Halloween can be a tricky time of year for little ones with allergies. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of planning, you can transform your trick-or-treating experience into an inclusive celebration. Here’s a few of our favorite tips to make Halloween safe and spectacular for kiddos with allergies:

Take Time to Prepare for Different Scenarios at Home:

• Teach Awareness: Kids love a good bargain at the lunch table. Trading a pack of gummies for a mini chocolate bar—that’s a steal! As much fun as trading sweets and treats can be, it can be really tough for kids with allergies. Take time at home to go your child to read ingredient lists and know the key words to look out for. This can also include role-playing emergency scenarios to make sure they know what to do if they have a reaction.
• Chat with Your Neighbors In Advance: If trick-or-treating in a close-knit neighborhood, inform the neighbors you feel close to about your child’s allergies in advance. Some people may be willing to provide allergy-friendly treats or non-food items for Halloween. You’ll never know until you ask!
• Use a Trick-or-Treat Bag with a Message: To help communicate your child’s allergies with the people they may be taking candy from, try using an allergy-labeled treat bag. Bag keychains or labeled-bracelets stating “Food Allergy Alert” can help remind others to be mindful when offering treats.

Try to Stay in the “Spooky” Spirit

• Pack Allergy-Friendly Treats: Before heading out, pack a small bag of allergy-friendly treats that your child can enjoy while trick-or-treating. If they can’t indulge in the candy immediately, they won’t feel left out. Pre-packaged allergy-friendly snacks can also help reduce the risk of exposure to allergens while they are out!
• Pre-Sort Your Child’s Treats: After trick-or-treating, try to contain your kiddo’s excitement and sort through your child’s candy haul when they come home. Remove any items containing allergens or lack clear ingredient labeling. If your child comes home with lots of allergen-containing candy, try to set up a system where they trade unsafe candy for non-edible goodies, like sticker books. 

Learn More From the Teal Pumpkin Project

• The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to promote inclusion for children with food allergies during Halloween. Families place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their home to signal that they offer non-food treats, allowing children with allergies to safely participate in the fun. This global movement encourages households to provide small toys or trinkets instead of, or in addition to, candy, ensuring that Halloween is enjoyable for everyone.