There are plenty of reasons to want to go candy-free this Halloween, or at least provide some candy-free alternatives. You may want to participate in the Teal Pumpkin project, which aims to include children with food allergies in trick-or-treating fun. Or, you might want to do your part to reduce the sugar intake of your littlest neighbors! Whatever your reason, below are some Halloween hand-outs that are sure to please from our Charleston SC dentist.
Mini Soaps
Most kids are fascinated by the concept of a plastic bug or other toy trapped inside clear soap. You can either make these unique prizes yourself, or purchase them online for just a few dollars. Just make sure that the items are clearly labeled as soap, and that parents are informed of what they are! You could also simply make colorful melt-and-pour soaps in a fun silicone mold of your choosing.
Glow bracelets and necklaces
Glow sticks and glow necklaces are inexpensive items that are fascinating to kids. And as an added bonus, they keep kids safe as they walk down the street in the dark—both in Halloween and beyond. Again, make sure that parents are aware that the glow sticks are there, because the chemicals inside them can be dangerous if they break.
Mini slime toys
Slime is all the rage these days, and it’s perfectly on-theme for Halloween. You could craft and package your own slime (we recommend avoiding recipes that use borax) or simply purchase it online. Kids just love digging their fingers into these ooey, goey prizes!
Food-shaped erasers
There’s no shortage of cute food erasers both on the internet and in toy stores. Originating in Japan, food-shaped erasers are available in almost any shape, from ice cream, to tacos, to cheeseburgers. We recommend buying a bulk package from an online seller. This pack on Amazon, for instance, provides 46 erasers for just $10. Again, make sure that parents of toddlers know what they are, as they look a lot like candy.
Stickers & Temporary Tattoos
Kids love putting stickers on binders, bikes, clothes, and themselves. You can never go wrong with a good set of stickers, and they’re pretty inexpensive, too! For older kids, you might opt for temporary tattoos instead. These gold “flash tattoos” are even popular among adults!
Take Care of Your Teeth at our Charleston Dentist Office
Sugar is a favorite food of bacteria that live on your teeth, which convert it into acid that destroys your enamel. Therefore, make sure to brush thoroughly after digging into the sugar on Halloween—or better yet, stick with the items on this list! If you have any concerns about your oral health, or just want to schedule a routine appointment, call our Charleston general dentist today!
