Trick or Treaters with no costume?

[DisneyScraps]

How do you handle the kids the trick or treaters without a costume. I think that difference between trick or treating and begging is a costume. In past years I just said no costume no candy. Last year I gave them raisins. How do you all handle it?

Lisa

 

[akhenaten]

I would probably say some teasing joking thing about their "costume" and then give them the same treats as everyone else!!

 

[Stitchnut]

I always give to any kid that comes to my house whether they have a costume on or not. Sometimes, you never know what their situation is so it doesn't bother me. There are some kids who have tactile problems with clothing, etc touching them so I try to take all issues into account. We always have plenty candy to go around.

 

[bicker]

I figure those who neglect the standards that say a costume is necessary for trick-or-treating are the ones most likely to transgress and do mischief if they feel that they've been slighted, or even just feel that the tribute you give them is inadequate in any way. As things are now, I don't see anything positive coming from deliberately treating them worse than other kids.

 

[RitaE]

I really don't have the time or inclination to set up a bunch of rules over who is going to get handed a couple of bite sized snickers from my pumpkin shaped candy bowl.

Show up, get candy. That's pretty much how we handle it.

 

[DMass]

I figure those who neglect the standards that say a costume is necessary for trick-or-treating are the ones most likely to transgress and do mischief if they feel that they've been slighted, or even just feel that the tribute you give them is inadequate in any way. As things are now, I don't see anything positive coming from deliberately treating them worse than other kids.

Exactly. If I give them something maybe they won't slash my tires or egg my house.

 

[Nancyg56]

I figure those who neglect the standards that say a costume is necessary for trick-or-treating are the ones most likely to transgress and do mischief if they feel that they've been slighted, or even just feel that the tribute you give them is inadequate in any way. As things are now, I don't see anything positive coming from deliberately treating them worse than other kids.

ITA. It makes no difference to me if kids wear costumes or not, I give them candy. I give anyone who comes to my door a treat on halloween and still end up with a lot of leftover candy so costumes an dage are just not factors.

I will admit that I am a little with the family down the street. They Trick or Treat as a family evey year ahd have done so for at least 15 years. They always dress and the Mom always puts her bag to me to fill to. Really? I alays let he pick her treat like the kids but each year i am a little annoyed that they all go through the neighborhood, the parents ask for treats and yet they have never put their own light on.

 

[wdwmom2]

Well, I have a pony show up at my doorstep. Yes, a real pony!!! And I live IN town. No costume, but cute all the same. I make sure that I have carrots for him. Same way with the costumeless TOTer's, everyone gets candy!

 

[sbell111]

I really don't have the time or inclination to set up a bunch of rules over who is going to get handed a couple of bite sized snickers from my pumpkin shaped candy bowl.

Show up, get candy. That's pretty much how we handle it.

Agreed.

One rule that I have is that I never make a rule just for the heck of it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

WOW, somebody would actually refuse individual kids candy on Halloween....

 

[Hoodie]

Everyone gets candy, but those with costumes get 2 pieces. Last year we had a group of 4-5 kids come around. Only one had a costume - he was a giant banana. He got 3 pieces for being the only one of his friends not only to wear a costume, but also to go as a giant banana!

 

[NMAmy]

I really don't have the time or inclination to set up a bunch of rules over who is going to get handed a couple of bite sized snickers from my pumpkin shaped candy bowl.

Show up, get candy. That's pretty much how we handle it.

Same here. I could care less what they're wearing, how old they are, etc. Anyone who stops by, gets a candy bar. Enjoy.

The OP did make me laugh because my DH is British and the whole trick or treating thing mystifies him. He feels the entire event is just organized begging, costumes or no.

 

[Hoodie]

WOW, somebody would actually refuse individual kids candy on Halloween....

They're refusing beggers, not trick or treaters.

 

[MissyDVC]

WOW, somebody would actually refuse individual kids candy on Halloween....

Yes, this! Everyone gets candy

 

[wendy46001]

Basically show up get candy
Now if you dont say trick or treat
or are without costume you will get a snarky comment

not truly rude but more of a
Yes can i help you or Wow you’re dressed as my favorite character

but candy for all regardless

 

[DWCricket]

little kids and young tween's? They get candy, regardless. Older teens in costume get two or three pieces, those who aren't in a costume? I usually joke with them and ask them to give tell me a clean joke if they want extra candy- otherwise they get one piece. Been doing this for a couple of years and now the teens in the area know and come with a joke. Last year one came with a magic trick which was great.

 

[BELLE1109]

If you come to my door you get candy, young or old- costume or not.
I have never been egged or silly stringed- wonder why?

 

[scrapquitler]

At my house, the "rule" is if you make the effort to walk down the driveway to the front door, you get candy (parents included!).

 

[ElGravy]

We usually have a bowl of candy on our front steps and leave it there while we go out. I have noticed more and more older kids going trick or treating without a costume and its kinda sad. I don't know their situation but part of the fun of halloween is helping me DS and DD create their costumes and seeing them get so excited.

 

[locolala]

We live in a less than wealthy neighborhood, so a lot of kids simply cannot afford a costume (well, their parents can't). I give out candy regardless.. you make the effort to knock on my door, you get some sweets!