Adults might believe that children will only like candy for Halloween. But, with the health concerns and risks of binging on that candy, Yale researchers investigated if non-food treats would work as a substitute for candy on Halloween.
Nearly 300 trick or treating children were presented with two identical plates: one with four different types of Halloween-themed toys and another with four different types of name brand candy - all 5 to 10 cents per item.
They found that children chose the toys as frequently as the candy, about half and half, showing us that many children like non-food treats as much as candy, and will actually forego candy more readily than adults might expect – something we can all remember this Halloween.
References
Schwartz, M. B., Chen, E. Y., & Brownell, K. D. (2003). Trick, treat, or toy: children are just as likely to choose toys as candy on Halloween. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 35(4), 207-209.