, but not candy.
With all the candy they’ll be getting, you never know when someone might want a break.
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From popcorn and pretzels to fruit snacks and granola bars, these non-candy Halloween treats are perfect for filling trick-or-treat bags with something a little different — and just as delicious.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Mini bags of popcorn (butter, cheese, or kettle corn)
- Pretzel packs (classic twists, mini sticks, or Halloween-shaped)
- Goldfish crackers (always a kid favorite)
- Fruit snacks (made with real fruit juice or shaped like spooky characters)
- Granola bars (individually wrapped — great for older kids)
- Applesauce pouches (mess-free and perfect for on the go)
- Veggie straws or veggie chips (a crunchy, colorful option)
- Mini rice cakes (try apple cinnamon or caramel flavor)
- Animal crackers (cute, classic, and allergy-friendly)
- Mini boxes of raisins or dried fruit (nature’s candy!)
- Trail mix pouches (nut-free versions for safety)
- Snack-sized graham crackers (especially honey or cinnamon flavor)
- Mini muffins (prepackaged and individually wrapped)
- Popcorn balls (homemade or store-bought, wrapped for safety)
- Baked chips or mini Pringles cans
- String cheese or cheese stick packs (for trick-or-treaters you know personally)
- Fruit leather or fruit rolls
- Mini bottles of water or juice boxes (perfect for thirsty trick-or-treaters)
They might not all be healthy, but they’ll at least give trick-or-treaters the option of something that won’t give them a cavity (at least not at the same rate as candy).
Plus, they give the trick-or-treater some good alternatives when trading snacks with their friends.
No matter what you choose to hand out this Halloween, the goal is the same — to make every trick-or-treater feel included and leave with something special.
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Whether it’s a fun toy, a tasty snack, or a teal-pumpkin-approved surprise, these candy alternatives prove that Halloween magic doesn’t have to come in a wrapper.
