Ghosts, ghouls and goblins have nothing on the hair-raising specter of treats for many kids with food allergies this time of year.

That’s because the candy many of us put into the eager little hands on our doorstep can be dangerous to the estimated 1 in 13 American children with food allergies.

Fortunately, with a little know-how, you can plan safe Halloween treats for all children.

For nearly 15 years, Food Allergy Research & Education’s Teal Pumpkin Project has encouraged Americans to offer the option of nonfood Halloween treats. By displaying a teal pumpkin, you signal that you have nonedible treats that have been kept separate from any other food or candy you might also hand out.

In fact, you can even list your address to make it easier for families to plan their route by signing up for the Teal Pumpkin Project Map.

Here are ideas for nonfood treats to delight the witches, monsters and clowns at your door:

• Stickers
• Bubbles
• Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces or wands
• Slap bracelets
• Spider rings
• Pencils
• Finger puppets
• Fidget toys
• Mini slime
• Pokémon or other trading cards
• Bookmarks
• Novelty erasers
• Friendship bracelets
• Bendy or sticky toys
• Mini rubber ducks
• Mini puzzles
• Bouncy balls
• Coloring pages

Many of these items are packaged as Halloween party favors in retail stores or can be ordered in bulk from online retailers. Most nonfood treats don’t expire, so it’s easy to plan ahead and stock up during post-Halloween clearance sales or gradually throughout the year.

Head to the Teal Pumpkin Project for more ideas for a happy and inclusive Halloween.

Source: Food Allergy Research & Education