Every 31 October, the inspiring #celebration of Books For Treats Day (#BooksForTreatsDay) offers a #heart-warming alternative to the usual #Halloween candy hand-outs. This special day encourages people to give children #books instead of #sweets — feeding young #minds rather than #cavities. In a #world overflowing with #sugary treats, this movement reminds us that a simple #story can spark #imagination, build #literacy, and create a memory that lasts far beyond the #night of #costumes and #trick-or-treating.
History of Books For Treats Day
The idea of Books For Treats Day traces back to 1995 when Rebecca Morgan, in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, California, grew frustrated that Halloween treats were almost entirely candy. She purchased gently used children’s books at a library sale, sorted them by grade level, and offered them to trick-or-treaters instead of sweets. Seeing how positively children and parents responded, Morgan expanded the concept, and in 2001, she formally established the nonprofit organisation Books For Treats to promote this book-giving tradition beyond her home. Since then, the idea has grown in the U.S., Canada, and beyond as a meaningful twist on Halloween treats.
Importance of Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day carries significance on multiple levels:
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Promoting literacy: By handing out books instead of candy, the focus shifts from a fleeting sugar rush to a lasting habit of reading — helping children develop comprehension, vocabulary, and imagination.
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Encouraging health and wellness: Halloween often means excessive sugar consumption, which can contribute to dental cavities, childhood obesity, and other health issues. Books offer a healthier “treat.”
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Building community: Neighbours, families, and organisers working together build a stronger sense of local culture and care.
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Promoting sustainability: Gently read books can be reused, donated, or swapped — reducing waste and promoting sharing rather than consumption.
In short, the day encourages us to choose a moment of kindness and meaning over the ephemeral thrill of candy.
When is Books For Treats Day Celebrated?
Books For Treats Day is observed annually on 31 October, coinciding with Halloween in many countries. The choice of date is purposeful: Halloween is a time when children expect treats — candy, sweets, and snacks — so switching to books on this night creates a contrast and highlights the alternative. Because the trick-or-treat tradition is well established, using Halloween ensures broad participation and visibility for the idea of giving books.
Starting in 1995 with Rebecca Morgan’s home-based book giveaway, the date became synonymous with book-instead-of-candy giving. It’s a creative way to transform a commercialised event into an educational celebration.
Significance of Books For Treats Day
Why does Books For Treats Day matter?
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It reframes “treats” as something with intellectual value. A candy disappears in minutes; a book can spark days, weeks, or years of enjoyment, reflection, and growth.
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It adds depth to Halloween, a holiday often criticised for over-commercialisation and unhealthy snack-driven behaviour.
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It offers inclusivity: children with food allergies, diabetes, or dietary restrictions can enjoy a “treat” that’s safe for all.
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It champions literacy: giving children access to reading materials fosters curiosity and creativity.
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It helps families reflect on what “treat” truly means — a moment of joy and learning, not just sugar consumption.
Why Books For Treats Day is Celebrated
Communities celebrate Books For Treats Day because it allows them to:
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Encourage children to read for fun, fostering lifelong reading habits.
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Provide children with age-appropriate, well-selected books they can keep and cherish.
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Offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to the candy overload.
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Strengthen neighbourhood connections: the house handing out books becomes a memorable stop.
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Support children’s education and promote family reading time.
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Reduce waste by giving gently used books a new life.
Hence, the celebration is more than handing out books — it’s about shifting culture, one Halloween night at a time.
How It Is Celebrated? Which Countries or Regions Celebrate It?
How Books For Treats Day is celebrated:
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At home: Families prepare baskets of gently used or new children’s books, sorted by age or reading level, and invite trick-or-treaters to pick one instead of candy.
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Community events: Local libraries, schools, and neighbourhood groups host “Book Trick-or-Treat” events where participants browse a selection of books, sometimes in costume, and swap books.
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Donation drives: In the weeks before 31 October, communities collect books to distribute on Halloween night or donate to children’s shelters and schools.
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Social-media initiatives: Participants post with the hashtag #BooksForTreatsDay, share photos of children picking books, and encourage neighbours to join.
Where Books For Treats Day is celebrated:
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United States: The movement originated in California and spread to many U.S. states.
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Canada: The idea has crossed borders, with events in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario.
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Other countries: Although still growing internationally, the idea resonates globally, especially in English-speaking communities.
How Citizens Involve Themselves and Make It a Success
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Collect suitable books: Gather gently used or new books from home, schools, or community drives.
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Sort by reading level: Organise books by age to make selection easy for children.
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Decorate your home: Use signs like “Book Treats Here!” or “Pick a Story!” to attract trick-or-treaters.
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Spread awareness: Encourage friends and neighbours to participate through word-of-mouth and social media.
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Offer choice: Allow kids to pick their own books—it gives them ownership and excitement.
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Donate extras: Unused books can go to libraries, shelters, or schools.
