Trunk or Treat has become a popular alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, offering a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween. The event involves decorating car trunks and passing out treats to children who go from trunk to trunk. If you’re planning to participate in a Trunk or Treat event, you might be wondering what to pass out to the kids. In this article, we’ll explore the best options for treats, games, and activities to make your Trunk or Treat event a success.
Choosing the Right Treats
When it comes to choosing treats for Trunk or Treat, there are several factors to consider. You’ll want to select items that are safe, healthy, and appealing to kids. Here are some popular treat options:
Candy and Chocolate
Candy and chocolate are classic Halloween treats that kids love. Consider passing out small bags of candy or individual pieces of chocolate. Some popular options include:
- Candy corn
- Mini candy bars
- Lollipops
- Gummy worms
- Chocolate coins
Non-Candy Treats
Not all kids can or want to eat candy, so it’s a good idea to have some non-candy treats on hand. Here are some options:
- Small toys or trinkets
- Stickers or temporary tattoos
- Pencils or crayons
- Erasers or pencil toppers
- Small packs of pretzels or goldfish crackers
Healthy Treats
If you want to offer healthier options, consider passing out:
- Small bags of dried fruit or trail mix
- Granola bars
- Crackers or animal cookies
- Small boxes of raisins
- Mini bottles of water
Games and Activities
In addition to passing out treats, you can also plan some fun games and activities to make your Trunk or Treat event more engaging. Here are some ideas:
Trunk Decorating Contest
Encourage participants to decorate their trunks with a theme, such as a favorite movie or book character. You can even offer prizes for the best decorations.
Costume Contest
Host a costume contest for the kids, with prizes for different categories, such as scariest, funniest, and most creative.
Games and Challenges
Plan some fun games and challenges, such as:
- A ring toss or balloon darts game
- A scavenger hunt
- A “mummy wrap” challenge, where kids have to wrap a teammate in toilet paper like a mummy
- A “pin the tail on the donkey” game with a Halloween twist
Other Ideas to Make Your Trunk or Treat Event a Success
Here are some additional ideas to make your Trunk or Treat event a success:
Music and Lighting
Create a spooky atmosphere with music and lighting. Consider playing Halloween-themed music and using string lights or lanterns to create a festive glow.
Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props, such as witch hats, fake fangs, and capes. This will give kids a fun way to remember the event.
Food and Drinks
Consider offering food and drinks, such as hot cocoa, popcorn, or candy apples. This will add to the festive atmosphere and give kids a chance to refuel.
Volunteers
Make sure to have enough volunteers to help with setup, teardown, and supervising the event. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely.
Conclusion
Trunk or Treat is a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween. By choosing the right treats, planning fun games and activities, and creating a festive atmosphere, you can make your Trunk or Treat event a success. Remember to consider the needs and preferences of all participants, including those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages.
| Treat Options | Non-Candy Treats | Healthy Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Candy corn, mini candy bars, lollipops, gummy worms, chocolate coins | Small toys or trinkets, stickers or temporary tattoos, pencils or crayons, erasers or pencil toppers, small packs of pretzels or goldfish crackers | Small bags of dried fruit or trail mix, granola bars, crackers or animal cookies, small boxes of raisins, mini bottles of water |
By following these tips and ideas, you can create a fun and memorable Trunk or Treat event that kids will cherish for years to come.
What is Trunk or Treat and how does it work?
Trunk or Treat is a fun and safe alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. It’s an event where children go from car to car in a parking lot to collect candy and other treats. The event is usually organized by a local church, school, or community group, and participants decorate their cars and trunks to create a festive atmosphere. Children and their parents walk from car to car, where they’re greeted by the car’s occupants, who hand out treats and sometimes even offer games or activities.
The event is designed to be a safe and controlled environment for children to enjoy the thrill of trick-or-treating without the risks associated with walking door-to-door in a neighborhood. It’s also a great way for families to connect with their community and have fun together. Trunk or Treat events often include additional activities, such as face painting, bounce houses, and costume contests, to make the event even more enjoyable for attendees.
