I'm riffing on a post from www.filthyrichmond.com. She wrote about what she doesn't want to see in her kids' trick-or-treat bags.
Here is my list. Yes, I have seen these pop up over the years.
1. Individual microwave popcorn bags.
2. Toothbrushes.
This rule directly applies to households with dentists in them.
3. Business cards attached to candy.
This is not a time for mommy to go a-networking.
4. Peanuts.
Is that like passive-agressive mass murder these days? Aren't ALL children now deathly allergic to peanuts?
5. Any form of religious literature or Bible verses.
6. Money.
7. Candy that is obviously from any other holiday (like Easter, Christmas, etc.)
8. Fruit and veggies.
Nutritional nudges are not your call. That is the parents' responsibility.
9. Handy crafts.
No one cares if you made those finger puppets you saw on Martha Stewart, least of all the kid down the street.
10. Weird treats from your own culture.
Buy the candy at Wal-Mart like everybody else, please. This is not a time to teach the neighborhood kiddies about Indian street food or Russian desserts.
11. Generic candy.
I know times are tough but if you can't fork out $5 a bag for the name brands, please do not turn your porchlight on.
12. Dog treats.
13. Little 100 calorie packs of whatever.
Has anybody found one that actually tastes good? The little fake Oreos alone should be outlawed.
14. Too little candy.
C'mon, most kids are a little nervous walking up to an adult and asking for something. Giving them a wee bit of bubble gum is just cruel. At least three pieces per kid is my rule.
15. Crackers.
16. Organic, high end nonsense from Whole Foods or Sprouts.
Kids will not get that you are making a statement with that $3 Dagoba candy bar.
17. Flyers for an event you are sponsoring.
18. Homemade goodies.
Not only do you risk being labeled the "stranger danger" house but you just might be fending off requests for the recipe, too.
19. Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.
Personally, I would not mind a few more Thin Mints in my life but they were delivered last March. Eew, gross.
20. Computer gear.
21. Free marketing giveaways from your company.
22. Marketing giveaways you have collected over the years from other companies. Does the five year old Hanna Montana wannabee need a beer koozie? Wait, don't answer that.
23. Autographs.
Yes, I lived in a neighborhood with a few Dallas Cowboys and they did do that.
24. Socks.
No, really - some lady in my old neighborhood gave out Halloween themed socks one year.
25. Anything so over the top, you put your neighbors to shame.
FULL sized candy bars make that list.
26. Campaign buttons or bumper stickers for Obama or McCain.
What would you add to this list?
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