| Let's face it - Halloween is not great for the | | | | balls and toy tops. There are also keepsakes, like rings; |
| environment with all of those little packages, wrappers, | | | | necklaces; stuffed toys; glow-in-the-dark-teeth and |
| costume bags, face paints, etc. It is not great for our | | | | light-up pins. There are practical items such as mini |
| waist lines or teeth either. Since I am always looking | | | | flashlights; socks; reflective necklaces and coffee |
| for ways to improve things, I feel I have stumbled upon | | | | mugs - although these will usually cost around $1 each. |
| a great solution to make Halloween trick or treat bags | | | | Craft items are also fun and useful and can include |
| safer. How? Give out Halloween toys instead of | | | | wood shapes; markers; foam kits; stampers and glitter |
| candy. | | | | glue. |
| What are Halloween toys? There are a number of | | | | As always, look for items that are made from |
| items that you can buy for around the same cost as | | | | recycled materials. |
| candy. My favorites are ones that will be used and | | | | Kids love to get toys and receiving them as Halloween |
| reused often. Pencils decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, | | | | treats helps to cut down on the amount of candy and |
| ghouls and witches make a fun reminder of Halloween | | | | sugar they eat. Halloween toys are also great for |
| that kids can use at school or at home. Erasers and | | | | schools, clubs and parties. Unlike candy, toys do not |
| pencil toppers also come in a variety of fun shapes | | | | cause obesity, tooth decay or allergic reactions. Toys |
| and sizes. Since kids need these items anyways, why | | | | are harder to tamper with, so kids are safer. Best of |
| not give them instead of candy? | | | | all, you do not have to worry about over-buying. If you |
| There are also items for recess or play, like: bouncy | | | | have toys left over, simply store them for next year. |
| balls that look like eyeballs; squishy balls; soft spiked | | | | You can't do that with candy! |