Last night was my family’s official, “Let’s get it Started” Halloween prep! With a little Black Eyed Peas playing in the background the Halloween check list (see below) was busted out as the Halloween box holding our decorating treasures and non-food treats was unearthed from the bowels of storage. Allergen friendly treats were placed on our shopping list and the festive planning commenced. Embracing the Teal Pumpkin Project (TPP) while giving a big shout out to TPP creater Becky Basalone, we are now getting down to the how to’s. Meaning, how are we going to pull together all of these wonderful pieces to create a safe, healthy and happy Halloween.
In the past, I dreaded Halloween and worked hard to be the allergen safe hostess. Things have improved so much, that I can’t wait for Halloween! This year, for the first time, I easily found TPP items around town in shops. This is simply exciting! My, “Are you ready for Teal Pumpkin it?” post features links to fun TTP items.
In our revving up for TPP, we start with safety. This year, we are thrilled to add the Nice’n Clean Antibacterial Wipes to our list of must-have Halloween items (right along side any and all dairy and nut-free safe chocolate).
We only discovered these little gems during the summer. The size was amazing and my kids were flat out sick and tired of the baby wipes I purchased or of the larger flat wipe packaging. They felt like they were still babies and really resisted whipping out their wipes in public. The Nice ‘n Clean wipes are a tidy small size that fits beautifully into a pocket. The wipes are made with TENCEL™ fibers (think lean, mean and green) will remove 99% of peanut residue from hard surfaces! Now we are talking my cleaning kind of language.
The bonus: Nice ‘n Clean has a partnership with Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and donates 1% of each purchase to FARE’s community education and advocacy work. I like a purchase that does more. I love products that give back to the community.
I was fortunate enough to receive a nice trick or treat bag from Nice ‘n Clean with a few goodies for Halloween night and we are going to put it to good use. Here is a fast peek at our Halloween checklist:
Allergen Savvy Halloween Check-list
- Handwipes – one packet per person
- Gloves – to be worn by trick-or-treater not only to keep cold fingers warm, but to act as an allergen barrier
- Strong flashlight with a broad range – for adults to carry in case of an emergency
- Emergency Action plan – in case of emergency and we need assistance, mom or dad can this to whoever is helping them
- Rescue medications – seems like a no brainer, but it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and forget these important items
- Bandana or scarf – to cover little noses and mouths if the cold air is triggering asthma symptoms
- Glow sticks – to help keep track of your little costumed cherub
- Warm Beverage – for mom for dad!
- Extra bag – we carry two trick or treat bags: one for perceived safe treats and one for questionable treats
- Trade-In plan – once doors have been knocked and tired ghools and gobblins are home, what is the plan for trading out unsafe treats? Is the Switch Witch coming by during the night? Is there a pre-planned trade in for candy? My family takes the unsafe treats and then hands it over to the next kid knocking at the door. We love it since the child almost faints! If it is a group, we tell them to split it up.
- Print out Posters – we print out the TPP signs and posters from FARE to display on Halloween night
- Paint a Teal Pumpkin – Instead of carving, we break out the brushes and paint and have a blast!
- Suncups for Mom – okay, so this item is not universal, but it’s a personal favorite!
What are your tips for Getting Started with an Allergy Safe Halloween?
Disclaimer: I am sharing these fun ideas with you so that you pull out what might work to help you create a safe and fun night. I was not paid to write about the products or organizations mentioned. Always remember, what works for one family might not work for another, so stick to using your best judgement regarding what is best and safest for your family. Check in with your physician before making any changes to how you manage the health of family.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..