Easy ways to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween!
A little background
You can read all about The Teal Pumpkin Project here!
Halloween can be such a fun holiday for kids but for so many living with allergies and dietary restrictions sometimes the fun is taken away and replaced with worry. Having allergens in the house, even when wrapped, can be a stressor for both parents and kids. Taking this simple step to have non-food treats available can help to alleviate some of that worry and make the night more fun and inclusive.
Last year I was about to put chocolate into a little boys bag and he quickly asked if I had anything without chocolate because he and his younger sister were allergic to milk. I showed them the non-food treats I had and asked if they would rather choose a few things from there instead - their faces instantly lit up and it absolutely melted my heart! It is so easy to get involved and truly makes such a big difference for those living with allergies or intolerances!
Keep it simple
It might seem complicated to change up your normal candy buying routine but it can be so easy! Keep in mind that you can still give out candy to trick or treaters, The Teal Pumpkin Project focuses on having a non-food treat available for those with allergies! It's important that it's a non-food treat and not just a top 8 allergen free options because so many have allergies other than the top 8. Having a non-food treat available makes it easier for all to enjoy the holiday, even if just a few houses participate in a neighborhood, it can make such a difference for kids trick or treating with allergies.
Also keep in mind that since you don't have to give a non-food treat to every trick or treater you can easily participate in The Teal Pumpkin Project for around $5.00! Last year we had over 200 trick or treaters come to our house and within that I think only 5 asked for a non-food treat. The other good thing is that these items aren't food so they don't go bad, if you store them well you can always use them the following year too! 
Instead of asking each trick or treater if they need an allergy free treat, I put a sign on our door/window so that they know they can ask for one - FARE has some options to download here! There are even lawn/garden signs available if you prefer that or you can put a teal pumpkin on the steps - I prefer the sign because although many with allergies know about the project, each year I find so many that don't and may not know to ask after only seeing a teal pumpkin on the step!
I also saw this sign online and thought it was so cute! Teal Pumpkin Project Printable Sign - TidyLady.net
Non-food ideas: When picking items I like to think of what I was always excited to get as a kid as party favors or even at the arcade, simple toys can be so fun! I usually do a mixture of Halloween and non-Halloween theme.
Bubbles
Pencils & erasers
Stickers
Small toys/fidget toys
Small notebooks
Glow Sticks
Bouncy balls
Halloween Figures
I try to keep my non-food items away from my candy. I keep a basket of candy by the door and then put the non-food treats a few steps away on a table or the steps. Although candy is wrapped, I think it's better to be safe (you can always smell Reese's through a wrapper and I wouldn't want my non-food treats too close to them for those with a peanut allergy)!
Where to shop: Over the years I've seen so many more stores that have specific displays or online sections with items for The Teal Pumpkin Project! Online for Amazon and Target you can search "The Teal Pumpkin Project" and tons of options will come up! The Dollar Store, Five Below or a party store are also great places to check - think of party favors!
CVS Teal Pumpkin Section to shop non-food treats. They have tons of cute options and even a yard sign to show that you have options available.
Rainbow Springs (Slinkies) 24 pack for $10 at Party City
Monster mini Puzzle Cubes 12 for $7
24 Pack Assorted Halloween Themed Party Favors - Amazon has a ton of sets like this (always suggest checking reviews), you can get a variety pack to make little treat bags or let each kid pick something!
Family Card Games 4 pack at Target
12ct Squishies Halloween Party Favors at Target
6ct Halloween Party Favors Mini Push Pop Pumpkins at Target - I did something similar to these last year and they were a big hit!
Mini Bubbles at Target - I've done bubbles too and they're always a big hit! Amazon has tons of options for mini bubbles too
Disney Princess 8 Count Mini Play Pack (Small Coloring Book and Crayons) Walmart
Spider-Man Grab & Go Play Pack at Party City
The options are endless and it's so fun to get involved! I hope this helps give you some ideas if you want to participate in the teal pumpkin project this year! Let me know if you do😊🎃
This blog post is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by the Teal Pumpkin Project or FARE. There are no affiliate links contained in this post.
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