Can I tell you something? I don’t really like Halloween. Don’t get me wrong I love watching my kids dress up and get excited, but as a food allergy mom it adds a level of stress I typically try and avoid. My9 year old son, Ryan, has life threatening food allergies and not just to nuts, but eggs and seeds too. I have to say watching your little guy run up to a door only to walk away empty handed because he can’t even touch the treat being offered is heart breaking for a mom, but more than that it can be scary. I know I am lucky, my babies are happy and healthy and I realize that the world doesn’t need to change because my guy has allergies. But, I’ve got to say, I LOVE The Teal Pumpkin Project. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions. It’s really pretty simple and means the world to kids like Ryan and as an added bonus you won’t have all that extra candy calling to you for weeks on end. This year we are giving out slap bracelets and playdoh. For more information and fun ideas be sure to check out, https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project/get-started
Some Non Food Ideas include:
- Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
- Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
- Bubbles
- Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
- Mini Slinkies
- Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
- Bouncy balls
- Finger puppets or novelty toys
- Spider rings
- Vampire fangs
- Mini notepads
- Playing cards
- Bookmarks
- Stickers
- Stencils
Wishing you all a safe and Happy Halloween full of fun!
