It’s that time of year…costumed youngsters trick or treating for goodies to fill up their bags.  And, then the days after of telling kids, “No, you can’t eat 10 pieces of candy before dinner (or before bed)!”  Most parents would admit that sugaring up their kids during Halloween is acceptable and a fun once a year treat.  But, if you have concerns over the amount of preservatives, artificial anything, sugar etc. that your child might be ingesting or that you are handing out to others, then check out these somewhat healthier Halloween alternatives:

Organic or Natural Sweet Treats

• Organic Lollipops or Drops like YummyEarth Organic Lollipops 5 lb bag or YummyEarth Organic Lollipops 30 oz container

• Organic Fruit Snacks like Annie’s Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

• Organic Gummy Bears like YummyEarth Organic Gummy Bears or Surf Sweets Organic Gummy Bears

• Organic Jelly Beans like Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Bean Snack Packs

• Individual bags of organic crackers or cookies like Annie’s Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies Baked Crackers or Barbara’s Bakery Snackimals Animal Cookies

• Individual bags of all natural popcorn like Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar

• Organic Fruit Strips or 100% Real Fruit Leather like Clif Kid Organic Fruit Rope or Stretch Island Original Fruit Leather

• Miniature Dark Chocolate Bars (hey, dark chocolate is good for you, right?!)

• Organic Raisins like Sun Maid California Organic Raisins

• Fruit with peels like Clementines

Inedible Items (great for class parties):

• Stickers

• Pencils

• Bookmarks

• Spider rings or other Halloween themed mini toys

• Mini playdoh containers

• Seed packets for gardening

Have you thought about what you are handing out this year?  Feel free to suggest other healthier alternatives in the comments below!