Allergy Friendly Treats for Halloween [Teal Pumpkin Project]
Holidays can be such a scary time for families trying to safely navigate their lives through food allergies, especially Halloween. That’s why the Teal Pumpkin Project is so near and dear to my heart. Both of my children have struggled with food allergies in their early years, and I know how hard it is to feel excluded.
It would be really difficult to find a food allergy friendly Halloween candy that works for everyone. There simply is no allergy free Halloween candy, and food allergies are extremely varied and individualized. That’s why I put together this guide. There are many non-food Halloween treats that you can offer to make sure everyone gets a little something special this Halloween.
For your convenience, all the products highlighted below—and TONS more—can be found in one, easy to access location on my Teal Pumpkin Treat Amazon List.
This post may contain affiliate links and may support DFW Craft Shows at no additional cost to you. DFWCS participates in the Amazon affiliate program, but DFWCS is in no way associated with Amazon or the items below. The opinions stated above are my own, and I have not received any sponsorship or free products from the aforementioned manufacturers.
1. Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are the gift your kids will love to use right away. These are perfect for Halloween night and help visibility as an added safety bonus. We especially loved this glow stick variety pack complete with glow in the dark glasses, necklaces, bracelets, and a ton of connectors to make glow in the dark toys and decor. But the fun doesn’t stop there, you can find all sorts of teal pumpkin treats that will illuminate your night, from bugs (uh, cool!?) to finger flashlights and flashing LED rings, so there’s no excuse to stay in the dark on this one.
2. Washi Tape
This one might seem weird, but I swear washi tape is one of my kids’ FAVORITE things. She uses it to decorate gifts, cards, drawings, me, her brother, the Kleenex box… Everything gets an extra special arts and crafts touch around here.
3. Stickers
I’ve yet to meet a kid that didn’t love stickers. My daughter hordes them, and my son eats them. (Okay, maybe he’s not the best example.) These vinyl stickers are awesome because kids young and old can use them to decorate their art, devices, school supplies, folders etc.
4. Stamps
Stamps can be iffy for some really sensitive kids, especially ones who struggle with anaphylaxis or FPIES, as the inks can contain soy. (The same is true of bubbles.) We’ve had a lot of kids ask about them, though, so I usually include them in my teal pumpkin treat assortment. You can find a variety of Halloween stamps, but they don’t have to be Halloween, themed, of course. Any themed stamps are super exciting when it’s time to sit down and get creative.
5. Variety Packs
Halloween Variety Packs feature all sorts of goodies like Halloween themed pencils, stickers, and rubber duckies. This other Variety Pack has everything from vampire fangs to fake fingers.
6. Animal Erasers
When I was a kiddo, I had a full collection of erasers that I treasured. My children share this love, as they are both creating their own impressive collection of animal and food puzzle erasers. They take them apart and put them back together over and over again, but they also do some great imaginative play with them. Do not give these to the wee little ones though… they could be choking hazards for sure.
7. Temporary Tattoos
If your kids are handing out candy and treats, what about letting them set up a little temporary tattoo stand at the front door? There’s a million different designs to choose from, and it only takes about 15 – 30 seconds to apply. Use a spray bottle and have a couple of towels on hand–they are sure to have a blast! Again, anything with ink can contain soy, but that’s the great thing about having multiple options. The parents will guide the kids to the treat that is the right fit for them.
8. Sticky Hands
No treat box is complete without something sticky and weird. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But, Tania, I don’t really like sticky hands. Is there something else that’s sticky and fun?” Oh boy, Barbara. You bet your bottom dollar there is. (I highly recommend the monkey noodles. My kids are playing or fidgeting with one at all times lately, it seems.)
Tip: For the youngest of youngsters, consider handing toys directly to them/their parents or ask mom and dad to choose. That way you don’t have to experience the joys that are a toddler spurned when they accidentally pick something out that is not age appropriate.
9. Slap Bracelets
Slap Bracelets were The Thing™ when we were in school, and they have withstood the test of time. They even have slap bracelet watches now. Brilliant.
10. Fidgets
Fidgets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and make for a seriously fun allergy friendly Halloween treat. Different fidget types appeal to different sensory needs, so there is no “best fidget” to buy. Try a variety and see what the kids in your area like. Here are just a few of our favorites:
The list goes on
Each year I buy a few new allergy friendly Halloween treats to get in the Halloween spirit, and I mix those with our current selection left over from the previous years. Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project does not have to be expensive or time consuming. Matter of fact, one of the great things about non-food Halloween treats is the ability to save leftovers year to year. And, unlike leftover candy, your extra teal pumpkin goodies will not negatively affect your waistline or your wallet. After Halloween, I hit the clearance aisles to replenish our allergy friendly Halloween stash.
Are you beginning to see the endless possibilities for your teal pumpkin treats? It is not at all difficult or expensive to offer an inclusive Halloween experience, and it means the world to food allergy families to be able to just enjoy such a food-centric holiday. All we want for our kids is to enjoy their holidays like everyone else, and every teal pumpkin is a step toward realizing that dream. If you are still looking for something that catches your eye, all the items above (and much more) can be found in one convenient location on my Teal Pumpkin Treat List on Amazon.
A word of advice
Avoid non food gifts that may contain food ingredients such as Play Doh, Slime, Crayons, etc. There are lots of “Top 8 Allergen Friendly” candies out there that you can have on hand, but please be aware that many children are allergic to foods outside of the Top 8 and would not be able to enjoy these “allergen friendly treats.” Having first hand experience with kiddos who don’t play by the “popular” food allergy rules, I like to skip the food-based treats all together.
We appreciate you
To everyone who has taken the time to read this, buy food allergy safe treats, and pop a teal pumpkin out front—I want you to know the magnitude of what you’re doing. For children who have no allergy friendly Halloween candy options, that teal pumpkin on your porch is like a beacon of light in the dark, dark seas of food allergies. This one small gesture of inclusion means everything to a parent and child who are trying their best to just have one “normal” holiday experience.
Thank you for providing allergy safe halloween treats. Thank you for thinking of our families.
You can read more about the teal pumpkin project here.
Links included above are affiliate links and may support DFW Craft Shows at no additional cost to you. DFWCS participates in the Amazon affiliate program, but DFWCS is in no way associated with Amazon or the items above. The opinions stated within are my own, and I have not received any sponsorship or free products from the aforementioned manufacturers.
Originally posted on October 18, 2018.
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6 thoughts on “Allergy Friendly Treats for Halloween [Teal Pumpkin Project]”
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Hi, I'm Tania!
Thanks for stopping by DFW Craft Shows! Our blog is home to tons of creative inspiration, gift guides, tutorials, featured artists, and tips for small businesses trying to make their mark in the arts & crafts world.
Wow! This is an amazing list! I’ve never thought about giving things other than food. Great ideas. 😊
Love this list! We also participate in the real pumpkin project in honor of our youngest who cannot have any Halloween candy. This gave me some great new ideas to add to our pumpkin!
Love these allergy friendly ideas
Love these ideas!!!
What a fantastic list full of really great ideas! You’re absolutely right – what kid doesn’t love a sticker?!!
Thank you for sharing this 😊
These are great ideas for candy alternatives. Thanks for sharing!