When it comes to treating kids, sometimes it’s fun to go beyond the typical sugar-laden candies and find something just as exciting (without the sugar rush!). Enter: Sugar-Free Surprises! Think of these as treats with a twist, like DIY sticker kits, fun temporary tattoos, colorful mini notebooks, or even personalized keychains. These little treasures make snack time or celebration days feel special without the candy overload. Plus, they’re perfect for events like birthday parties, Halloween, or any occasion where you want to mix things up with something unique and lasting.
These non-candy treats don’t just keep things sweet without sugar—they add a touch of creativity and play to the mix. Kids love hands-on goodies, so try activity packs like buildable puzzles, funky erasers, or miniature games. There’s something fun about pulling out a treat bag and finding surprises that spark their imagination. Not only will kids have something they can use and enjoy for days (hello, mini slime packs and collectible stickers), but you’ll also enjoy seeing them excited about something new and unexpected!
APHMAU 6” MEEMEOW PLUSH – HALLOWEEN COLLECTION
Aphmau, the mega star female gamer and YouTube creator, is known for her love of cats and her collection of adorable MeeMeow plushies! The Halloween Collection is the latest release from Aphmau’s MeeMeows Mystery Plush universe – a brand-new line up of plush toys, perfect for Aphmau and cat lovers. There are 6 different Halloween themed MeeMeows to collect including a bat, mummy, sugar skull, witch and zombie. An Aphmau MeeMeow Mystery Plush is the purr-fect gift for Aphmau fans, collectable lovers, gamers, and cat lovers alike! Manufacturer: Bonkers Toys, Ages 3+, SRP $9.99 at Target, Game Stop and HEB.
Unleash the magic and mayhem with “Evil Genie,” the party game where wishes come with a twist! An Evil Genie is offering you some mixed up, messed up wishes in this fun party game, but it often comes with strings attached. Would you become a billionaire if you had to pay everything in pennies? Is talking to animals worth having permanent garlic breath? One Player combines one of their Good Cards with another player’s Evil Card to grant one messed up wish. Will the Wisher accept their wish? Players guess if the wish will be taken to score points and win the game! Be careful what you wish for in this hilarious family party game. The player with the most correct guesses when the Evil Genie runs out of wishes wins! With 105 Good cards and 105 Evil Cards, Evil Genie offers thousands of hilarious combinations. Manufacturer: Moose Games, Ages 8+, SRP $19.99 on Amazon
CARE BEARS UNIVERSAL MONSTERS FUN SIZE PLUSH
Get ready for thrilling adventures that combine the heartwarming charm of Care Bears with the timeless allure of Universal Monsters with the Care Bears x Universal Monsters 9” Fun Size Plushies! In a crossover unlike any other, your favorite Care Bears besties are dressing up as classic Universal Monsters in a fusion of cuddly cuteness and spooky charm. Enjoy seeing Cheer Bear as the Bride of Frankenstein, Grumpy Bear as Frankenstein’s Monster, Tenderheart Bear as Dracula, Bedtime Bear as the Mummy, and Good Luck Bear as Creature from the Black Lagoon. Whether you’re a fan of Universal Monsters movies or simply love collecting unique and special Care Bears, these plushies are a must-have addition to your collection. Manufacturer: Basic Fun!, Ages 4+, SRP $9.99 at Amazon, Hot Topic and Walmart.com.
DISNEY DOORABLES NEON GLOW PEEK
Behind every neon door, a vivid surprise is in store with the special-edition Disney Doorables Neon Glow Peek. Each blind-bag-inspired package contains 5 figures out of a possible 45 characters from the stories of Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Friends, Alice in Wonderland, Lilo & Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, and Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Coco. Doorables collectible toy figures stand approximately 1.5 inches tall and feature stylized detailing with sparkly glitter eyes. These special-edition black light figures have been reimagined in ultra-bright, ultraviolet color. These collectible kids’ toys are fun to share, trade, and display. Collect them all to create an ultra-cool, black light display (black light not included). Manufacturer: Just Play, Ages 5+, SRP $12.99 at Amazon, Target, and Walmart
Equipped with moveable sails, working cannons, a parrot (of course!), and plenty of other sea-faring accessories, this newest PLAYMOBIL Pirate Ship promises hours of imaginative pirate play and high-seas adventures.
Pirates is a classic PLAYMOBIL theme. First launched in the early 80s, it has been a mainstay in children’s rooms throughout the world as both a toy and even a decoration. So if you’re not celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day, I’d also welcome your considering the Pirate Ship for any Gift Guides you may be planning.
BIZYBOO Seek ’N’ Find Busy Bags
Vango’s latest BIZYBOO Halloween Seek ’N’ Find Bags are inspired by the award-winning toddler line – an original take on popular busy bags reimagined as soft, portable, mess-free characters! With a spooky Halloween twist, different styles include Giggly Ghost, Friendly Frankenstein and Playful Pumpkin. Each Halloween character has 30 different Halloween-themed objects inside waiting to be found! Perfect for on-the-go, screen-free Halloween fun! (MSRP: $9.99, Age 2+)
PLAYMOBIL Witch with Cat: Don’t be spooked by this little Magical Witch – she’s friendly! Her trusty black cat follows her wherever she goes, and her broom conveniently has handlebars for when she goes for a ride! Set includes one figure with a witch’s hat, cat, and broom. (MSRP: $5.99, Age 4-10)
Enter the world of Dracula – if you dare! This pint-size Dracula figure comes with some spooky accessories including a tree with skull and crow, a hanging bat, an ax and potion bottle. (MSRP: $5.99, Age 4-10)
A brand that’s sole mission is to create natural, non-toxic makeup and personal care products for our little ones. Don’t let harsh chemicals ruin delicate young skin! In an era where parents are increasingly mindful of the products they introduce to their families, Klee Naturals stands out as a beacon of safety, quality, and creativity. Made in the USA with no nasties, Klee Naturals understands the importance of providing children with products that nurture their natural beauty without compromising on health. Their range of non-toxic makeup and personal care items are formulated with safe, natural ingredients, ensuring peace of mind for parents and joy for kids. Not to mention, a portion of sales are donated to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
Experience the ultimate comfort and safety with Bellabu Bear’s bamboo clothing, perfect for both adults and kids! Say goodbye to harmful fabrics and hello to organically grown, chemical-free materials, all awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Designed for peaceful bedtime moments, their pajamas feature YKK zippers that are child-safe and Oeko-Tex Certification for worry-free wear. Each garment is a unique masterpiece, hand-drawn to create stunning prints that embody both style and safety. So whether you’re a grown-up seeking comfort or a little one in need of gentle fabrics, Bellabu Bear ensures cozy nights and peaceful dreams for everyone.
For the Adults
Murder Mystery Game- Darkridge
- A KILLER PARTY GAME: Immerse yourself in a cutthroat high school reunion where teams of former Jocks, Geeks, and Rebels vie for power, going so far as to “kill” to get ahead!
- REAL-TIME SUSPENSE: Strategically interact with opponents in real-time in your own home, cabin, or event hall – while avoiding the secret killer
- REPLAYABLE: With 15 randomly assigned secret missions and 12 character options, every player (including the host!) shapes an ever-changing new plotline
- HALLOWEEN PARTY GAMES: For teenagers or adults, this murder mystery party kit blends secrecy, teamwork, and murder, perfect for a haunting Halloween dinner party
- HOSTING GUIDELINES: You’ll need 3+ separate spaces and 6-12 players. Each player must wear attire capable of hiding a foam dagger and flat shoes – in case they need to flee the killer!
