Inclusivity at Halloween: How to Make Halloween Fun for Everyone

• What do ghosts ask for when they want a candy alternative? “Booberries, please!”
• Why did the skeleton skip the Halloween candy? He didn’t have the guts for it!

Halloween is a time for spooky fun and sweet treats, but for some kids—especially those with food allergies or diabetes—it can be a challenging holiday. The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can help ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable Halloween for every kid in the neighborhood. Here’s how to make Halloween work for everyone, even those with specific dietary needs.

Offer Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treats

Did you know that around one in 13 kids in the U.S. has a food allergy? So many popular Halloween candies contain common allergens like eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat! And even the smallest amount can cause a reaction, making Halloween a tricky time for kids with allergies.

Luckily, there are plenty of allergy-friendly Halloween candies out there! Consider treats like Swedish Fish, Starbursts, or Sour Patch Kids, or check out this Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candy Guide for more options. And why stick only to candy? Try tossing in some clementines. They’re healthy and bright and little kids LOVE them! Plus, you can decorate them to look like tiny pumpkins!

Non-Food Halloween Treats

Non-food treats can be a huge win for everyone, especially kids with food allergies or those who have dietary restrictions. Think: stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, or fun little toys—these non-candy options are always hit, and the best? They’re great for ALL kids. (Just remember to keep them in a separate bowl from the candy to avoid cross-contamination!)

Join the Teal Pumpkin Project for Food Allergy Awareness

Have you ever seen a teal pumpkin on someone’s porch during Halloween? It’s part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, an amazing initiative that helps make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies. By placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, you signal to trick-or-treaters that you offer non-food options. It’s a small but powerful gesture. And if you don’t have a teal pumpkin handy, no worries! You can download a flyer or display your own sign to let families know you're participating.

Halloween Fun for Kids with Diabetes

Did you know that more than 352,000 kids in the U.S. live with diabetes? It’s a topic that’s especially close to our hearts at Sticky Fingers Cooking. My daughters and I share a genetic form of diabetes, and our founder’s daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a child. For families managing any form of diabetes, Halloween easily feels like sugar overload—but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are so many fun activities that go beyond candy. Think: pumpkin carving, visiting a haunted house, hosting a costume contest, or playing a fun monster-themed board game. 

If you do offer candy for Halloween, keep in mind:

• Kids with diabetes CAN enjoy sweets! It’s all about planning, and not all candy is the same. Cheat sheets like this can be handy!
• Sugar-free candies aren’t always the best choice. While they may seem like a good option, they often contain sugar alcohols, which can cause tummy troubles if eaten in large amounts.
• When it comes to portion sizes, offering one special piece of candy instead of a whole handful can be a great way to keep things balanced!

Make Halloween Inclusive for Everyone

This Halloween, whether you’re handing out allergy-friendly treats, offering non-food goodies, or planning fun activities that don’t revolve around candy, your small efforts can make a huge difference. By making just a few thoughtful adjustments, you can help ensure that every child—whether they have food allergies, diabetes, or other dietary needs—can enjoy a fun and safe Halloween.

So go on, get spooky, and make this Halloween one to remember for all the right reasons!​​​​​​​

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