The rising cost of chocolate, spikes in childhood obesity, and the fright of food allergies in children have more and more consumers opting for non-traditional treats for Halloween.

Ever heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project? It began in Fall 2012 when an East Tennessee food allergy support group had the idea to paint a pumpkin teal (the awareness color for food allergies) and place it on porches to let children know safe treats were being given at that home. In the following years, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization helped turn it into a worldwide movement. In the United States alone, FARE reports that 1 in 13 children are living with a food allergy. With some allergies being life-threatening, what is often a happy trick-or-treating journey for some kids, becomes a much more treacherous experience for others.

Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to edible treats, you also offer non-food goodies that are safe for all trick-or-treaters. There are even window clings and lawn flags with teal pumpkins now if painting one isn’t your thing.

Many homeowners are replacing sugary treats with healthier options and being a bit more frugal because the cost of candy is skyrocketing this time of year. Besides, if you have leftovers you just know you’ll be eating them yourself, and who needs that?

So, we compiled a list of our favorite alternatives to candy, gathered from families and neighborhoods we know and love. Hopefully, they’ll strike a gourd with you too!

• Bubbles - You can score big packs of these in mini colored or themed bottles for cheap from numerous sources

• Mini bottles of water - Those cute 8 oz bottles are a perfect way for kids to rehydrate even while they’re walking to the next house

• Ice pops - Kids can take them home and throw them in the freezer for a snack another day

• Toys - From fidget spinners to bouncy balls and rubber ducks, there are plenty of budget-friendly toys to keep kids occupied

• Snack bags - Fruit snacks, pretzels, or crackers

• Stickers - These are inexpensive enough that you can give more than one

• Temporary tattoos - There are plenty of fun styles to choose from and kids LOVE them

• Mini boxes of crayons - Add more color to their world

• Coloring pages - Buy them or make your own and throw them in the copier for a bigger supply

• Glow-in-the-dark ANYTHING - Necklaces, bracelets, or sticks are fun for all ages

• Whistles - Because it’s the perfect night to make some noise, though parents might curse your name later

• Mini flashlights - Helps chase the boogeyman away later at bedtime

• Pencils and/or pencil top erasers - Halloween themed or glow-in-the-dark fun that also helps motivate schoolwork

• Positivity - Cleverly wrapped messages that promote positivity and encouragement (for those of reading age)

• Hot chocolate - Individual packets make a great warm-up treat in colder climates

• Money - Coins for the littles and dollar bills for the older kids to add to their piggy banks

• Stampers - Kids love to leave their mark on everything

• Character bandaids - For chasing those ghastly Boo-Boos away

• Plastic spider or googly-eye rings - Or even some silly finger puppets

• Tricks instead of treats - Captivate their attention with a magic trick or throw some fake, plastic bugs or snakes in their bucket to scare their family with later

What’s on your list that didn’t make ours? Whatever you’re planning in your neck of the haunted woods, all of the howlers here at Homes by AnnDavid, Inc. wish you and your family a safe, fun, and fang-tastic Halloween!