Welcome to 🎃✨

the Ultimate

Dye-Free, Vegan

Halloween Guide!

This guide can also be adjusted for food allergies, too!

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes and delicious treats. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle or concerned about artificial dyes and allergens, navigating the festivities can be challenging. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just starting to explore plant-based living or maybe you're neither and just looking for dye-free candy options, I've got you covered.

This comprehensive guide offers solutions for enjoying a dye-free, vegan and cruelty-free Halloween. From trick-or-treating alternatives and hosting inclusive parties to non-toxic face paint, we'll explore ways to celebrate that align with ethical values while still capturing the spirit of the season. We'll also address common challenges, like what to do with dye-filled, non-vegan candy your kids might collect and how to navigate social situations while staying true to your dye-free vegan principles.

Emphasis on the dye-free part! Check this out - The Impact of Artificial Food Dyes

We have a lot to cover in this Halloween Guide, so feel free to jump around and save this for later. Hope this article helps!

Guide:

• Vegan Halloween Candy Guide

• A Little History on Trick-or-Treating

• Door-to-door dye-free Trick-or-Treating as a vegan

• What to do with unwanted Halloween candy

• Organized Trick-or-Treat options

• Vegan-friendly Halloween activities

• Tips for hosting a dye-free vegan Halloween party

• How to navigate going to a non-vegan party

• Vegan, cruelty-free face paint

• Non-toxic Halloween costumes

• How to handle non-vegan family and friends

• Remember, Your Vote Matters

So grab your broomstick and put on your witch's hat – it's time to dive into a Halloween celebration that's kind to animals, the planet and your taste buds. Let's make this Halloween the most boo-tiful and compassionate one yet!

A Little History on

Trick-or-Treating

The phrase ‘Trick-or-Treat’ has an interesting origin, though its exact emergence is not precisely documented. Here's what we know about its development:

1. Early usage: The earliest known use of the phrase "trick or treat" in print dates back to 1927 in Alberta, Canada. It appeared in a newspaper article describing Halloween activities.

2. Possible origins: The concept likely evolved from earlier traditions like "guising" in Scotland and Ireland, where children would perform tricks, songs, or jokes to earn treats. However, these practices didn't use the specific phrase "trick or treat."

3. Spread in North America: The phrase and practice began to spread across North America in the 1930s, gaining popularity particularly after World War II.

4. Meaning: The phrase implies a choice given to householders - either provide a "treat" (usually candy) or potentially face a "trick" (usually a prank) from the children.

5. Cultural context: Its rise coincided with efforts to curb Halloween pranks and vandalism, offering a more structured and less destructive way for children to participate in Halloween.

6. Pop culture boost: The phrase gained wider recognition through its use in media, including the 1952 Donald Duck cartoon "Trick or Treat," which helped popularize both the phrase and the practice.

It's worth noting that while the specific phrase "trick or treat" is relatively modern, the concept of going door-to-door on Halloween night has much older roots in various European traditions. The phrase encapsulates the playful threat that had long been part of Halloween celebrations, formalizing it into a fun, family-friendly ritual. Keep the story going with - A Little Halloween History!

Ok, let’s get into it.

Door-to-Door Dye-Free Trick-or-Treating

My family really enjoys Trick-or-Treating. We dress up and go around town like most other families and have a blast! We want our kids to grow up and not feel duped by our parenting choices and so we’ve agreed that we do it all for the experiences. Now because they are young we have several talks leading up to any Halloween related activities reminding our kids that some of the candy they can keep and some we will be giving away and some will just be thrown out (artificially enhanced candy to be exact). I know, I know..I hate feeling like I’m wasting but it’s just not worth it to me to poison anyone else. Pick your poison, ey?

How to combat unwanted Halloween Candy:

• Teal Pumpkin Project Map - The color teal represents Food Allergy Awareness and in our case dietary preferences. Go to their website closer to Halloween and see which houses near you are participating in an allergy-friendly Halloween so you can plan your Trick-or-Treat route!

