Many look forward to Halloween all year. Dressing up your kids and pets, passing out candy and attending Halloween-themed events can be fun. However, the holiday is more enjoyable when you know your kids and pets are safe. Luckily, there are numerous things you can do to ensure you have a safe Halloween.
BestReviews’ own Meredith Gallo talks with Gary Gelfand and shares helpful tips on keeping your kids and pets safe during Halloween.
If you’re passing out candy this year, you’ll want to take steps to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. “Everyone’s in a costume they’re not familiar with. There’s capes, there’s long dresses,” Gallo said. “You don’t want anyone tripping, so you want to make sure you’re illuminating your pathway.” Solar lights are an easy way to keep kids safe without paying extra money for electricity or batteries. Many produce a low light that’s enough to illuminate your path without obscuring your spooky decorations.
When buying solar lights, it’s essential to consider the ingress protection rating. Ingress protection lets you know how the lights will stand up to the elements. Lights with IP44 ratings are generally the best choice, as they are affordable and can withstand dust, dirt and water. You’ll also want to consider the lights’ cost. Many solar lights can be purchased in sets and average around $2 per light. In most cases, these lights offer more than enough illumination.
LED dog collars are an excellent investment for those trick-or-treating with pets. These collars ensure your pet is visible to kids and cars. You’ll want an LED collar that’s bright enough to see from a distance. It’s important to consider the collar's durability and battery life as well. Many LED collars are durable enough to last years, meaning you’ll be able to use them for nighttime jogs after you’re done trick-or-treating.
The streets may be noisy, so you may want to work with your dog beforehand to see how it could react to the commotion. If your dog doesn’t respond well to loud noises or crowds, it may be best to leave them at home.
Kids want as much candy as they can fit in their bags, so you may be walking around for a few hours at a time. It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle to keep you and your child hydrated as you walk from house to house. Hydro Flasks are great for Halloween festivities because they are durable and come in various fun colors. You’ll likely be able to find a Hydro Flask that matches your kid’s costume. For parents and guardians of trick-or-treaters, fill a Yeti Rambler with your favorite hot or cold beverage. “It’s a great option for walking around outside,” Gallo said.
Consider packing snacks. Your kid will likely break into their Halloween candy early if they don’t have something to eat. Granola bars, fruit and vegetables will give them the energy they need to trick or treat for hours.
When buying a trick-or-treat basket, you’ll want to consider its size and durability. Small plastic baskets are available in numerous fun designs, but they don’t offer much space for candy. On the other hand, some large bags are thin or expensive. Many people opt for reusable shopping bags instead, which are more durable and eco-friendly.
Tote bags can often be purchased in sets of three or five. “If you’re anything like me when you’re trick-or-treating — and I’m sure kids these days are the same way — you want to fill these to the brim,” Gallo said. They offer plenty of space, and you won’t have to worry about them tearing when they get full.
This affordable set comes with 12 stainless steel lights. They can be purchased in numerous warm or cold white colors. They have an IP44 rating, which means you won’t have to worry about water or dust. These lights are easy to set up.
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This is available in four sizes and nine colors, including blue, green and red. You can set it to blink slow or fast or shine continuously. The lights are incredibly bright. Some found specific colors brighter than others, and many were impressed with the build quality.
Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth Straw Lid
This durable bottle is available in two sizes and 16 colors. Many said this kept their water cold for longer than other bottles. The straw makes it easy for kids to drink without spilling. The silicone casing protects the bottle from denting when it’s dropped.
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Parents are sure to love this small, durable bottle. It’s available in 16 colors, including yellow, pink and red. It is dishwasher-safe and keeps drinks cold or hot. This is ideal for water, wine or coffee.
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Joyin Large Halloween Reusable Canvas Bags
This includes a set of three large Halloween-themed bags. They are surprisingly durable and affordable, and each one has a different design.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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