As Halloween rolls around with the costumes, face paint and obviously the sweets, trick or treating is often the first thing on the minds of little sweet lovers. The excitement is unrivalled; however parents may not be as thrilled about it as their little ones. Whether you are parent to a would-be trick or treater, or simply preparing for the visit of the costumed cohort, here are some top tips to make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone!
Preparing to go Trick or Treating
When it comes to preparing for trick or treating, kids know exactly what they’re doing. They pick their costume, get themselves all dressed up and head off with their friends. It’s straightforward and easy!
However, sending kids out on a dark night can be tough for parents, even when they’re with a group of friends. But, with a bit of planning and teamwork, you can set them up for a smooth evening of fun and frolics - and avoid a nervous panic yourself!
Keep Costumes Sensible
Halloween costumes are very different to the clothes that kids are used to wearing – and it will be dark when they head out on their quest for sweets. Don’t stop your child from dressing up, but if you can, using face paint instead of a mask will ensure that they can at least see where they are going! Masks that cover the whole face in particular are made to fit a wide range of heads, so they’re often too big or don’t sit right and can make it surprisingly hard to see for little ones.
If trick or treaters are visible on the streets, then they’re going to be that much safer. If the costume of choice is brightly coloured then you’re off to a great start. There’s no need to worry if not, however. Some popular costumes will glow in the dark, adding reflective strips to their treat buckets is a great way to make them stand out and help to keep them safe. Giving them a torch is also a useful way to help them see and also be seen.
A Grown-up Can Tag Along
If you have younger kids that want to go trick or treating at Halloween, then it is a given that grownups will be present. With kids that are a little older and more independent, they may well not want their parents watching over them. To get around this, a grownup or two might want to tag along but stay to a distance that isn’t embarrassing. This is the best way to be confident that your little monsters are safe at Halloween.
Talk to the parents of the other kids in the group and decide who is going to go – perhaps a couple to keep each other company. You don’t need to get dressed up, although you can if you want to. Just make sure you don’t get too close and cramp their style!
Trust Your Kids
Having faith in your kids is particularly important if they’re old enough to go trick or treating on their own. Make sure you talk to them prior to them heading out and discuss a few rules or guidelines. Agree on where they are going, ideally an area that they are already familiar with, and remind them to be careful. Set rules such as don’t leave the group, don’t go into anyone’s house and to remind them to say thank you when they do get treats! Refresh them on simple things like road safety too, give them a curfew and make sure they are contactable. It is also important to let them know that you are there to help them if needed – this shows them that you are on their side. At the end of the day though, you have to trust them to both behave and to stay safe!
Preparing for Trick or Treaters
It’s easy to think that once you’ve grabbed some Halloween sweets that you’re set for the trick or treaters. There are, however, several little things you can do to make it an even more wholesome experience for everyone involved.
Decorate Your House
Putting up some spooky decorations is a sure fire way to add to the excitement for trick or treaters. Whether you simply display your pumpkin lanterns in your windows, or if you go to town and get really creative, your decorations not only look great, but they will draw the spooky little visitors’ attention to your house. Whatever extent you decorate to, however, a sign that lets trick or treaters know that they are welcome is the most important decoration of all!
Keep Your Sweets Near the Door
This may sound obvious, but we’ve all forgotten before, haven’t we?! There’s nothing more awkward than scurrying off to find your stash whilst the costumed visitors wait at an open door! Leaving your supply of treats on a table by the front door is ideal, but if you can’t it’s a good habit to keep them nearby. Getting into the habit of taking them with you to answer the door will save any waiting, plus you’ll get to see the little faces light up when they see the sweets on offer!
What Sweets to Offer
There is no right or wrong answer here, you can choose from trick or treat classic like chocolate bars and boiled sweets, or you can get inventive and offer something different. If you have the time, trick or treaters would definitely appreciate a little Halloween pick n mix, whilst novelty options will always go down a treat. Both the Crazy Candy Factory Bone Breakers and the Halloween Pumpkin Light Pops are bulk sweets that kids will love, but also offer you an easy and great value solution!
Have Fun Yourself
Today, Halloween is not just a celebration of all things spooky, but a time where communities come together! Keep this in mind when the little visitors drop by and try and enjoy it as much as your visitors do. You don’t have to sit at home all night in a full costume, but little things like keeping a witches hat or cat ears with your sweet stash for when there’s a knock at the door is a nice touch.
Rather than just giving out sweets, have something else for your visitors to spread the goodwill and positivity! Whether you prepare a few Halloween jokes or simply compliment their costumes, you’re only going to make their night even better!
Whether you’re getting sweets for trick or treaters, stock for a costume party or setting yourself set up for a night of scary movies, you’ll find what you need right here at Wholesale Sweets. Our Halloween range includes chocolate multipacks, sweet tubs that’re perfect for a candy buffet and even packaging for your own spooky sweet gifts.
