Teal Pumpkin Project Ideas

Why do people have a teal pumpkin on their porch?  What is the teal pumpkin project?  It's a fabulous idea that encourages people to offer non-food items for trick or treaters.  Here are some not-so-fun facts about food allergies...

• Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies.
• This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children (under 18 years of age) in the U.S. That’s roughly two in every classroom.
• The economic cost of children’s food allergies is nearly $25 billion per year.
• According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011.
• The number of people who have a food allergy is growing, but there is no clear answer as to why.

Facts provided by https://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats

I count myself extremely lucky because my little one has an "intolerance" not an "allergy".  Also, imagine what the statistics would look like if they included food intolerances too!  I asked our gastroenterologist why he thinks food allergies and food intolerances are on the rise and he brushed it off saying, "ohhh, there are several theories, no one really knows."  Period.  Although Kenzie's Milk Protein Intolerance did cause her to have colitis as a baby, at 3 she can now handle most dairy.  But just because her little belly can digest dairy with mild discomfort, we still give her alternatives.  And many times she requests the alternative even when we do offer her dairy.  More on this another time.  All this to say, the teal pumpkin project is a great idea and I love seeing moms support one another.
Where can you find reasonably priced non-food halloween treats for your trick or treaters?  Here are some places that I have found for those that plan ahead, those that buy 2 days early and then those super last minute moms (we've all been there).

• Orientaltrading.com - better buy early!
• Amazon.com - Yay 2-day free shipping with PRIME!!  
• Target!  This year Target has awesome steals.  Not only do they have fun things like packets of 10 spider rings for $1 in the dollar spot, but they have great non-food halloween treats in their Halloween seasonal section.  Love that store!

Here are some ideas for non-food Halloween treats.

• Stamps
• Mini Play Doh
• Glow Sticks
• Fake Glasses
• Plastic Vampire Fangs
• Eyeball Bouncy Balls
• Eye Patches
• Small Plastic Animals
• Slinkies
• Pencils/Erasers/Halloween Pens (for older Kids)
• Fake Spiders
• Spider Rings
• Small Sensory Balls
• Fake Mustaches

If you literally search amazon for "Halloween toys" you'll have a prime list ready for you!  Yes!