Ultimate Guide To Halloween 2019

I’m beginning to realise how much we ignore Halloween as New Zealanders. Over in America, it wouldn’t be difficult to find a street where every front porch is decorated with coloured pumpkins and halloween decor. Yet here, we didn’t have a single trick-or-treater come knocking on our front door. I put that down to the fact we have four dogs (never mind the fact they are all just big softies) and we live in a back section. Nevertheless, New Zealand fails to rise to the Halloween occasion and I’m determined to change that. Check out my top tips to get into the Halloween spirit below!

 I think it’s fun and exciting to get behind unique events like Halloween - even if you don’t support the ‘history’ of the day, then at least take it as an opportunity to get creative with dressing up or getting to know the neighbours by taking the kids out trick-or-treating! As a kid, I loved popping around the neighbourhood and it didn’t matter how many lollies I ended up with at the end of the night. It was the getting dressed up and staying up a little later which was the exciting bit!


This year I’m going to my first Halloween party in what feels like forever. It’s being held by some family friends - one of which is an American. They have been sharing all the decorations they're gradually putting up around the house in preparation. I love how passionate they are about it, just because it’s fun!


While we won’t be decorating our house to the nines, I thought it would be fitting to share a few of my top tips for getting into the Halloween spirit in simple and little ways. These are small things you can do to just get involved and have a little fun - and they won’t leave the kids on a sugar high either!


1. Healthy Halloween Treats:
​Surprise your local trick-or-treaters with these healthy alternatives! We’re all about balance so maybe pop these treats in amongst some of your usual halloween lollies and encourage the kids to grab one as well as a few of the naughty treats! Below are some images for some healthy, halloween-inspired treats (all images sourced from Pinterest). 

2. Halloween Cookies:
​These gluten-free, dairy-free cookies are a great baking idea to do with the kids. We found some really cute cookie cutters at The Warehouse so we could cut out some pumpkins, ghosts and bats. Then you could decorate them with this delicious vegan royal icing which leaves you with the perfect flawless finish! Check out the images below for some inspiration.

 3. Trick-or-Treat Welcome Sign:
Let the local neighbourhood know that you’re prepared and ready for trick-or-treaters with this cute welcome sign. Pop this up at the end of your drive or near your doorstep and let them know they’re welcome to knock on the door or grab some treats from the doorstep. This is a great way to avoid the awkward, ‘oops I wasn’t prepared’ situations! Click the button below to download and print! 

Download

4. Easy Halloween Costumes: 
​Finally, here are some easy and creative halloween costumes for all members of the family. These are perfect for trick-or-treaters and halloween party attendees alike. We have some amazing costume shops here in Cambridge if you’re a local and would like to rent a costume. Be sure to check out Incognito in Leamington if you’re nearby! (Sourced: Pinterest)

​Let’s get into the halloween spirit this year and have a little fun with halloween. It’s a great opportunity to get creative with costume ideas, encourage the kids to get active in their local neighbourhood, and get involved in the kitchen to produce some delicious (and healthy) treats for the occasion!

Are you and your family planning anything for halloween? Let us know your plans below in the comment section!

For more halloween inspiration, check out our themed halloween board on Pinterest!

From our spooky home to yours,