Halloween night can be a scary time for any kid, but especially for those with food allergies. It isn’t just Halloween night, but every Halloween carnival or activity where kids are decorating cookies, bobbing for apples, or darting for dangling doughnuts on a string.
Not only are the kids scared, but parents too. Nobody wants to interrupt a party with a trip to the emergency room!
If this is your first Halloween managing food allergies and you’re wondering how to safely navigate the festivities while still keeping your kids included and having fun, here’s a list of ideas that can help:
Look for a support group event
Is there a food allergy support group in your area? Check out the support group directories at FARE and FAACT to find out. Chances are, there’s an allergy friendly event that you’re invited to attend!
Coordinate in Advance
Before Halloween night, purchase treats that are safe for your child and distribute them to your neighbors, asking them to give your child this special treat when your child stops by.
Save unsafe treats for the Peanut Goblin
Unsafe treats distributed at parties? Unsafe treats found in your child’s trick or treat bag? Learn about the peanut goblin here. It’s a great way to limit sweets even for your kids without food allergies.
Choose neighborhoods wisely
Take your kids to a lower or middle income neighborhood to trick or treat. Make sure you are choosing a neighborhood that is safe, but stay away from the really nice homes where everyone gives out candy bars. You’re more likely to find allergy friendly treats like dum dum suckers, smarties, and Dots candies at homes where people are trying to make their dollars stretch.
Pumpkin Hunt
Set up a special hunt of your own in your yard or home for your kids (much like and Easter Egg Hunt). Hide treats and toys inside of small pumpkin ceramics or crafts.
Host a Trick or Treating Adventure
Instead of collecting treats door to door on Halloween, dress up in themed costumes and decorate your yard or garage to match the theme. Consider a spook alley, candyland, or favorite fairy tale setting. Guests can walk through a short tour of your adventure and collect an allergy friendly toy or treat (don’t forget your teal pumpkin) when they exit. Make sure you have enough treats/toys that your kids get to keep some for themselves when the night is over.
Plan a Party or DIY Backyard Carnival
Skip trick or treating all together and invite your neighbors and friends to attend your halloween party or backyard carnival instead. Check out our pinboard for fun party ideas.
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