This post was sponsored by Walmart.com. The opinions stated are 100% mine, based on my personal experience using their website.
I thought it was an innocent question: “What are your plans for Halloween?” Little did I know that the question would trigger an avalanche of tears and a release of apparent pent-up stress. My sweet friend was apologizing profusely in between her sobs and wiping snot off her face. I awkwardly gave her a hug, very well knowing that it was my fault she was crying in the frozen food aisle of our grocery store.
I had been so excited to run into a familiar face, but clearly, in my excitement, I had said something terribly wrong – which wouldn’t be a big surprise.
After a few (long) minutes, she calmed down enough to speak coherently. She talked non-stop for ten minutes, barely taking the time to breathe. I had touched on something SO personal and SO emotional for her, and this was the first time she was truly able to let it all out – without the fear of judgment.
My heart broke for her and her family as she explained why Halloween is the greatest source of stress for her – and many families like hers.
Her daughter has food allergies. She doesn’t “just” get a small rash when she eats too many strawberries like I did as a child. Her allergies to nuts cause anaphylactic shock – one of the most severe and dangerous reactions.
Make #Halloween safe for every child! - even on a #budget! @Walmart #TealPumpkin Click To TweetNow rewind your thoughts to previous years of trick or treating with your kids. How many treats contained peanuts or were made at factories that also handle tree nuts?! (I bet your answer is “MOST OF THEM!”) Imagine the number of times a nut-allergic child is exposed to life-threatening candy on Halloween. No wonder my friend was a ball of stress and sadness.
She told me how the Teal Pumpkin Project is her only hope of giving her daughter a fun and stress-free Halloween experience.
As soon as I got home, I went online to walmart.com and stocked up on awesome non-candy Halloween treats. I was pleasantly surprised to find an incredible selection of Halloween-themed goodies and other party favors that were budget-friendly.
The selection available at walmart.com was incredible and with their free shipping on orders over $50, the decision was already made for me. Loading up on non-candy treats would not only allow my friend’s daughter to have a memorable and safe Halloween – lots of other kids with severe and life-threatening food allergies would benefit from it as well.
Budget-Friendly Non-Candy Halloween Treats From Walmart.com:
Halloween Favors:
Halloween Creature Value Pack, 50-count
Spooky Halloween Plastic Favors, 100-count
Fun & Popular Party Favors:
Shopkins Rubber Bracelet Favors
Paw Patrol Rubber Bracelet Favors
Sofia the First Charm Necklace Party Favors
I remembered to also get teal acrylic craft paint. I am going to paint one of our pumpkins teal, so my friend and families like hers know as they approach our house that we have allergy-friendly treats!
Join me in going teal for Halloween… chances are that someone planning on trick or treating at your house has a food allergy… and their parents are worried and stressed. Let’s ease their worried minds – and show them that it takes a (teal) village to ensure the safety of every child.
P.S. We still offer regular Halloween candy. However, we are careful to keep the candy in a separate container and the non-candy treats are clearly marked with a beautiful teal pumpkin and this sign, telling parents that their kids may pick between candy and non-candy treats.
So please, head to walmart.com today to stock up on your non-candy Halloween treats. The only thing families should be scared of on Halloween is the inflatable Darth Vader on our front porch. (We got it at walmart.com too!)
Don’t miss these adorable (not too spooky) Halloween crafts:
