Halloween is one of our favourite holidays. The kids love dressing up and exploring the neighbourhood while we trick or treat. I love the snacks. My husband is like the Halloween adrenaline rush and when I am begging to go home he is asking if we can do ‘just one more street’.
Halloween Horrors… Tips for Surviving the Most Frightful Holiday of the Year
Halloween horrors aren’t just reserved for haunted houses. From finding the perfect costume for your little one to convincing the kids that the candy fairy really does exist, Halloween can be a frightful time of year for any parent! But with these tricks up your sleeve, this spooky time of year will be so much more of a treat.
Start by avoiding the costume craze
Forego the overpriced costumes and consider finding a second-hand costume or creating your own from scratch using pieces from thrift shops or stuff you may have stored away. It’s an inexpensive and fun way for you and your child to create a costume together. Just don’t forget to wash them before you wear them. Whether it’s second-hand pieces or just old clothes, you want to have them looking and smelling like new.
I suggest using Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Power Paks in Fresh Scent. The freshening and deodorizing properties of Arm & Hammer detergent, combined with the stain-fighting power of OxiClean, will bring your used clothes back from the dead (pun intended!).
Pro tip: If you’re looking for costume inspiration, Pinterest is a great resource with plenty of spook-tacular ideas to get you and your family in the spirit, ranging from easy to elaborate.
Believe in the magic of the candy fairy
If you haven’t introduced your kids to the candy fairy, please Google her immediately. She’s a magical creature who has been rescuing parents around the world from the evils of candy. I’m serious. Kids love the candy fairy – she takes their candy and turns it into a toy. Brilliant, right? Since the candy fairy comes on November 1, it still gives your kids time to enjoy some of their sugary treats. On one condition – they must brush their teeth!
Speaking of sugary treats, now’s a good time to remind you that according to the Canadian Dental Association, children should be thoroughly brushing their teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time, once in the morning and before bedtime to get rid of any germs and sugars that cause cavities. As you can imagine, this is especially important after eating so many sugary treats.
Pro tip: Get your kids excited about their oral care routine by coordinating their brush and toothpaste with some of their favourite cartoon characters like Orajel PAW Patrol or My Little Pony Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste and Manual Toothbrush. Try sneaking in one of these special toothbrushes while you’re handing out candy – it’s a fun treat for kids and parents will thank you!
What are some of your favourite Halloween tips, tricks or treats? Share them with us!
Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.
These are some great ideas and tips for surviving Halloween night.
I haven’t heard of the Candy Fairy BUT I think she’s wonderful!!
Great tips, just remember brush at the end of the spooky day
Love the idea of the Candy Fairy, think it is a great idea!
Great post – thank you! I never grew up knowing the candy fairy – such a good idea!!
I’ve never heard of the Candy Fairy before, what a good idea!
I’ve heard about the candy fairy years ago…something to consider this year!
I love your idea of the Candy Fairy; I’ve never heard of it before but it’s so cute
Love the Candy Fairy, it would have saved a lot of arguing and fighting when the girls were young!
The Candy Fairy is a great idea.
NOOO! I think the Candy fairy is terrible. Hahah.
I do like the idea of avoiding costume craze. Being prepared is way less stressful.
The Candy Fairy is such a cute idea. I am not sure that my kids would go for her though.
We don’t really like adding more fairies and other things like that. BUT I love the idea of just swapping them – no reason he can’t swap with me and then we can donate the candy!
I like the Candy Fairy idea.
I always hit up the thrift stores for mine and my boys Halloween Costumes. I get amazing deals that away. 🙂
Wish I would have found your blog before Halloween. Great Tips Thank You
Hallowe’en shouldn’t be an expensive day, in my book. I agree that thrift stores can be a great place for costume inspiration. I know I went quite happily as a ghost for years when I was a kid (a sheet with eyeholes). I was always more interested in the candy, than in my costume.
I’m so happy I stay home and hand out candy! I don’t decorate much for Halloween. . Christmas is more my holiday!
I don’t like the Candy Fairy at all. People have gone out of their way to buy treats for the kids when they come Trick or Treating – now they just go in the garbage, what a waste. It’s one day of the year, as long as the kids do brush their teeth well all will be well. Then candy can be limited after Halloween.
Great ideas, I love Halloween.
I don’t like the Candy Fairy one bit!
I was fortunate, my kids didn’t over-indulge on their candy treats. They’d have a few every day until magically they were all gone (unfortunately mommy tended to overindulge while kiddies were sleeping – hence the “magical” disappearance). They never seemed upset at how fast the candy was gone.