• Teal Pumpkin Buckets - This will be our third year Trick-or-Treating with Teal Pumpkin buckets and so far each year maybe two neighbors have noticed the teal and had a separate allergy-friendly Halloween candy or candy alternatives like toys. Each time those humans get super excited too! It’s soo cute and honestly makes it a special moment for my kids.

• Neighbors - Communicate with neighbors in advance about your child's dietary needs, offering to provide them with pre-approved treats.

• Candy Alternatives - Any chance your kids get to pick a toy or fruit pack, like a box of raisins, instead of a candy have them do that.

• Accidentally Vegan Candy - If you’re not concerned about candy with artificial dyes, etc. then you may be happy to know some of the popular candies are accidentally vegan, meaning it wasn’t the company’s intention to make their candy vegan, such as DumDums, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Nerds, AirHeads, Twizzlers, Sweet Tarts - to name a few. All you have to do is look for candies free from gelatin, milk, honey and other animal products.

• Politely Decline - This may not be the most comfortable option but if you want to really avoid bringing home unwanted Halloween candy then this may be the best choice when door-to-door Trick-or-Treating. It’s a great opportunity to teach our kids how to say no thank you and may be an eye opening experience for the people passing out candy as well.

What to do with unwanted Halloween Candy:

• Sort and Put Out - If you get home before your city’s Trick-or-Treat time is over, sort your candy and put the rest in a bowl outside for those late comers! Make sure to put your porch light on so they know to come by.

• Candy Swap / Trade - This works great if you go Trick-or-Treating with a group. Simply trade your non-vegan candy / unwanted candy for vegan, dye-free candy with your friends, neighbors, non-vegan family members, etc.

• Approved Candy - Before the big day buy approved candy to swap out with all / most of the candy you got Trick-or-Treating. Focus on the experience of walking around with family and friends, that way which candy or how you got it isn't a priority.

• Pass It On - Non-vegan or dye-filled candy can easily be given to non-vegan family, friends, neighbors, etc.

• Workplace Sharing - Any candy you don’t want your family to have, take to your office / job and share with your co-workers / employees.

• Donate - Turns out there are many ways to donate your leftover or unwanted Halloween candy! Give away your non-vegan candy to local food banks / food pantry, homeless shelters or organizations that send care packages to troops overseas:

  • Treats for Troops - participating businesses host candy buy-back events. Head to the site closer to Halloween or after for a candy collection site map to find an event near you and drop off your extra candy for a creative exchange: i.e. coupons, food goods, hygiene kits, toothbrushes. Families will also receive a tax-deductible receipt.

  • Operation Shoebox - send your extra candy to this non-profit who sends care packages to service members deployed across the world. Make sure to send it with the filled out form found on their website if you want a tax-deductible receipt.

• Throw Out the Dyes and Donate the Rest - …I’m just really against artificial dyes..

• Throw Out Any Non-Vegan Candy - Some might say this option is a waste of food and resources, some might say candy is not food.

If you stay home to pass out Halloween candy, here’s how to include those with dietary restrictions or preferences:

• Teal Pumpkin Project Map - The color teal represents Food Allergy Awareness and in our case dietary preferences. Go to their website and sign up to participate in their Teal Pumpkin Map so Trick-or-Treaters can plan an allergy-friendly route!

• Teal! - Wear something teal, put up a teal decoration(s) or have a sign with teal on it to show Trick-or-Treaters that you have allergy-friendly Halloween options. This is incredibly helpful and so exciting to see when we are out! Go to the bottom of this article here for ideas!

• Offer Alternative Candy or Toys - Check out this Dye-Free, Vegan Halloween Candy + Alternatives for a list of dye-free candy, toys and non-candy food items, which includes allergy-friendly options. I even added a few snacks for your toddler and baby Trick-or-Treaters!

• Candy for Toy Swap - If you can afford this, set up a teal station for vegan kids or kids with allergies to swap out candy they can’t have / choose not to have for toys or the appropriate candy for their diet. This is such a fun option and could really brighten someone’s Halloween!

• Separate Candy - Keep your alternative Halloween candy options in their own bowl to avoid cross-contamination. This is especially important for those with allergies.

