Halloween is a fun holiday for kids to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating for candy. As a homeowner handing out treats, you want to make sure you give out safe, kid-friendly options. There are also some items you should avoid giving out.
Why Is Safety Important on Halloween?
Trick-or-treating comes with potential hazards for kids. By taking some basic safety precautions, you can help make sure Halloween is an enjoyable experience.
- Choking hazards – Small, hard candies and other foods may pose a choking risk for younger children.
- Allergies – Many kids have food allergies, so homemade or unlabeled treats may be unsafe.
- Tampering – Only give out wrapped, packaged candy to help prevent tampering.
As a homeowner, you want to avoid handing out anything that may be a safety issue for the trick-or-treaters visiting your home. Take care to give out safe treats that minimize risks.
Candy to Avoid
When choosing trick-or-treat candy, skip over these types of sweets:
- Hard candies – Jawbreakers, lollipops, and other hard candies can pose a choking hazard for younger children. Give out soft candies instead.
- Small candies – Bite-sized candies like jelly beans or mints may also present a choking risk. Give out full-size bars or lollipops.
- Homemade treats – Don’t hand out any homemade candies, baked goods, or treats this Halloween. You can’t verify ingredients or check for allergens.
Stick to name brand candies and chocolate bars that come sealed in their original packaging. This minimizes safety concerns.
Non-Food Items to Avoid
You also want to refrain from handing out non-food items. Here are some to skip:
- Money – Giving cash or coins can present safety issues for children.
- Pencils or pens – Sharp writing utensils may be hazardous.
- Toys or trinkets – Small toys, stickers, and other novelties can be a choking risk if swallowed.
- Drugs, razors, or alcohol – Never give out anything dangerous or illegal.
Non-food items seem like fun treats, but may not be age-appropriate or safe for trick-or-treaters. Candy and chocolate are your best options.
Allergy Considerations
Food allergies are another reason to avoid homemade treats. Some ingredients like peanuts, dairy, and gluten can cause reactions. If you want to hand out something other than candy this Halloween, consider these allergy-friendly options:
- Stickers or temporary tattoos
- Bubbles
- Halloween pencils
- Vampire fangs
- Mini slime or putty toys
Check labels on any packaged treats to make sure they don’t contain major allergens. It’s safest to give out sealed candy products from reputable brands.
Safe Treats to Give Out on Halloween
If you want to hand out tasty but kid-safe treats this Halloween, here are some good options:
| Candy | Other Treats |
|---|---|
| Full-size chocolate bars | Fruit snack pouches |
| Lollipops | Juice boxes |
| Skittles | Granola bars |
| Reese’s peanut butter cups | Goldfish snack bags |
| Starburst | Pretzels |
Handing out packaged treats like these minimizes risks for trick-or-treaters. Just be sure to check labels for allergens if giving out something other than regular chocolate or candy.
Conclusion
Safety should be the top priority when handing out Halloween treats. Avoid giving young trick-or-treaters any hard candies or small items that could be a choking hazard. Also refrain from homemade goods to prevent any ingredient or allergen issues. Focus on giving out name-brand candies, chocolate bars, and other pre-packaged snacks to create a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience for kids.