Halloween is an exciting time of year with jack-o'-lanterns, decorations, parties, costumes, and trick-or-treating. And everywhere you look, candy and treats are waiting to be devoured. Does the thought of so much sugary Halloween candy around make you shudder with fright? With a little creativity, you can add fun, healthy Halloween treats into the mix, whether you’re hosting a costume party with friends, fixing a festive lunchbox treat or classroom snack, or making a spooky dinner. Try these tricks and treats to make your Halloween festivities a little healthier for family, friends, and trick-or-treaters.

Spooky Fun Halloween Fare

Serve up healthy snacks dressed in Halloween themes like cheesy bloodshot eyeballs, carrot witch fingers, banana ghosts, apple monster mouths, and spooky spider deviled eggs. Here are a few of our frighteningly favorite ideas:

Trick or Treats to Go

We’ve scared up some of our favorite transportable treat ideas that are kid-friendly and mom-approved.

• 100% juice boxes or pouches
• Snack-size packages of pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, dried fruit or vegetables, trail mix, nuts, or pumpkin seeds
• 100% real fruit strips, ropes, or leather brands
• Sugar-free gum

These hauntingly healthy snacks are as fun to make as they are to eat. Great for party favors or to give out as healthier treat options.

What to Do with Gobs of Candy

If your kids do end up with an excess of less healthy Halloween treats, here are some ways to enjoy the evening’s haul responsibly and get rid of leftover candy:

• Keep enough candy for each child to have one or two pieces a day for one or two weeks--long enough for the excitement to fade.
• When your child asks for a piece of candy, pair it with a healthy snack: an apple or banana, some nuts, crumbled into yogurt, or celery with peanut butter.
• “Purchase” candy from your child with money or tokens they can trade in for a fun activity: an afternoon matinee, extra time playing at the park, going ice-skating, or dinner at their favorite pizza joint.
• Save some for holiday baking.
• Use well-wrapped candy to add to candy bowls for Thanksgiving guests or to fill the Christmas stockings.
• Use it to decorate a holiday gingerbread house or use in an arts and crafts project.
• Donate extra candy to a homeless shelter, children’s hospital, or care package program for troops overseas. Sometimes, a local dentist may have a program for accepting excess Halloween candy.

Looking for more creative ways to celebrate Halloween? Try making these DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags for those healthy Halloween treats.