Think Outside the Halloween Candy Bag
The candy-based holiday is approaching, and have you given thought to what you might hand out to the trick-or-treaters that come knocking at your door? You may even be planning a holiday party at your center – encourage parents and children to supply healthier packaged snacks or novelties that are not sweet-based. And challenge yourself to follow the same creativity to a healthier Halloween. Not only will you put smiles on the faces of the children, but you will also please their parents, dentists, and doctors. Have a conversation with the children about the importance of healthy eating, and this may be a good month to teach a “dental” theme to enforce good mouth hygiene. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Food-Based
Boxes of raisins
Fruit leather
Unsweetened cereal mini boxes
Applesauce cups
Fruit/Vegetable puree pouches
Mini bags of: light microwave popcorn,
graham/cheese crackers, pretzels, animal crackers
Reduced-sugar granola bars
Clementine oranges
Mini bottled water
Novelty Items
Play-Doh
Toothbrushes
Bouncy ball or other small ball
Stickers
Temporary Halloween tattoos
Bubbles
Glow in the dark necklaces or bracelets
Crayons
Stickers
Mini pumpkins
Glow sticks
Silly straws