Halloween can be an exciting time for kids and parents. Here are some tips to keep it inclusive and fun for kids of all abililities and needs. 

Searching for the perfect costume, decorating the house with spider webs, carving the pumpkin and buying candy to hand out to the cute trick or treaters, all add to the excitement leading up to Halloween night. You child may also not be interested in trick or treating at all and choose to hand out candy and treats or skip it altogether like many kids (read more here on how to let kids lead the way).

For many families and kids with disabilities and developmental needs, this holiday can be a reminder of barriers or differences that exist with some kids who don’t eat orally; have sensitivity issues or severe allergies that prohibit them from taking part in the fun of going door-to-door collecting candy. 

It's easy to include all kids when they come to your door this October 31st, with a supply of non-edible items that can all be found at your local dollar or party supply store.

Try some of these fun and inexpensive items on hand so that Halloween can truly be inclusive of all kids!

1. Halloween or other stickers
2. Halloween pencils
3. Mini packages of crayons
4. Glow bracelets or glow sticks
5. Temporary tattoos
6. Halloween erasers
7. Bouncy balls
8. Coupons for admission to local swimming pools, skating rinks or other attractions
9. "Stampers" (self-inking stamps in Halloween themes)
10. Mini flashlights or finger lights 
11. Mini notebooks
12. Finger puppets
13. Bubbles
14. Miniature "slinky" type magic springs
15. Play dough
16. Party blowers
17. Beaded necklaces
18. Silly putty
19. Small bath/water squirters 
20. Halloween craft kit