What are some popular items to pass out at Trunk or Treat?
When it comes to deciding what to pass out at Trunk or Treat, there are many options to choose from. Some popular items include candy, such as Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, and candy bars, as well as small toys and trinkets, like stickers, pencils, and erasers. You can also consider passing out healthy snacks, such as granola bars, crackers, or trail mix, for parents who prefer a non-candy option. Another idea is to pass out small gift cards or coupons to local businesses, which can be a fun surprise for kids and parents alike.
It’s also a good idea to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies when choosing what to pass out. You can offer gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan options to ensure that all children can participate and enjoy the treats. Additionally, you can get creative with your treats and pass out items that fit with a specific theme or decorations, such as glow sticks or small flashlights to match a “glow-in-the-dark” theme.
How can I make my Trunk or Treat display stand out?
To make your Trunk or Treat display stand out, you’ll want to get creative with your decorations and theme. Consider choosing a theme that fits with the Halloween season, such as a spooky graveyard, a haunted house, or a monster mash. You can decorate your car and trunk with balloons, streamers, and other festive decorations to match your theme. You can also add some spooky lighting, such as strobe lights or black lights, to create a fun and eerie atmosphere.
Another idea is to incorporate games or activities into your display, such as a ring toss or a fishing game. You can also offer photo opportunities, such as a backdrop with props, to encourage families to take pictures and share them on social media. The key is to be creative and have fun with it! The more effort you put into your display, the more likely you are to attract a crowd and make your Trunk or Treat event a success.
What are some safety tips to keep in mind at Trunk or Treat?
When it comes to safety at Trunk or Treat, there are several things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to follow all traffic laws and regulations when setting up and participating in the event. This includes parking in designated areas and following all instructions from event staff or volunteers. You’ll also want to make sure to keep your car and trunk well-lit and visible to avoid any accidents or injuries.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, such as a first aid kit on hand and a list of emergency contact numbers. You should also be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when passing out treats, and consider offering non-food options for children with dietary restrictions. Finally, make sure to supervise children at all times and encourage them to stay close to their parents or guardians.
How can I involve my community in Trunk or Treat?
One of the best things about Trunk or Treat is the opportunity to involve your community and make it a fun and inclusive event. You can start by reaching out to local businesses and organizations to see if they’d like to participate or sponsor the event. You can also encourage community members to decorate their cars and participate in the event, either by passing out treats or volunteering to help with setup and supervision.
Another idea is to incorporate local talent or entertainment into the event, such as a DJ or a face painter. You can also offer food and drinks for sale, with proceeds going to a local charity or community organization. By involving your community and making it a fun and inclusive event, you can help build relationships and create a sense of connection among attendees.
What are some creative ways to give out treats at Trunk or Treat?
When it comes to giving out treats at Trunk or Treat, you don’t have to stick to the traditional method of handing out candy or small toys. One creative idea is to use a “treat tube” or a cardboard tube with a hole cut out of it, which allows kids to reach in and grab a treat without having to touch anything. You can also use a “candy cannon” or a small launcher to shoot candy or small toys into the air for kids to catch.
Another idea is to create a “treat trail” or a series of small challenges or games that kids have to complete in order to earn their treats. You can also offer a “treat bar” or a selection of different treats that kids can choose from, such as candy, popcorn, or other snacks. By getting creative with your treat-giving, you can add an extra layer of fun to the event and make it more memorable for attendees.
How can I make Trunk or Treat a success for my organization or business?
To make Trunk or Treat a success for your organization or business, you’ll want to start by setting clear goals and objectives for the event. This might include increasing brand awareness, building relationships with the community, or raising funds for a specific cause. You can also use the event as an opportunity to promote your products or services, either by offering samples or discounts or by providing information and literature to attendees.
Another idea is to use social media to promote the event and encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media using a specific hashtag. You can also offer incentives or prizes for attendees who share photos or posts about the event, which can help to increase engagement and build buzz around your organization or business. By being intentional and strategic in your planning and execution, you can make Trunk or Treat a success and achieve your goals.