Halloween is big business in America. Last year, consumers spent 8.4 billion on Halloween decorations, costumes, entertainment, and treats! Of the 8.4 billion, a whopping 2.5 billion is spent on candy, alone. At Dental Care of Boca Raton, we’re realistic; we know that ghosts and goblins of all ages enjoy the seasonal sweets of Halloween. We don’t want to be part of your Halloween spending this year, so here are some alternatives that might keep you, your teeth, and your neighborhood kids a bit healthier this year.
Non-Consumables – The kids will be getting plenty of candy from other neighbors, so there’s no need to worry about depriving them of their sugar. Some other “treats” that children enjoy include:
- Temporary Tattoos – Long after the candy is gone, they can still enjoy a temporary Spider-Man on their forearm.
- Halloween Pencils and Erasers – By the end of October, the school supplies that were purchased at the beginning of the school year have long since disappeared. Pencils and erasers are affordable options that will be appreciated by parents and teachers alike.
- Glow Sticks, Bracelets, or Necklaces – These are fun any time of the year. While kids usually wait until they get home to break into the candy, they can enjoy glow sticks immediately. Bonus: Having reflective, lighted, or glowing items on or near the kids add an extra measure of safety.
Better-for-you Treats – If you’re worried that you’ll be the subject of scorn after giving non-consumable treats away for Halloween, here are a few options that are better than sugary candy.
- Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews, or Pistachios – All of these are available in snack-sized packages. They are full of fiber and protein, making them a better option than candy. Plus, even kids need a break from the sugar after a while.
- Beef Jerky – Just like nuts and legumes, these contain protein and can help sustain the appetites of trick-or-treaters until they can get home to their candy.
- Dark Chocolate – Chocolate melts as it’s chewed, so it won’t stick to teeth in the same way as other candies. Dark chocolate, in particular, has far less sugar and contains antioxidants, making it an ideal option if your heart is set on handing out candy.
This Halloween, consider thinking outside the box when selecting what treats to hand out. If you do succumb to tooth decay (even if it’s not the result of too much candy), then contact Dental Care of Boca Raton today. We’ll go out of our way to make sure your smile doesn’t resemble that of a jack-o-lantern.