Organized Dye-Free Plant-Based Trick-or-Treating

Organized trick-or-treating events have become increasingly popular in recent years as awareness of food allergies and diet preferences have grown. These events aim to create controlled environments and a safe Halloween experience for children and families. For some of these event options you may have to reach out to the event host and ask if they are providing allergy-friendly / dairy-free Halloween candy / toy options, and if that wasn’t their plan maybe you can convince them to make it happen. If you own a business, becoming a sponsor and providing the allergy-friendly candy yourself at public events in exchange for public notice is a great option!

A few organized Trick-or-Treating events ideas:

• Host a Party - For just your family or with friends too. Big or small it’s up to you, that way you know exactly what sweet Halloween treats your kids are getting. Party tip: you can have a dye-free, vegan Pinata!

• Trunk-or-Treat - An alternative to door-to-door Trick-or-Treating. Parents, guardians and neighbors park their vehicles, say in a parking lot, with the trunks open and pass out candy, sometimes decorating their vehicles and the area around them. This is a great option for those who live in rural areas as well as those wanting to create a fun and health conscious Trick-or-Treating experience!

• Downtown Business Events - Our neighboring towns close their downtown streets from 3-5 the Saturday before Halloween for ‘safe Trick-or-Treating’ in the daylight and the local businesses pass out candy to all the kids.

• Mall Trick-or-Treating - Many shopping centers offer indoor Trick-or-Treating at store fronts.

• Community Center Events - Parks and recreation departments often host Halloween festivals with games, costume contests and treat stations.

• Zoo Boo - Many zoos offer Halloween-themed events with Trick-or-Treating and animal education. Depending on your vegan morals, this may not be an option.

Vegan-Friendly Halloween Activities

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect as a dye-free, vegan Trick-or-Treater, you’re ready to take on fun Fall activities! For some of these, planning your experience ahead of time, via phone call or email, about possible dye-free, vegan options being sold or supplied will help you breeze through these experiences. I prefer email as it’s a more direct connection to the humans that actually know what's going on and can find the correct information. Depending on supplies, your options may be eating before going to the event and / or bringing your own vegan food / snacks. The vegan diet continues to gain popularity and I’ve seen more vegan options than ever at local events, and the more we contact the hosts and put the word out we're looking for vegan options, the more we’ll see those options pop up!

How to celebrate the Spooky Season:

• Harvest / Fall Festivals - Celebrate the season with hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple orchard and hot apple cider! At these events the new thing is corn boxes like a sand box but…corn, that my kids absolutely love!

• Halloween Movie Nights - Check your local towns’ social media for outdoor screenings of family-friendly Halloween films. Perhaps a small local theater is hosting a Halloween movie night.

• Haunted Houses or Ghost Tours - For those seeking spookier entertainment, check out a haunted house!

• Neighborhood Decorations Tour - If it’s not too scary for your little ones, tour your local neighborhood's Halloween decorations.

• Halloween Parades - Parades are always an exciting time, seeing the creative floats and costumes! Do watch out for that candy toss though! Prepare ahead by setting expectations and / or bringing dye-free, vegan, allergy-friendly treats.

• Costume Contests - Often held at schools, libraries or community centers. Check your local towns’ social media for Halloween events and updates!

• Pumpkin Carving Competitions - A public event where participants showcase their pumpkin art! Our town will be hosting this type of event and giving away 150+ pumpkins for kids to carve, light up and show off in the evening, and then take home to display!

Hosting a Vegan Halloween Party / Allergy-Friendly Halloween Party

Here’s where creativity and planning come into play. Hosting a vegan Halloween party can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate the holiday. Whether planning for a vegan Halloween block party or just your immediate family, a party none-the-less is a great way to create a health conscious, vegan-friendly Halloween experience! When sending out invitations, whether via mail or text message, clearly communicate that the party will be dye-free and vegan, and can be allergy-friendly depending on your guest list. Ask guests to inform you of any specific allergies and plan accordingly. Here's a vegan party guide to help you plan a memorable day fun-filled with activities and dye-free sweet treats! Do them all or pick your favorites. Remember the point is to have a good time!

