Trick-or-Treat Safety Gear: Help Cars See Your Kids
Trick-or-treating happens right at dusk, and most costumes are dark. That's a bad mix with cars. The easiest fix is light: something that glows on every kid so drivers see them from far away.
These are cheap, fun enough that kids want to wear them, and they make it way easier for parents to keep track of everyone in a crowd.
- Top pick
Fitense Rechargeable LED Armbands (2-Pack)
Light-up bands that go on an arm or ankle, in 5 colors. They charge by USB and last for hours. Kids think they're cool, which means they actually keep them on.
Best for: the main safety light for each kid.
Check price on Amazon Light-Up Trick-or-Treat Bags (3-Pack)
Pumpkin candy bags with LED lights built in. The bag glows, so it doubles as a safety light. It holds a big haul and it's washable for next year.
Best for: younger kids who won't wear anything extra.
Check price on AmazonGlow Fever Glow Necklaces (100)
Long glow necklaces with connectors. Put one on every kid in the group, plus the dog. Bonus: it's easy to count heads when they all glow.
Best for: group trick-or-treating.
Check price on AmazonEverBrite Halloween Mini Flashlights
Small Halloween flashlights so kids can see the sidewalk and steps. Cute enough that they're part of the costume.
Best for: dark streets and porches with steps.
Check price on AmazonBlukar Rechargeable Headlamp (2-Pack)
A headlamp for the grown-up. Keep your hands free for holding hands, bags and the toddler who's done walking.
Best for: parents on candy duty.
Check price on AmazonZacro LED Reflective Running Vest
A light-up vest in 5 colors for the adults. Walking along the road edge with a group? Make sure you're the brightest thing out there.
Best for: the parent at the back of the group.
Check price on Amazon
Before you buy
Go over a few rules before you head out: cross at corners, walk on sidewalks, and stop at the curb every time. Masks can block side vision, so face paint is safer for little kids.
Charge everything the day before. A dead armband at 7 PM is no help at all.