You might read the question, “Do you give gifts for Halloween?” And think instantly, no. And sure, you’d be right in principle. However, are you overlooking an amazing opportunity to delight family & friends, clients & coworkers or maybe even potential customers? Sending gift hampers or making up treat bags could be a fresh, fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween this year. It’s not something to dismiss offhand. In fact, is it possible you’re passing over Halloween and its impact altogether? This holiday is gaining in popularity but not many people in the UK really know what to do with the occasion or how to celebrate it.
What is Halloween etiquette?
While most people don’t celebrate the pagan origins of Halloween, the festival is becoming more popular in the UK. For a long time, the decorations, trick or treating, dressing up and food items associated with Halloween were considered a mostly American holiday. However, today, you’ll find more and more families decorating their homes, carving Jack O’Lanterns, baking spooky treats and going door to door with buckets for candy at night. Generally speaking, Halloween etiquette in the UK is very polite. It’s focused on a cheeky celebration of things that might normally scare us. Children should be encouraged to participate kindly. They should restrain themselves when trick or treating, running around in costume or attending Halloween events. Much is the same for adults enjoying Halloween. The guidelines are a lot looser and more and more themed parties and events are available after hours in the UK as well. (Although Scotland has always done it big.) Unlike in the States, celebrations here tend to be less scary (especially if they involve kids). The focus is on having social fun, going out and getting candy or attending parties.
What do you give out for Halloween?
A spooky card, thoughtful gift hamper or dress-up day at the office are all becoming regular traditions for adults. And, if you’re thinking of staying in for the trick-or-treaters, you’ll want to leave a porch light on. You may also want to decorate with at least a few carved pumpkins. This is so families know you’re at home and ready to celebrate. But what do you give out for Halloween to trick-or-treaters? Helpfully, most modern supermarkets in the UK stock big grab bags of Halloween candy for only a few quid. Haribo and Cadbury do great value selection bags. This makes it even more fun for kids to pick and choose from what’s available (as some will have a preference or dietary requirements). It’s not recommended to do home baked goods or unwrapped candies. This is for health and safety reasons. But if you want to offer healthier choices, wrapped baked goods or fruit like apples, bananas and oranges are always a good option.
And lastly, if you’re still wondering, do you give gifts for Halloween or not; we say why not? It’s a great way to start a conversation and show you care. No one ever said no to a well-timed gift basket, treat bag or holiday biscuit; after all.