Vegan-friendly party activities:

• Jack-o-Lanterns - A classic Halloween activity! Provide pumpkins and carving tools or ask everyone to bring their own and have fun doing this together! Bake the seeds afterwards for a yummy treat! / For a little kid-friendly activity, decorate pumpkins with paint, stickers, ribbon, etc.

• Pumpkin Goop - For your sensory attracted kiddos, coinciding with pumpkin carving is playing with the scraped out pumpkin innards! My kids absolutely love this part! Add a few extra bowls, measuring cups and utensils, and you got yourself a good time!

• Bobbing for Apples - A traditional game that’s naturally vegan. For younger kids a pair of tongs or a ladle to scoop the apples would be fun!

• Halloween Themed Scavenger Hunt - Check out Pinterest for premade scavenger / treasure hunts. Hide spooky Halloween toys and / or vegan, dye-free candy around your home / yard. Have the kids cooperatively find the hidden surprises, this way all ages can participate and everyone feels included!

• Haunted House Kit - Halloween Haunted House craft kit or a Haunted Gingerbread House.

• Play Games - Halloween themed games: Bingo, Trivia, Witch Hat Ring Toss, Charades, … Pinterest baby!

• Halloween Egg Hunt - Who says those plastic eggs can only be used once a year? We use them all year round. My kids love the excitement of a good ol’ egg hunt. Fill with Halloween themed toys, trinkets, candies!

• Halloween Crafts - Set up a craft area with paper, colored pencils, markers, glue, pom poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, etc. Check Pinterest for some fabulous, easy Halloween themed crafts and / or check out your local Dollar Store Halloween and craft sections!

• Costume Contest - Have everyone write their vote for best costume on a piece of paper and drop it in a Halloween decorated box. Once all the votes are in, tally them up and announce the winner!

• Halloween Music - create a Halloween playlist and keep it rolling throughout the party. Maybe a designated dancing area?

• Glow Stick Dance Party - Do I even need to explain? My kids would go crazy for this activity! Buy bulk glow sticks so everyone can decorate their bodies and definitely create a playlist either before hand or ask everyone for a few songs each, that way the music can keep rolling without arguments over which song is next..or like my oldest will skip 20 songs before landing on one that she’ll listen to half way through then skip another 20 repeating the cycle. So create that playlist!

• Spooky Storytelling - Create a cozy corner for sharing scary stories. Add some Halloween books from the library.

• Halloween Movie - Whether permitting, set up a projector for an outdoor viewing of a classic Halloween film or Svengoolie show!

• Fire and S’mores - Grab some giant Dandies Vegan Marshmallows, Oat Milk Chocolate and honey-free Graham Crackers, and you got yourself a good time! Of course around the evening fire is as good a time as any to tell your spookiest (kid-friendly) Halloween stories!

• Halloween Goody Bags - Check out this Vegan Halloween Candy Guide for a list of dye-free candy, toys and non-candy food items, which includes allergy-friendly options.

• Pinata - In place of Halloween Goody Bags, pass out Dollar Store Halloween buckets the kids can take home and fill a Pinata with items like candy, chocolate, chips, cookies and toys!

• Photo Booth - Set up a Halloween themed backdrop photo booth area with a tripod or a place to prop up your phone to hit that 3 / 10 sec timer. Grab some Halloween themed props or go thrifting for other costumes, jewelry, scarves, hats, silly shirts, etc. This is sure to create some laughter and memories to look back on!

Vegan Halloween Party Snacks and Food - Remember your allergy list when putting together your shopping list. Here are some simple snacks and some go-all-out ones. Do what you can with what you got for this year.

• Individual Portions - Check out this Dye-Free, Vegan Halloween Candy + Alternatives list of individually portioned Halloween candy, chips, pretzels, etc. which includes allergy-friendly options as well. There’s even a few things for your toddler and baby guests!

• Fresh Fruit - The typical fresh fruit platter is always a hit. Buy one premade or put one together yourself with the fruit you want.

• Pouches - Can’t go wrong with fruit / veggie pouches! Great for all ages!

