Creative Halloween Treat Alternatives for Children with Food Allergies

Halloween brings excitement with costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, treats! For children with food allergies, however, this festive time can feel stressful. Traditional sweets may cause anxiety about allergic reactions, but fear not! There are many creative, fun alternatives that ensure all children can join in the Halloween spirit together.

For the last ten years, Halloween has been both magical and challenging for us. Living in Kingsway, where Halloween is bigger than Christmas and the whole community comes alive with decorations, costumes, and excitement, I’ve always loved taking part—especially handing out treats and joining in the fun. But having a child with a severe milk allergy has made the night a lot trickier. When Jack was little, we only went to the homes of people we knew, and during the day, I’d secretly drop off dairy-free chocolate to make sure he didn’t miss out. That worked perfectly—until Jack discovered the joy of knocking on every door he could find! We had to come up with a new plan: he could keep the treats we knew were safe, and we’d swap the rest for something even better once we got home. Now that he’s ten, he’s learned to wink and say, “I’ll take the Cadbury’s one,” because he knows that one’s for me! Over the years, I’ve made sure to hand out allergy-friendly treats like Haribo and even non-edible options—I used to save up McDonald’s toys, and this year I’ve stocked up on Temu party filler boxes.

It’s 1 in 30 kids who have an allergy—so what do you do to make sure there’s a backup option for those little ones on your doorstep? In this post, we’ll explore some fantastic non-food treat ideas that are both safe and delightful for children with allergies.

A collection of Halloween-themed toys and decorations for children

Fun and Festive Non-Food Treats

1. Halloween-Themed Stickers

Stickers are timeless! This Halloween, consider giving out spooky designs, from ghosts to pumpkins and witches. Children love to personalise their notebooks and water bottles with stickers. For instance, a pack of 50 Halloween stickers can be found for less than £5 at craft stores or online, making them an easy and budget-friendly choice.

2. Glow Sticks and Glow Bracelets

As night falls on Halloween, glow sticks and bracelets light up the festivities! Not only do they add to the fun, but they also enhance kids' visibility during trick-or-treating. You can buy packs of 100 glow sticks for around £15. They are available in various colours and shapes, appealing to all ages.

3. Mini Puzzles or Games

Why not hand out small puzzles or travel-sized games for Halloween? These gifts can keep kids entertained long after the evening is over. For example, a Halloween-themed puzzle set with 50 pieces is perfect for kids and can encourage family bonding during the spooky season.

4. Craft Kits

Encourage creativity with Halloween-themed craft kits! Look for kits that include colouring books, crayons, and DIY decoration sets. Children can create spooky crafts that serve as decorations or party activities. A set of 12 mini craft kits can often be purchased for under £20, providing a wonderful activity for groups.

5. Temporary Tattoos

Temporary tattoos are a big hit! Kids adore designs like bats and spiders, which can be easily applied and removed. You can find sets of 25 Halloween tattoos for around £10. These can be a fun way for children to show off their Halloween spirit.

6. Bubbles

Bubbles bring joy to children of all ages! Small bottles of bubble solution with Halloween-themed labels can provide endless fun. They are inexpensive and can be bought in bulk, allowing for party favours or handouts while trick-or-treating.

7. Halloween-Themed Colouring Books

Colouring books keep kids engaged and allow for creativity. Seek out Halloween-themed books filled with festive designs. Pair these with a set of crayons for a complete gift. A set of 10 colouring books can range from around £30, making each child feel special during the celebration.

8. Miniature Toys

Small toys, such as Halloween-themed bouncy balls or figurines, are excellent treats. These toys are easy to carry and offer hours of fun. A set of 20 bouncy balls costs about £15, ensuring each child has a festive surprise.

9. Halloween Masks

Masks can add excitement to Halloween! Distributing fun, themed masks lets children express their favourite characters. Simple paper masks or fabric ones add to the overall festivities and thrill of the season. They can be purchased in bulk for around £25 for 30 masks.

10. DIY Treat Bags

Show off your creativity by making custom treat bags! Decorate plain bags with your own Halloween art or stickers to make them unique. Fill them with various non-food treats, turning an ordinary gift into something special. These personalised efforts are sure to delight every child.

Making Halloween Fun for Everyone

Halloween can be a wonderful time for children with food allergies. By offering creative non-food alternatives, you can make sure every child feels included and enjoys the celebration. From stickers and glow sticks to craft kits and miniature toys, there are countless options that will keep the spirit of Halloween alive and joyful.

This Halloween, let’s celebrate the fun and joy of the season, creating memorable experiences for all children. By being thoughtful and creative, we can ensure it’s a Halloween everyone can enjoy!