Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day is a sweet little twist on tradition. Instead of tossing candy into trick-or-treat bags, people hand out books—yep, real stories with pages to flip and characters to meet.
It’s like giving a mini-adventure instead of a sugar rush. Kids still get that thrill of surprise, but now it comes with dragons, detectives, or funny talking animals. It’s fun, it’s different, and honestly, it’s something they might remember longer than a chocolate bar.
Picture this: a child walks up in costume, expecting a treat, and gets a book instead. Their eyes light up, not from sugar, but from curiosity. What’s this story about? Who’s inside?
That one little book could spark something big. A laugh, a question, a brand-new favorite. It’s not just about reading—it’s about giving something with heart. And that’s a treat no candy can match.
How to Celebrate Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day is a chance to spread joy, spark imagination, and turn Halloween into something truly meaningful—one page at a time.
Give Books to Trick-or-Treaters
Add a twist to your Halloween by handing out gently used or new children’s books. Place them in a decorated basket near your door.
Let each child pick one. Make it fun with spooky or magical themes that match the season. Choose a mix of stories, comics, and early readers.
Host a Costume Story Swap
Invite friends and neighbors over for a book-themed costume party. Ask guests to dress as characters from their favorite books.
Everyone brings a book to trade. Lay out snacks, cozy blankets, and reading corners. Kids will enjoy storytelling and discovering something new to read.
Donate to Local Shelters or Schools
Collect children’s books with your family or coworkers. Deliver them to shelters, clinics, or classrooms in need of reading materials.
Contact locations beforehand to see what ages they serve. This small act can help more kids find joy through stories.
Create a Pop-Up Book Stand
Set up a simple stand outside your home or in a community park. Offer books to passersby—no strings attached.
Label them by age group or genre. Add a few personal notes or bookmarks for a nice touch. Encourage others to bring a few books to share too.
Share Your Favorite Childhood Read
Post about a book that meant something to you as a kid. Use social media to spread the message. Include a short memory or quote.
Inspire others to do the same and spark a wave of book-giving. One memory can lead to a new tradition.
History of Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day began in 1995 with a simple idea. Rebecca Morgan, a writer from San Jose, California, wanted to offer children something more lasting than candy on Halloween.
At a local library sale, she bought gently used books, sorted them by age, and handed them out to trick-or-treaters. Kids could pick a story that matched their reading level. This small change sparked big smiles—and even bigger imaginations.
The response surprised her. Children loved the surprise of receiving a book, and parents appreciated the thoughtful alternative to sugar. Encouraged by the excitement, Morgan took things further.
In 2001, she founded a nonprofit called Books For Treats. Its mission was to spread the idea across neighborhoods and schools. Slowly, the concept gained fans in other parts of the U.S. and even Canada.
Each year, more families and communities join in. They collect used or new books, set up stands, or simply hand them out from their front porch. The goal is simple: inspire kids to read while keeping the joy of Halloween alive.
Books For Treats Day continues to grow because it adds meaning to the fun. A single book can become the start of a lifelong love of reading.
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