• Charcuterie Board - Our family loves these! Try making a Halloween inspired charcuterie board!

• Halloween Themed Treats - Check Pinterest for homemade, dye-free, vegan Halloween treats: pumpkin pie, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, dark chocolate bark, caramel apples. Or purchase from your local grocery stores! If necessary, write out clear ingredient labels.

• Treat Decorating - Pre-make Halloween shaped cookies and / or cupcakes for your party goers and set up a Halloween themed decoration station with dye-free icing and eyeballs, vegan m&m’s, gluten-free pretzels, vegan mini marshmallows, etc. Or try a Haunted Gingerbread House!

• Make S’mores - You got my kids with s’mores every time. Giant, fluffy Dandies Marshmallow, dark chocolate bar and honey-free graham crackers.. Warm by the fire..makes for a great time to tell a spooky tale!

• Halloween Potluck - This is a fun way to have a cooperative Halloween celebration. Whether the potluck is focused on wholesome foods or desserts or a mix of both, everyone is included in the holiday fun!

Remember to clearly label all food items, especially if you're expecting guests who may have additional dietary restrictions or allergies. With these ideas, you can create a fun, inclusive Halloween celebration that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary choices.

How to Navigate a Non-Vegan Halloween Party

Navigating social situations as a vegan or someone with allergies gets easier the more you practice. Planning ahead makes every event / party you go to much more enjoyable because you can know what to expect when it comes to food, drinks and treats. Especially when you have kids with different diets, making sure they feel included and don’t go hungry can make or break the Holiday festivities. When it comes to non-vegan activities, only participate when you feel comfortable and if your child is too young to understand what goes against your family’s morals and values then redirect them to something more engaging or pull out that yummy vegan snack / candy you brought with you!

How to feel good at a non-vegan Halloween Party:

• Check With the Host - If you're comfortable, contact the host of the party and ask what food they’ll be serving, then plan accordingly.

• Offer to Bring a Vegan Dish - Whether the host is serving vegan or non-vegan food, talk to the host about bringing a vegan dish to the party. That way you know it’s something your kid(s) will eat or just to have some extra variety. If it’s a snack and sweet treat kind of party, well who would say no to more yummy goodies?!

• Restaurant Halloween Party - Check the menu for vegan meals or snacks ahead of time.

• Eat Before - Simply eat a meal before heading to the party, that way the focus can be on the Halloween activities and family / friends.

• Bring Food / Snacks - What I’ve learned over the years is to ALWAYS bring a vegan snack in my bag. It’s typically fruit, quick and easy. Or something I know my family will eat, that way no matter what is being served we always have something to munch on.

• Non-vegan Activities - Only participate in activities you feel comfortable with and coincide with your morals and values. Only you know what those are.

Vegan Halloween Face Paint / Cruelty-Free Face Paint

Halloween is a time for creativity and self-expression, and face paint is often a key element in bringing characters and creatures to life. However, traditional face paints can contain harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes and animal-derived ingredients that may harm your skin and / or conflict with your values.

Here’s a list of toxic chemicals found in many face paints, which by the way there is no current regulation of:

• Lead - known body / behavior disruptor

• Nickel, Cobalt, Chromium - known skin allergens

• Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Parabens, Dioxins, Petroleum-derived ingredients - known carcinogens

Here’s a list of non-vegan ingredients used in many face paints:

• Lanolin - Oil produced by sheep to protect their wool

• Carmine - Red colorant produced by crushing the female Cochineal insect

• Shellac - Resin secreted by the female lac bug

• Beeswax - Waxy secretion from worker bee’s abdomen used to mold honeycomb cells

Natural vs Vegan Face Paint

Labeling face paint as natural doesn’t mean it is non-toxic or cruelty-free. Though natural face paints are often free from artificial dyes, the base ingredient is typically beeswax.

Face Paint Labeled Vegan

I’ve found that most face paints labeled vegan still contain synthetic dyes. Why are these dyes bad for you and what are their names on the labels? Check this out.

DIY Face Paint Recipes

So I searched around and couldn’t find any pre-made face paints I would personally use on my kids. I’m not saying non-toxic, vegan face paints don’t exist, so please let me know if they do. The options I found either had beeswax, synthetic dyes or are currently unavailable.