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Create reading corners: Some communities set up small reading spots outside their homes for kids to sit and read.
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Host book-swap events: Let children exchange books with each other during Halloween celebrations.
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Involve schools and libraries: Partner with local institutions for broader outreach.
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Celebrate together: Share stories, read aloud, and make it a joyful evening for kids and parents alike.
Theme for Books For Treats Day 2025
Theme: “One Book, One Future.”
This theme emphasises that even one book given on Halloween night can shape a child’s imagination and future. It highlights the idea that knowledge, creativity, and curiosity are the best gifts a child can receive. Communities can decorate their book-giving stations with quotes like “Stories Last Longer Than Candy” or “Turn a Sweet Night into a Smart One.”
10 Famous Quotes for Books For Treats Day
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“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” — Neil Gaiman
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“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway
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“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass
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“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” — Mason Cooley
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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King
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“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald
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“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” — Margaret Fuller
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“The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.” — Mary McLeod Bethune
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“Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” — Dr. Seuss
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“When you open a book you open your mind.” — Jeanette Winterson
FAQs
Q1: What is Books For Treats Day?
It’s a celebration on October 31 where children receive books instead of candy during Halloween.
Q2: Who started Books For Treats Day?
Rebecca Morgan from San Jose, California, started it in 1995 after offering books to trick-or-treaters instead of sweets.
Q3: Why is Books For Treats Day celebrated on Halloween?
Because Halloween is associated with treats, making it the perfect time to replace sugary gifts with literary ones.
Q4: What kind of books can be given?
Age-appropriate books like picture books, storybooks, comics, and early readers are ideal. Both new and gently used copies work well.
Q5: Do children actually enjoy receiving books instead of candy?
Yes, many children love choosing their own books. Parents appreciate the healthy and thoughtful alternative.
Q6: Can I give both candy and books?
Of course! Many participants hand out small candies along with books to balance fun and literacy.
Q7: How can schools celebrate Books For Treats Day?
Schools can host book-swap events, reading competitions, or storytelling sessions that encourage students to bring and exchange books.
Q8: What are the benefits of celebrating Books For Treats Day?
It promotes reading, improves literacy, reduces sugar consumption, and fosters community spirit.
Q9: Is Books For Treats Day only for children?
Primarily, it focuses on children, but adults can also participate by donating books or organising community reading events.
Q10: How can I encourage my neighbours to join?
Share the idea early through flyers, social media, or word of mouth. Setting an example by handing out books inspires others to follow.
Q11: Can this day be celebrated outside the U.S.?
Absolutely! The idea transcends borders and can easily be adapted in any country where people celebrate Halloween or similar festivals.
Q12: What if I can’t afford new books?
You can collect gently used books from friends, libraries, or donation drives. Many organisations hold book-exchange programs before Halloween.
Q13: Are there age restrictions for the books?
No, you can include books suitable for toddlers up to middle-school children. Sorting by reading level helps distribute them fairly.
Q14: How can parents involve their kids in the process?
Let kids help choose books, decorate baskets, or write short notes like “Happy Reading!” to include with each book.
Q15: Can digital or e-books be shared for Books For Treats Day?
Yes, though physical books have a special charm, e-books or QR-coded stories can also be gifted, especially in digital-friendly communities.
Q16: What makes this day special compared to other literacy events?
It ties the excitement of Halloween with the power of reading, turning a fun night into a moment of learning and inspiration.
Q17: How can companies or bookstores take part?
Bookstores can offer discounts or organise free children’s book drives. Companies can sponsor book-donation campaigns.
Q18: How can this day help underprivileged children?
By collecting and donating books to shelters or schools, the event can provide reading materials to children who otherwise lack access to books.
Q19: Is there an official theme every year?
Yes, themes vary each year. The suggested theme for 2025 is “One Book, One Future.”
Q20: How can I make the event memorable for children?
Wrap books like gifts, add bookmarks or stickers, and make the giving moment exciting — just like receiving candy.
Conclusion
In a world overflowing with sweets and quick pleasures, Books For Treats Day reminds us that the most meaningful gifts nourish the mind, not the teeth. On October 31, let’s reimagine Halloween as a festival of imagination and learning. Every book handed out on this day becomes a bridge between fun and education — a reminder that stories last longer than sugar.
By celebrating this unique day, we plant seeds of curiosity, literacy, and love for reading in young hearts. So, this Halloween, instead of asking, “Trick or treat?” let’s ask, “Which story would you like to read?” Because one small book can change a child’s world — and that’s the sweetest treat of all.
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Someshwar Chowdhury is a seasoned Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Educator, and Technology enthusiast with over a decade of experience in engineering education and consultancy. Someshwar is also an active blogger, trainer, and member of professional bodies like ISHRAE and GREEN ADD+. When not teaching or consulting, he enjoys blogging, music, and exploring green technologies.
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