🎃 Creating a Safer, Inclusive Halloween for Kids with Food Allergies
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids — but for families managing food allergies, it can also be one of the most stressful.
As someone who’s severely allergic to tree nuts myself, I know firsthand how challenging trick-or-treating can be when every piece of candy feels like a potential risk. That’s why I make a point to create a safe, inclusive Halloween experience at my home — and why I encourage others in our Ahwatukee and East Valley community to do the same.
Here are a few simple, family-friendly ways to make Halloween more allergy-aware this year.
🩵 1. Join the Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project was created by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to help families easily identify homes that offer non-food treats for kids with allergies. Checkout their store for the signs, buckets and more here!
By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch (or a printable sign in your window), you let families know your house is allergy-friendly — no guessing, no awkward explanations, just safe fun.
At my home, I keep a teal pumpkin by the door and list my address on FARE’s map so local families can plan their trick-or-treat route with peace of mind.
🧺 2. Offer Non-Food Treats
Non-food items are a wonderful way to make sure every child who visits your home can enjoy Halloween safely.
Here are a few fun, budget-friendly ideas:
✨ Glow sticks (bonus: they make kids more visible while walking!)
🎨 Stickers or small coloring packs
🪀 Mini bubble wands or fidget toys
🌟 Bracelets, pencils, or erasers
These little surprises are a hit with all kids — and they’re completely allergy-safe.
🍿 3. Add Allergy-Friendly Snacks
If you’d still like to hand out food items, look for snacks made in dedicated peanut- and tree-nut–free facilities.
This year, I’ve added cheese puffs and pretzels from allergy-friendly brands that make safety their priority. Sam’s Club saved the day with those items! Packaging matters too — choose individually wrapped options with clear ingredient labels, and avoid anything that says “may contain” or “processed in a facility with nuts.”
Remember, even a small change can mean a huge difference for a child with food allergies.
💡 4. Keep Traditional Candy Too — for Inclusion
I still hand out traditional candy as well! The goal isn’t to exclude kids who don’t have allergies — it’s to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe.
Separating allergy-friendly treats in their own bowl (or labeling them clearly) helps families choose what’s right for their child.
🕯 5. Talk to Your Kids About Food Allergy Awareness
Halloween is also a great opportunity to talk to your children about empathy and inclusion. Explain that some of their friends or classmates might not be able to eat certain candies, but they can still celebrate together.
Helping kids understand the “why” behind the teal pumpkin teaches compassion and inclusion — two things we can always use more of.
🎃 A Note from Dr. Elizabeth
Living with a severe allergy means I see both sides — the excitement of the holiday and the quiet stress behind it. My hope is that more families and neighborhoods in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and across the East Valley will join in creating safe, inclusive celebrations that every child can enjoy.
A few extra minutes of preparation can make Halloween magical for everyone. 💙
🛍 Looking for easy options?
Check out our Amazon Storefront for a collection of allergy-safe snacks, teal pumpkins, and non-food goodies — including glow sticks, trinkets, and other family favorites that make Halloween fun and inclusive. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family practice and helping us share more allergy-friendly resources with the community! 💙
👩⚕️ About The March Rose Family Chiropractic
The March Rose Family Chiropractic provides perinatal, pediatric, and family chiropractic care in Ahwatukee, Arizona, serving families across the Phoenix East Valley.
Our office is proudly nut-free, and we’re passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments for families in every season.
📍 Located in Ahwatukee, AZ
🌐 www.themarchrosefamilychiropractic.com
📱 Follow along on Instagram @TheMarchRoseFamilyChiropractic for more family wellness tips and allergy-friendly ideas.