SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN TREATS DIY CRAFTS + MORE! Our favorite Insta-

SPOOKtacular Halloween Ideas for your Ghouls and Goblins:

Some of our favorite Insta-moms share creative ways to celebrate the sweet holiday!

Halloween-Inspired Snacks and Lunches

photo and story by Jenny P, @lunchboxmafia

Welcome to October, my favorite month of the year. Not only is it my birthday month, it’s Halloween and fall is in full swing. As we head into the holidays, I’m sharing some festive lunchbox inspiration and allergy-friendly treats for the little ghouls and goblins that might be visiting you Oct. 31.

Jenny P.

HERE ARE SOME QUICK TIPS TO ADDING SOME SPOOKY FUN TO YOUR KID’S LUNCH:

» Add black and orange sprinkles to applesauce or yogurt » Use cream cheese to stick candy eyeballs to pretzels » Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into spooky shapes » Add seasonal flavor like pumpkin-spiced fig bars or apple cinnamon granola.

SNACKBOARDS MAKE ANY GET TOGETHER EVENT MORE SPECIAL.

To create a fun Halloween board, grab some of your favorite seasonal snacks like jack-o’-lantern goldfish crackers, seasonal M&Ms, bright green olives, orange cheddar cheese and blackberries. Use cookie cutters to cut cheese and fruits into spooky shapes. Your kids will be so excited!

Hauntingly Healthy Treats the Family Will Love

Ginain Grayes

photos and story by Ginain Grayes, @CookPraySlay

We are heading into the holiday season, that time of year when most of us succumb to the fact that we will probably be eating more sweets than the law should allow. But I’m here to let you know that it doesn’t always have to involve candy or unhealthy foods. This is why I’m sharing some simple, tasty and healthy snacks the whole family can make and enjoy together!

HEALTHY CANDY CORN PARFAIT

The kiddos will be knee deep in sugary treats this Halloween. Get ready to trick ‘em with this healthy twist to the popular Halloween staple, candy corn! Layer pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, then top with whipped cream and a piece (or pieces) of candy corn. Serve immediately and enjoy!

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN SNACK BOARD

There are basically no rules when it comes to snack boards, which is why they are such a festive way to feed a crowd, no matter how large or small. Here’s a fun and healthy snack board, perfect to counterbalance all that Halloween candy. You can substitute and add your favorite healthy treats because anything goes!

DIY Halloween

story and photos by Karimah Henry, @craftingafunlife

Sure, kids love Halloween, but there’s another group of people for whom this holiday spells endless potential—crafters! If you love DIY projects, these Halloween decorations and costume ideas are probably right up your alley. And even if you don’t, these ideas are simple enough that you can get your kids involved in the project.

Karimah Henry

Paper Plate Jack O’ Lantern Craft

SUPPLIES

» Paper plate » Orange paint » Cotton balls » Tacky glue » Clothespin » Black cardstock and green glitter cardstock » Scissors

DIRECTIONS

» Start by having the kids pinch a cotton ball in a clothespin and dip it in orange paint. Now paint the paper plate using the cotton ball. Allow it to dry. » Next, cut a stem from green glitter cardstock. Glue it to the back of the paper plate to create the pumpkin. » Finally, cut pieces for the face from black cardstock. You can make circles or triangles for the eyes. The mouth can be any shape that’s easy for your child to cut. Glue the pieces to the paper plate pumpkin to form the face of the jack-o'-lantern.

Paper Plate Witch Craft

SUPPLIES

» Paper plate » Green paint » Foam brush » Tacky glue » Glue stick » Black marker » Scissors » Cardstock (black, white, green glitter, purple, white and gold glitter)

DIRECTIONS

» Start by painting the paper plate green. Allow it to dry. » Use scissors to cut strips of purple paper. This is great cutting practice and helps improve fine motor skills. » Make the hat using black cardstock. Cut a simple triangle, a rectangle for the hat brim and rectangle from gold cardstock for the trim. Use the glue stick to assemble. » Glue the purple strips onto the top and sides of the paper plate to create the hair, and then glue the hat to the top of the hair. » Finally, use the remaining cardstock and black marker to create facial features for the witch. Allow your kids to get creative with the eyes, nose and mouth.

DIY Magician Costume for Kids

SUPPLIES

» Red felt fabric sheet » Glue gun with glue sticks » Black cape » White shirt (dressy or casual) » Black pants (dressy or casual) » Wooden dowel (7/16 inch in diameter and 12 inches long) » Electrical tape » White tape » Black top hat » Scissors » Velcro sticky back coins » Shoes (dressy or casual)

DIRECTIONS TO MAKE BOW TIE

» Start by cutting your red felt fabric sheet into 5-by-9-inch strips. You’ll also need a smaller piece of felt that is 2 by 4 inches. » Pinch the larger rectangle in the middle to create nice, neat pleats. » Wrap the smaller strip of felt around the pinched middle area. Cut off any excess fabric. » Use the glue gun to add a small dollop of hot glue to the strip on the back side of the bow to secure it. Let dry for a few minutes. » Finally, attach the Velcro sticky back coin to the back of the bow tie. The other side will be attached to the cape when it’s time to dress up.

DIRECTIONS TO MAKE MAGIC WAND

» Start by wrapping your wooden dowel with the black electrical tape. Leave about an inch at the top. » Finally, cut a piece of white tape and wrap the top of the wooden dowel to complete your magic wand.

Dress your child with a white shirt and black pants for this DIY magician costume. You can make it dressy or casual. Use what you have at home or visit your local thrift shop.

Wrap the black cape around your child’s neck, then attach the felt bow tie.

Complete the look with the plastic top hat and DIY magic wand. Your child is ready to celebrate

Halloween.