Here in the United States, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays around but did you know that a number of countries around the world also welcome the winter season with parties, costumes and sweet treats?

In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with festivities and parades.  In Spain, they eat “Bones of the Holy” pastries.  In Holland, they celebrate Saint Martin’s Day by singing songs and eating sweets or tangerines.

If you’re looking for some non-candy Halloween gifts for kids, here are some of my favorite ideas:

How cute are these Trumpette Ghost Socks?

These limited edition Halloween pacifiers from MAM come in a reusable case that can be used in the microwave to sterilize pacifiers. So smart.

Kids of all ages will love these Uglydoll Universal Monsters available individually or in this adorably spooky set featuring Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride, The Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy.

Girly girls will want to get their nails into the holiday season and this little ghouls piggy paint set is sure to please with glow-in-the-dark white, orange and black polishes.

Books are always a great gift idea and this Creepy Carrots tale is a fall favorite in my house.

How about a gift kids and parents will love?  Everyone loves Charlie Brown and this classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown DVD will keep the whole family entertained.

Happy Halloween season, wherever you’ll be celebrating!!