TRICK OR TREAT: SWEETS AND OTHER TREATS ROUNDUP.

With Halloween fast approaching it is getting time to stock up on goodies for the little ghouls, Iron Men and Lady GaGa's that will showing up on your doorstep.

Don't's:   

1. Fresh home baked items.  It is sad because I loved these the best growing up in a small town, but in today's day and age, unless it comes from someone you know and trust (and if the kids hit a lot of houses you are not likely to remember) the child safety sites always recommend throwing away.
2. Unless you want to have a bowl of treats for tots 3 and under to avoid a choking hazard,  it would be best to avoid any thing they might potentially choke on.    
3. Peanuts - although a healthier alternative than candy, some kids have allergies and they too could be a choking hazard for young children.
4. Apples - although healthy and delicious, we have all heard the urban legend about razor blades in them and they are likely to be ignored or pitched to be on the safe side.

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR THE TREAT BOWL

CANDY

Candy is the tried and true favorite and by far the most popular. 

Here is a roundup of printable coupons for the U.S. to help you out.

$1 off 2 Bags of Butterfinger Minis and $1 off 2 Bags of Wonka Candy

$1 off any 3 Reece's, Kit Kat or Hershey's Snack Sized Bags














Coupons.com has $2.50 of 2 Nestle Variety bags (20 oz or larger) and $1 2 bags Skittles, Starburst and Lifesavers.

Coupons.com







Walgreens and CVS will have sales and promotions and prices will vary depending on where you live - be sure to check out the circular in tomorrow's paper for details.

TREAT COUPONS 


Note:  The number and what you receive may vary depending on where you live

• McDonald's -  $1 for 12 coupons - 3 each for free Apple Dippers, free Small Apple Juice or Milk Jug, free Small Cone or free Hamburger. 
• Wendy's - $1 for 6 Jr. Frostys
• Burger King - $1 for 7 free value size Fries and 1 for free Small Soft Drink or an Icee.

GRANOLA BARS OR FRUIT SNACKS
A healthier (although less popular with the kiddies) alternative would be granola bars or fruit snacks.  Walmart usually has a good selection that is not to expensive and usually have popular themes for around $2 for a box of 10.


COLORING BOOKS
Most children love to color and you can pick sometimes pick up cheap coloring books at Walgreens for 3/$1 or 2/$1 at Dollar Tree.  (Good for the 3 yr. old and younger crowd- if they don't color, they like to look at the pictures).


NON-TOXIC CRAYONS
The best time to buy these is Back-To-School where you can get them for around .25 cents.  Some party stores and Walmart do offer party packs - just be sure they are non-toxic as little ones have been known to chew on them.

HALLOWEEN THEMED PENCILS
This is usually a mixed reaction - some kids love it and think it is cool - others you will hear an audible groan because they expect something with sugar in it.

Do you have any tried and true do's, don't or other suggestions?  Feel free to post in the comment section.