25 Things to Pack for a Cruise
25 Things to Pack for a Cruise
Let’s be real. The absolute mountain of candy that accumulates after Halloween is… a lot. Like, my pantry is still recovering from last year’s haul. And while I’ll never say no to a mini Reese’s, I’ve started mixing things up for the trick-or-treaters who ring my bell.
There are a million reasons to go the non-candy route! You become an instant hero to parents of kids with food allergies (shoutout to the Teal Pumpkin Project!), you save little teeth from yet another sugar rush, and honestly, some of these toys are way more fun than a lollipop that’s gone in 60 seconds.
So, I tested, played with, and sourced the absolute best non-candy Halloween treats for 2026. These are the goodies that’ll make your house the coolest stop on the block, I promise.
I’m not kidding, kids go feral for these things. They’re soft, squishy, and come in adorable little ghost, pumpkin, and black cat shapes. You can find massive packs online, making them one of the best discount halloween treats you can buy in bulk.
A true classic for a reason. Handing out tiny tubs of Play-Doh is like giving the gift of a quiet afternoon to parents. They get a fun, creative toy, and mom gets 20 minutes of peace. Win-win.
There is nothing funnier than watching a tiny pair of chattering teeth skitter across a table. This pack comes with hopping skeletons, walking eyeballs, and little vampires. They’re ridiculous and kids love them.
I found a bag of bouncy balls with little eyeballs and spiders printed on them and immediately bought 100. They’re cheap, cheerful, and will inevitably get lost under the couch, but the joy is real.
Yes, they’ll probably stick it to the ceiling. Yes, it will collect dust. But the sheer delight on a kid’s face when they get a sticky hand is unmatched. A Halloween rite of passage.
Is it even Halloween if you don’t come home with a pair of plastic vampire fangs? I think not. They’re an absolute staple and barely cost anything.
Another must-have. These little black plastic rings are iconic. Get a giant bag and watch every kid who comes to your door immediately put one on.
These are so cute it almost hurts. Little vinyl monster and ghost finger puppets are perfect for the younger trick-or-treat crowd. They can put on a whole spooky show in the car on the way home.
You can get tiny plastic rainbow slinkys or festive orange and black ones. They’re mesmerizing and a perfect fidget toy for a kid who’s all hyped up.
For the kid who loves all things creepy and crawly. A handful of plastic spiders, worms, and flies is way cooler than a candy bar to the right trick-or-treater.
My number one draft pick, always. Kids immediately crack them and put them on, which makes them more visible as they walk around the neighborhood. It’s fun *and* functional. You can’t beat it.
Take the fun of a regular bouncy ball and add the magic of glowing in the dark. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in the coolness factor.
These are a step up from your basic glow stick. They’re jelly rings with a little light inside that flashes like crazy when you squish it. I wore one for an entire night, not gonna lie.
Handing out a tiny bag of plastic, glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars feels so nostalgic and sweet. It’s a treat that literally lasts for years.
A tiny keychain flashlight is surprisingly useful! Kids can clip it to their costume or candy bag for a little extra light and a lot of extra fun.
Just when you thought vampire fangs couldn’t get better, they did. These have that extra spooky factor when the lights go out.
Who doesn’t love stickers? A sheet of puffy ghosts or glittery pumpkins is a guaranteed hit. Plus, they’re super easy to buy in bulk.
You can find packs of teeny-tiny Halloween coloring books that are just a few pages long. Pair them with a single crayon and you’ve got a perfect little activity pack.
A pencil is a surprisingly popular treat. Kids always need them for school, and one with ghosts or candy corn on it is way more fun than the plain yellow kind.
Self-inking stamps are the best because there’s no messy ink pad involved. Kids can stamp little bats and witch hats on everything they own. Sorry, parents!
For a slightly older crowd, a small baggie with a few strands of orange, black, and purple embroidery floss is such a thoughtful idea. It’s a craft project to-go.
I will never be too old for a temporary tattoo. Find some with cool skulls, friendly ghosts, or spooky black cats. They’re easy to apply and even easier to hand out.
A tiny spiral notebook with a Halloween cover is perfect for jotting down secret plans or just doodling. I’d have loved this as a kid.
Forget the boring pink rectangles. We’re talking about erasers shaped like pumpkins, skulls, and zombies. They make homework at least 10% more fun.
A spooky bookmark is a great way to encourage reading! Find some with dangling skeleton charms or silly monster jokes printed on them.
The satisfying *snap* of a slap bracelet is timeless. They come in tons of Halloween patterns and are endlessly entertaining. I tested this myself, for science.
These are delightfully weird. It’s a plastic ring with giant googly eyes on top that jiggle when you move your hand. I’m obsessed.
An orange and black scrunchie or one with a cute ghost print is something they can wear all October long. A super practical and cute choice.
Think Mardi Gras beads, but make them spooky. Hand out strands of orange, purple, and black metallic beads. They’re festive and fun to layer.
Perfect if you have a lot of pirates ringing your bell, but honestly, any kid will love an eye patch. It instantly adds a little drama to their look.
You can find packs of headbands with googly-eye antennae or little devil horns. They’re silly, cute, and an instant costume accessory.
The snack that smiles back! A savory, cheesy cracker is the perfect antidote to a bag full of sugar. Parents will thank you for this one.
You can get giant tubs of these little pretzel bags, and the pretzels are shaped like bats and pumpkins! They’re salty, crunchy, and on-theme.
It’s called Pirate’s Booty, which is already a Halloween win. These baked puffs are a crowd-pleaser and feel a little healthier than fried chips.
So easy for little hands to manage, and it’s a refreshing treat after walking all over the neighborhood. No spoon required!
Okay, hear me out. After all that walking and talking, kids get thirsty! A tiny bottle of water with a cute Halloween label on it is a low-key genius move.
These little snack packs are always a hit. The chocolate chip or cheddar flavors are delicious and feel like a special treat.
Technically, these have sugar, but they’re in a different category than a chocolate bar. The Halloween-themed shapes are extra fun and they’re a familiar favorite.
A classic! A sweet and salty popcorn ball wrapped in festive cellophane just screams Halloween. You can buy them pre-made to save yourself the sticky mess.
If you have the time, you can draw a little jack-o’-lantern face on a clementine with a sharpie. It’s adorable, healthy, and so, so easy.
Don’t knock it ’til you try it. The little Sun-Maid boxes are nostalgic and a sweet little bite that isn’t pure cane sugar.
Look, no matter how many awesome non-candy treats you have, your own kids are still going to come home with a pillowcase full of chocolate. It’s just the law of Halloween. And once they’ve picked out their absolute favorites, you’re often left with a giant surplus.
Instead of letting it go stale in your pantry until Easter 2027, consider a trick or treat candy donation. So many organizations are happy to take your extras. Programs like Soldiers’ Angels and Operation Gratitude send candy to deployed troops, which is an amazing way to show support.
You can also search for local options to donate excess halloween candy. Many dentists’ offices, charities, and even homeless shelters run programs to collect it. A quick search for “donate halloween candy near me” will give you tons of great places to bring your sugary haul, making room for next year’s spooky season.
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