"Like most holidays as a parent, Halloween has become such a special holiday to celebrate. We play dress up, partake in fun family activities, watch scary movies, and, of course, eat lots of sweet treats. As a kid, there was truly nothing more exciting than sorting through the loot of goodies I would come home with after a long night of doorbell ringing and trick-or-treating. Then, after my mom graciously let me eat one too many Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, came the impending stomach ache and late-night sugar high.
While kids tend to love candy, the fact of the matter is there’s no benefit to eating that much candy in such a short amount of time. And like with all good things, moderation is key! Not to mention, many kids have sensitivities or allergies that prevent them from eating candy, and lots of schools have restrictions for handing out candy during classroom parties. For these reasons, we believe in having non-candy Halloween treats readily available, too. Many of these items can be found in dollar bins, party stores, or online for the same cost (or less!) than candy.
If you’re looking for some candy alternatives that are just as fun and festive to hand out this year, we’ve got a treat for you—read on for 30 non-candy Halloween treats for kids.
Shop Our Favorite Non-Candy Halloween Treats
With spinning tops, bouncy balls, and more, this is a must-buy pack if you want to give a huge variety of choices to all the little ones coming to your door on Halloween.
This spooky plush toy is soft, adorable, and will make any trick-or-treater’s whole night.
What kid doesn’t love a play dough moment? This rainbow assortment will keep them entertained for hours on end.
Play-Doh is always a good idea. Not only is it an easy option, but kids will get to use their creativity when playing with it—exactly what Halloween is all about!
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If there’s one thing kids can’t get enough of, it’s coloring books. There’s nothing like keeping your kiddos occupied for a few minutes before they’re onto the next activity.
Bubbles are universally exciting—even adults love them! This time of year, many retailers will offer mini versions in Halloween themes like these.
The best treats double as fun activities, and older kids will love these festive friendship bracelet kits.
Stickers are a definite win for kids, especially when they’re festive and puffy!
I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t light up at the sight of a glow stick necklace or bracelet. As a plus, these simple treats can help keep little ones visible and safe on Halloween night after the sun starts to set.
Fidget toys are a hit with kids, so they’ll be thrilled to receive a new festive one this year.
Did anyone else collect tiny, adorable erasers as a kid? Today’s littles love tiny, cute things just like we did—themed erasers included!
Bouncy balls can be a pain to have in the house, but since you are giving these away, all you’ll have to risk is becoming labeled “that house that gives out the fun stuff.”
Little witches and wizards will love mixing up their own potions with these exciting kits.
This may be a toy from days gone by, but it’s time that kids today are introduced to the simply joy of slinkies, don’t you think?
Spider rings are all the rage on Halloween, and now, they come in a ton of colors.
Monsters are a quintessential part of Halloween, but they don’t have to be scary. In fact, they can be whatever kiddos want them to be! These kits allow them to make their very own cute critter out of clay, pipe cleaners, and more.
An adorable splurge if you’re buying for a small group, kids will love these crochet cuties for long after the spooky season. They can have their pick of fun characters like a black cat, a bat, candy corn, and more.
Perfect for trick-or-treaters or the craft at the classroom Halloween party.
Bath bombs are a great go-to for kids, and these are extra fun and festive!
While slime may be the bane of a parent’s existence, Halloween is the perfect time to let kiddos win the battle.
OK, this might not be the most fun treat, but it’s definitely needed on Halloween night—all those treats and walking make for some pretty parched kids! Download this free printable and DIY this cute (but practical) goodie.
If you’re feeling like splurging a bit this year or have a set number of kiddos to buy for, these painting kits are a must—especially since they can be personalized!
Few things will be as exciting to kiddos than fun vampire fangs that will be perfect for pretend play during Halloween season and beyond.
Temporary tattoos are by far the most desired goody in our non-food bowl year after year. You can’t go wrong with fun characters or features—like glitter or glow-in-the-dark tattoos.
Another splurge option the kids will be obsessed with! These sensory kits include dough, festive charms, and a lid.
Yes, these are back! And party stores have them to match any occasion—including Halloween!
Little duckies now come in costume—adorable for Halloween fun and the subsequent bath to follow.
One of the sweetest things about kids is they can quickly attach sentimental value to anything. We know these adorable balloons will become their newest prized possession.
It’s no secret that kids love anything they can squish. That’s exactly why these Halloween-themed mini squishies will be the hit of the neighborhood.
When the fun is over and the kids head back to school after Halloween, help ease the pain with a fun pen they can use for their schoolwork (or doodling!).
These stretchy skeletons will be all the rage and the new favorite toy for at least the rest of the week.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Editorial Assistant
As the Editorial Assistant, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!
Ojus Patel, Former Editor
Ojus is a freelance writer, editor, and former teacher who specialized in early childhood special education. In addition to The Everymom, her work has been featured on Babylist, Cubby, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Romper, and The Everygirl. When not chasing her two boys, Arian and Shea, and snuggling her daughter, Zadie, Ojus loves to write about the layered complexities of motherhood.