Enter vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic DIY face paints. Perfect for children and adults alike, especially those with sensitive skin or concerns about the long-term effects of chemical exposure.

These DIY face paints will allow you to enjoy Halloween festivities with a clear conscience, knowing that your costume choices align with your values.

Face Paint Recipes:

• 1 cup water, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup flour, 1 cup lotion, ¼ teaspoon cooking oil, added food coloring to desired color

• 1 tablespoon lotion, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water, food coloring

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon lotion, food coloring

• Check Pinterest for more homemade non-toxic face paints!

Pro Tips:

• A few vegan and dye-free food coloring made from plants! Veggies, spices, algae!

  • TruColor - gluten-free, non-gmo, free from top 8 allergens, some people with peanut or nut sensitivities report reactions to annatto (seed) color

    • Food Dye Gel

    • Food Dye Powders

  • Supernatural - gluten-free, non-gmo, kosher, made in USA, free from top 9 allergens, some reports of sensitivities to lupine (butterfly pea), seeds (annatto) and corn (processing agent)

    • Food Dye Powders

  • Color Kitchen - gluten-free, non-gmo, soy-free

    • Food Dye Powders

• If necessary, mix ingredients and before adding food coloring, divide desired amount into separate mixing bowls or airtight containers then add coloring.

• Flour ingredients spoil quicker.

• For thicker face paint add more corn starch, thin with water or lotion. LESS IS MORE!

• Get airtight containers here or I've seen some small portion sizes at the dollar store.

• Use natural food colorings to dye hair.

• Use leftover cornstarch to make Halloween Oobleck!

  • 1 cup cornstarch, food coloring mixed in ½ cup water to desired color - add water tiny amounts of water if to dry or cornstarch if to wet, should be hard as rock when squeezed or pushed

Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free Costumes

Store-bought Halloween costumes, like face paint, can also pose potential health risks due to toxic chemicals. Exposure can occur through skin contact, accidental ingestion (particularly when young children chew on costume parts), and inhalation of contaminated dust in the home. This is especially concerning for children, whose smaller bodies and developing organs are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these toxins. Taking preventative measures when selecting costumes is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for everyone, particularly our youngest Trick-or-Treaters.

Long exposure to toxic materials has been linked to allergies, asthma, hormonal disruptors, skin irritation, neurotoxins, infertility and carcinogens to name a few.

Here’s a just a few toxic chemicals found in store bought costumes:

• PVC / Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) - type of hard plastic that costume fabrics and masks are made out of - off gas chemicals into the air, you know when you open a new package..that plastic smell..

• Phthalates - used to soften PVC to be flexible fabric

• Dioxins, Furans - by product of industrial processes

• Flame Retardants - contains heavy metals and chemicals

• Lead, Cadmium - heavy metals found in jewelry

Basically everything in Halloween costumes are toxic in some way so we’ll skip the ‘items to avoid’ list and jump to some not-as-toxic Halloween costume materials!

Not-so-Toxic Halloween Costumes

Achieving complete non-toxicity and cruelty-free practices can be incredibly challenging, but there are definitely ways to make more ethical and eco-friendly choices when it comes to Halloween costumes. While synthetic materials like spandex, nylon, and polyester are preferable to some of the more problematic options, natural fabrics made from cotton and bamboo are an even better alternative.

When searching for costume options, look for certifications and initiatives that indicate a commitment to sustainability and ethical production. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, for example, ensures organic fibers and environmentally-friendly processing. Costumes made from upcycled or recycled materials are also a great way to reduce waste. Pay attention to the use of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam, which is a safer option than traditional foam. Additionally, look for eco-friendly packaging and third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests for the presence of harmful substances.

While it may be impossible to find a 100% non-toxic and cruelty-free costume, being a conscientious consumer and prioritizing more sustainable and ethical materials can make a significant difference for the well-being of humans, animals, and the planet. Every small step towards greener and kinder choices helps to create positive change.

