Ready for Halloween? We are!

By Liljia Polo-Richards

Allergy friendly ideas for Halloween

I know that Halloween, like many other festivities, involves food and treats, many of which can’t be enjoyed by people with a food allergy or other dietary conditions.

So what is the solution and what can you do to make it a fun time for your little ones and your family? I am a big believer that there is always a solution to a problem (well, most problems!), you just need to use a little imagination.

With the event fast approaching, here are some allergy friendly ideas for Halloween here is what you can do to ensure that your little ones can still have fun, even if they have an allergy.

If you are planning to send your kids to do “trick or treat” around your neighbourhood, here are a few things you can do to keep them safe:

• Teach your child to kindly not accept treats that they don’t recognise and that are not safe for them. It’s important for them to be open about their allergies, so that others can learn about their condition, if they feel comfortable to talk about it. If the treats are pre-packed, ask them not to eat them and to wait to “switch” them when they get home. You can have a “special” bag full of safe treats waiting for them at home. Magic!
• Create a map of “safe” houses they can go and visit – speak to your neighbours in advance, explain that your child suffers with a food allergy/coeliac disease and ask them if they can offer safe alternatives when they turn up. If they are unsure on what to give them, provide them with some alternative options to hand out when your kids turn up. Your child will be so happy!
• Organise a party with close friends, and agree who is going to bring what so that nobody misses out. In my experience, friends are always happy to accommodate other people’s dietary requirements so it shouldn’t be a big ask. There are so many free from options out there, or you can prepare some spooky cupcakes. Yummy!

So what are we doing this Halloween? As my boy is still too little to do trick or treat (and his sister even younger!), we are simply having a home party with friends, all dressing up in scary outfits… me as the witch! They are bringing some sandwiches (double checking all the ingredients with us first), and we are sorting out some chocolates and cakes. Next year it will be my turn to plan a Halloween map of safe houses for trick or treats, and I very much look forward to it! 

Happy Halloween!