Each Halloween I love to treat the little ghosts and goblins with a special treat they don’t get elsewhere. We started this Sutton family tradition more than 40 years ago, even before I started Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.

Instead of handing candy to the trick-or-treaters our treat of choice is 100 percent fruit juice, no sugar added – of course. My late husband, Kelly, and I loved seeing their eyes light up with delight when we’d hand them their cold, refreshing juice.

The kids love it! The parents love it too. It has become so popular of a stop that everyone looks forward to it every year. There’s only so much candy one can collect (and eat). I like to think that I’m setting a healthy, positive message and a delicious one too. Candy is fine in moderation, in fact, chocolate has many health benefits in proper portions – not in gratuitous proportions often associated with Halloween!

There’s much more than candy that you can give away at Halloween and with it right around the corner, I thought I’d provide you with a list of ideas that are a nice alternative to candy.

Non-Food Goodies:

• Mini balls or toys, balloons and jump ropes
• Stickers, temporary tattoos and mini notepads
• Yo-yos, glow sticks, and bracelets
• Bookmarks, gift certificates and chalk
• Spooky rings, silly glasses and vampire fangs
• Crayons, pencils, erasers and markers
• Playdoh, Silly Putty, Flarp! and slime

Food Goodies:

• Raisins, dried cranberries and trail mix
• Pretzels, popcorn and popcorn balls
• Almonds, peanuts and seeds
• Applesauce cups and real fruit squeezers
• Graham sticks or crackers
• Cheese crackers, granola bars and cereal bars
• Fruit bars and 100 percent fruit juice

Hopefully one or more of these ideas has given you a new idea to provide the little trick-or-treaters who will visit you next week. Have a happy and safe Halloween!