highest in fat, much of it the artery-clogging saturated kind. The lowest-fat chocolates are filled with mint-flavoured sugar or marshmallow.

Try sugar-based candies, which can be unhealthful, but are not as unhealthful as chocolates -- which provide a double dose of sugar and fat. Harder candies like lollipops are better than licorices, toffees or caramels.

Skip candy altogether and pass out inexpensive toys, such as odd-shaped pencil erasers or plastic skeletons.

Don't give fresh fruit or other treats not wrapped in sealed packaging.

Be wary of candies advertised as being "made with real fruit.'' The amount of fruit they contain often is too small to make a difference.