Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treats

by Jen L.

My son is allergic to peanuts, so Halloween in our world is a little different.  We have to be vigilant about checking his candy and even more careful about homemade treats.  Our preschool is one that doesn't allow homemade treats for class parties. I understand the policy, really I do, but it still makes me sad that it has to be in place. It means gobs of store-bought icing atop a dry cupcake most of the time.  But I digress. 

So many store-bought candy mixes have candy that contains allergens.  Peanuts aren't the only culprit--lots of folks are allergic to dairy, which rules out chocolate. (HOW SAD.)  This year, I'm trying to be allergy-friendly, but also creative, with my candy choices.

My favorite treat for Halloween has and always will be the ghost lollipop:

Now these are very fancy, using cute ribbons and white fabric.  My version is a little more "budget," if you will, using a Kleenex and a ribbon or a piece of yarn.  I draw the eyes and a little "O" mouth (so it looks like he's saying "boo" with a Sharpie.  I typically use Tootsie Pops for these, but in order to eliminate chocolate, I'm using Blo-Pops this year.  These will be taken to preschool for their Halloween carnival.

For trick-or-treaters, we always make sure to buy candy we like to eat, just in case we have leftovers.  We like a lot of non-chocolate stuff, so that's a pretty easy task.  This year, we're going with Chewy Lemonheads.  They are delicious and the individual-size boxes are the perfect size to tame your sweet tooth.

I read an article recently in which a woman said she gave out juice boxes to trick or treaters.  That seems like a great idea!  We always go trick or treating down Main Street in our town and we ALWAYS have to stop for a drink because my son gets so thirsty.  Giving out little juice boxes seems like a great candy alternative. And of course, there are tons of non-edible items you could hand out...but Halloween is such a candy holiday that I can't break from the tradition.

What type of Halloween candy or treats are you giving out this year?

 

(Photo credits:  ghosts-- DisneyMike on Fllickr   Lemonheads--Candy Warehouse)

Comments

[RA]

Umm, Chewy Lemonheads?! I must have them.

[RA]

Um, Chewy Lemonheads? I must have them.

[Heather]

Juice boxes are a great idea!