5 Halloween Treats to Hand Out That Aren’t Candy

Not every trick-or-treater wants (or needs) another chocolate bar.

Every house has that one neighbor, the one who hands out something unique. If you’re tired of being “the lame candy house” this Halloween, here are five kid-loving alternatives that’ll have trick-or-treaters sprinting to your porch.

1. Glow Sticks & Light-Up Toys

Kids love anything that glows, plus it helps parents keep track of little ghouls after dark.

Hot tip: Buy them in bulk at Dollar Tree or H-E-B party aisles for less than $0.50 each. Bonus: They double as mini safety lights while trick-or-treating.

2. Spooky Stickers & Temporary Tattoos

Halloween-themed sticker sheets or tattoos are a hit for all ages. You can grab 50-packs for a few bucks at Walmart or Oriental Trading, making this both cheap and fun.

3. Mini Fidget Toys & Slime

Pop-its, squishy monsters, stretchy skeletons, these tiny toys are more exciting to many kids than another fun-size Snickers. Check Target’s dollar section or order a mixed Halloween fidget pack online.

4. Halloween Pencils, Erasers & School Swag

Surprisingly, themed pencils and erasers are still a top trade item among kids after trick-or-treating. Think pumpkins, ghosts, or glitter pencils, easy to find in bulk at Dollar General or Walmart’s seasonal aisle. Teachers love these too.

5. Mini Juice Boxes or Spooky Snack Packs

After a long candy haul, kids (and parents) are often thirsty. Handing out mini juice boxes, pretzel packs, or Halloween-themed Goldfish is a clever way to stand out. You’ll be remembered as “the house with the snacks” long after the sugar rush fades.