Every Halloween the same question comes up at the front door: what do you hand out besides candy? Non-candy treats are easier on teeth, friendly to kids with food allergies, and they last far longer than a chocolate bar. Squishy toys are one of the best picks. They are small, colorful, quiet and genuinely fun to squeeze. This guide covers why squishies make great non-candy Halloween treats, which types work best, and 10 simple ways to give them out.
Why squishies make great non-candy Halloween treats
- No food allergens. Squishies are toys, not food, so they fit the non-food approach used by the Teal Pumpkin Project for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.
- They last. Candy is gone in a day. A squishy keeps being played with all season.
- Easy to hand out. Mini squishies are light and flat enough to drop into a bag without crushing anything else.
- Great value in bulk. Multi-packs bring the cost per treat down, so a full night of trick-or-treaters stays affordable.
- Quiet and mess free. No wrappers, no sticky hands, no sugar rush.
Which squishies work best for Halloween?
Mini mochi squishies: the trick-or-treat bowl staple
Mini mochi squishies are small, soft and sold in big multi-packs, which makes them the easiest candy swap. The 110 Pack Bulk Mochi Squishy Toys covers a busy street, while the 24 Pcs Mochi Squishy Toys with Storage Box is perfect for a smaller group and keeps leftovers tidy for next year. Fans of spooky-cute creatures can add the 24 Pcs Dinosaur Mochi Squishy Toys.
Glow in the dark: made for the night
Trick-or-treating happens after dark, so a squishy that glows is a hit. The Glow in the Dark Cloud Squishy is a clear, sparkly stress ball that lights up once it has been charged under a lamp or in daylight. It makes a fun prize for the best costume.
10 ways to give squishies on Halloween
- Trick-or-treat bowl. Mix mini squishies with a few wrapped candies so everyone gets a choice.
- Teal pumpkin bowl. Put out a teal pumpkin with only non-food treats for kids with allergies.
- Costume contest prizes. Give a glow squishy to the best, funniest and spookiest costume.
- Classroom party favors. One squishy per student is quick to hand out and easy to keep tidy.
- Goodie bags. Two or three minis per bag looks generous.
- Pumpkin patch scavenger hunt. Hide squishies in the yard and let kids collect them.
- Haunted house prizes. Reward kids who brave the dark hallway.
- Neighborhood swap table. Set up a squishy trading spot for friends.
- Lucky dip cauldron. Fill a cauldron with squishies and let kids pick with their eyes closed.
- Teacher and helper thank-yous. Add a squishy to a small thank-you bag.
Shop the squishies from this guide
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Quick tips before Halloween
- Order a few days ahead so everything arrives before the 31st.
- Buy a few more than you expect, since groups of kids come in waves.
- Squishies are toys, not food. Keep small pieces away from very young children and supervise play.
- Check the age recommendation on each product page before you buy.
- Store leftovers in their box away from heat, ready for next year.
Frequently asked questions
Are squishies a good non-candy Halloween treat?
Yes. They are small, colorful, long lasting and free of food allergens, which is why many households add them to their treat bowl.
How many squishies should I buy for trick-or-treaters?
Plan for one squishy per child and add about 20 percent extra. A 110 pack covers a busy street, and a 24 pack suits a classroom or small party.
Planning more party ideas? Read our guide to squishy party favors, or browse the mochi squishies and mini packs. New here? Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
New treat-bag fillers: 100 Pc Mini Mochi Squishy Set, 5-Pack Squishy Duck Set.