DIY costumes using natural, sustainable materials / eco-friendly costumes:

• Organic Cotton

• Bamboo Fabrics

• PJ’s - can double as costumes

• Wooden or Silicone Jewelry

• Biodegradable Glitter

• Nature Items - sticks, flowers, leaves, vines, etc.

• Upcycled Items - old clothes, sheets, cardboard, paper, bottles, bags, etc.

• Thrift

• Borrow From Family and Friends

• Local costume exchange

Store bought brands, not-so-toxic Halloween costumes and accessories:

• Etsy Shop - Check out Halloween costumes on Etsy with the above qualifications in mind.

• Bella Luna - Offers kid’s costume accessories.

• Maisonette - This website hosts over 30 different and unique brands! Their collections range from baby and toddler costumes all the way to adult costumes, and even offer matching sibling and family costumes! A few of the companies have created pajamas that come with a few accessories to make a full costume!

• Pottery Barn Kids - Offers a range of baby to big kid costumes, as well as matching family costumes.

• Primary - Offers organic cotton shirts and pants for babies and kids, as colorful additions to DIY costumes!

• Sarah’s Silks - Offers mostly costume accessories and a few full costumes. Play silks are made with 100% mulberry silk.

Handling Non-Vegan Family (and maybe friends) During Halloween

Navigating the holidays as a vegan can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to gatherings with non-vegan family members. Halloween is no exception, as the traditional treats and candies may not align with your ethical values or dietary needs. However, approaching the situation with open communication and a positive attitude can help foster understanding and create an inclusive celebration.

Offer to contribute vegan-friendly dishes or treats to family gatherings. Bring along your favorite dye-free, animal-free candies and desserts to share with everyone. This not only ensures you have something to enjoy, but it also introduces your loved ones to the deliciousness of vegan options. Encouraging them to try these plant-based alternatives can help change preconceived notions and expand their culinary horizons.

At the end of the day, Halloween is about far more than just the candy. Shift the focus to the aspects of the holiday that bring your family together, such as decorating, costume planning or Halloween-themed activities. Engage in these shared experiences with enthusiasm, allowing your family to see that your vegan lifestyle doesn't detract from your ability to participate fully and joyfully in the festivities.

With patience, kindness, and a willingness to compromise, you can navigate the Halloween season with your non-vegan family in a way that respects your values while fostering togetherness. By leading by example and emphasizing the common ground you share, you can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all to enjoy the spooky spirit of the holiday.

Creating Inclusive Halloween Memories

As we've explored throughout this guide, creating a magical Halloween experience while staying true to plant-based and dye-free choices isn't just possible – it's an opportunity to reimagine this beloved holiday! From whipping up naturally-colored treats to finding creative alternatives for face paint, we can make conscious choices that are both fun and mindful.

Remember, participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project by placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that you offer non-food treats, making Halloween inclusive for children with food allergies, dietary restrictions or those simply seeking alternative options.

For those hosting parties or joining fall festivities, we've shown that plant-based and dye-free doesn't mean compromise. From Halloween scavenger hunts to pumpkin decorating stations, focusing on activities rather than just treats can create lasting memories. And when it comes to treats, the natural alternatives are proof that vibrant colors and delicious flavors can come from nature itself.

Whether you're a seasoned plant-based family or just beginning to explore dye-free options, remember that every small choice matters. By choosing natural face paints, offering allergy-friendly treats and embracing inclusive activities, we're not just creating a safer Halloween – we're fostering a more compassionate and mindful celebration for all children.

Here's to a spooktacular Halloween that's as kind to our bodies as it is to our planet!

🎃🌱

Share your own plant-based Halloween adventures with us using – we'd love to see how you're making the season both magical and mindful!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

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Welcome!

Thanks for joining me here at Danielle Evergreen! I have been on a plant-based journey for 10 years now and it is my pleasure to research and bring you content on various topics. I am excited to create a community of people on similar journeys! Whether you're a long-time vegan dieter, interested in dye-free living or just dipping your toes in these waters, I am glad you are here!

- Danielle Evergreen

Dye-Free, Vegan Halloween Candy + Alternatives

2024

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