Trick or Treat! Fun Ideas for Halloween

 By Jan K., The Proofer

Halloween can be fun and not just a chore of handing out candy to kids who are dressed in pre-made, off-the-rack costumes.

Put the TRICK Back Into the TREAT

Every year, I find three things that are definitely not treats and I put them in re-sealable plastic bags (I sue Ziploc® bags). I use these for “tricks” and attempt to hand them out to the kids. I use things like a squashed up soda can, a handful of dryer lint, crumbled newspaper, chicken fat (I put that in a sealed bag inside of a sealed bag---and believe me, it looked really gross!---and I save it for older kids), a couple of broken crayons, old Birthday Cake candles that were half-burned, expired cents-off coupons, and a variety of other junk. I put these “tricks” in a “cauldron” (one of those black, plastic “witch’s cauldron” buckets that you can pick up at any variety store), and wait for the knock on the door.

Depending on the age of the trick-or-treater, I have the black cauldron in my hand, and I select a trick. Very seriously, I ask, “How about a nice crushed can?” I usually get a very puzzled look from Spiderman or KimPossible. Then I select another trick and ask, “Well, how about some dryer lint?” This time, I generally get a giggle. I’ll pick up one more trick and say, “OK, here’s some old crayons.” Now, I usually get some kind of response like “NO!” or “I want candy!”

Finally, I’ll reach for my other black cauldron, and pull out a bag of candy and I’ll fill everyone’s trick-or-treat bag.

It’s fun and it makes the routine of answering the door and handing out candy a lot of fun! It is especially fun with the older kids, and you can play it up a little more (and use “gross” but harmless tricks).

Put On a Costume!

Come on, admit it---you like to dress up as a witch (my personal favorite), or a fairy queen (wear your wedding dress---and get some fun use out of it!), or some character that suits your style (be a character from Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings).

Years ago, I made myself a really great witch’s costume, complete with high-necked floor-length black dress, an overskirt of long strips of black see-through chiffon sewed on at odd angles, long cape, and high-peaked hat that I crush and crumple so that the point of the hat hangs over at an odd angle. I do the make-up, spray my hair green, pull on black lacy stockings, and strap on black tap shoes (with no taps).

Most little kids are just a little afraid of me at first, and with the really little kids I don’t talk like a witch. Sometimes if I can tell whether it’s a boy or girl, I’ll ask them if they are Hansel or Gretel (some kids know the fairy tale, and some don’t, but it’s worth a try!) For the children and then older kids, I get more “into character” (especially when I can hand out chicken fat as a trick!).

For some fun Halloween free clipart and other Halloween-related free printables, ideas, and products, please see Mom's Break at: http://halloween.momsbreak.com/Halloween_CLIPART.html

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan’s proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.