Do you think that there is an age that a person is "too old" to go trick or treating? How do you tell someone?

Question

I was always told that 14 is the cut off for trick or treating, but I have seen many older teenagers out trick or treating. A couple of years ago I actually had 2 women in their early twenties who came trick or treating at my house. My husband gave them a couple of pieces of candy, and after they left he asked me "Can you believe that?" and I asked why he even gave them any and he said "What was I supposed to say?" Is it rude to tell someone that you think they are too old to be trick or treating? One of my co-workers said that she will actually tell an older teenager that she thinks they are too old and won't give them candy and I have seen people post signs on their house saying they don't give candy to anyone over 13. Is this rude?

Someone mentioned people taking the time to wear a costume. Many of the older teens and young adults that I see, are not even wearing costumes. The 2 women who showed up at my house that year, were in normal clothes with Walmart sacks.

Here is my concern: If people are giving out candy to older teens and young adults, sooner or later they are going to run out of candy. So what about the little kids who go to these houses and can't get any candy, because all the big kids already got it??

I think the little kids, like 13 and under should come first, and then if there is left over candy, the older kids can get it.

Answer 1

I don't think that there is an exact cut of age for trick or treating. I think a teen will just feel like it's pointless. If people come to your house in their early twenties maybe are too old I guess Halloween is a night for the kids and once your 18 you're not a kid anymore. I wouldn't give them candy. Over 13? Yea it's rude. Over 18? Nope tell em no candy.

Answer 2

I have never heard of some one being "TOO OLD" to trick or treat IF they come in costume. You never know that may be the only bright spot in their life. I know when I was a teenager and my family life sucked I would do anything to get away and have fun. So me and a few of my friends that had similar situations dressed up and trick or treated. They may just need entertainment. I would rather that, than them going out and causing problems. I hope you look atthings that way. Sometimes that may be the only thing they have to look for. Not every one has a happy life and "HAve better things to do" even adults sometimes need and escape.

Answer 3

When I would hand out candy, if I thought they looked too old.....I didn't give them any. Same for the older kids who didn't even bother with costumes. I helped my mom when I was in HS and couldn't believe how many kids from school came by....and left with no candy. If they're with a younger sibling or something, I'd probably give them some candy. When I took my kids out yesterday, there were so many teenagers out with no costumes on and most were screaming profanities at each other. But what REALLY ticks me off is the women/men you see carrying/pushing teeny tiny babies around with trick or treat bags. Sure, take your kid out to show them off but don't expect candy for a baby so small. I remember one woman came to the door with a baby that looked maybe a month old. I gave her a sucker(the only thing that the baby might be able to taste w/o choking) and she got mad at me. The "baby" liked candy bars.


But anyway. It's something I really base on sight. I have a 15 year old niece and she hasn't went trick or treating for years, so it just depends on the kid.

Answer 4

well I am not exactly a young person, in my forties
and when I was a child we went trick or treating until
the age of 18. no one ever said anything,nor did anyone
ever,not give us something,we were treated like the rest of the kids.20 somthing is a bit much,now you are really pushing it,but how could you tell if they were 20 somthing, my best friends son is 13 yrs old , he is 6.1 and about 220 lbs
there daughter is 11 and she is 5.10 and a bout 130 lbs
are they 20 somthing because of thier size? my brothers daughter is 12 she doesn,t get carded anywhere she goes because she looks 20 yrs old,she hates it,when she goes to a kiddie matinee at the movies with her friends,they think she is a mother with her daughter and some friends,even her teachers swear she failed a few grades,she looks like she belongs in grade eleven or twelve.but she is eleven,and men hit on her.sad but true.sop maybe the girls at your door were maybe just about 17 or 18 and your husband got it wrong.
or maybe they are very lonely 20 yr olds.

but I honestly think they were teens.

Answer 5

I figure if someone that old is going to go begging for candy then I will give it to them (even though in my head I am thinking get a life or a flipping job!! LOL). I think it is stupid too... but I don't want to give them a reason to throw eggs at my house or slash my tires either. I would rather just give them a piece of candy... what am I out a few cents?? Doesn't bother me that much I guess.

Answer 6

I don't know if it's rude but I wouldn't do it! I agree that there is most defiantly a cut off for Halloween when kids are in high school but it's only a few pieces of candy. Normally I just give them a rude look [I didn't know until my husband told me...] and give them candy. The same goes for kids who are under two. The candy isn't for the kids. It's for the gosh darn parents!

Answer 7

Honestly, when you graduate high school. You are still a kid under 18. I stopped trick or treating around 14, but my brother was 18. I think boys are different though. Boys like to dress up and fool around.

So I say, 14/15 for girls and 17/18 for boys.

Answer 8

If someone will go to the extent of wearing a costume and will come to my door to entertain me with their creativity in costume choice, I will reward them with a piece of candy. I don't care how old they are - the fact that they tried and got into the spirit of the thing is good enough to justify a token gift from me. It's what makes the holiday more fun, after all.

Answer 9

My son is 13 years old. He's almost 6' 2" and is a bass in the choir. His friends, the same age, are all much smaller and it would tick me off to no end if someone decided that my son, because he looks older, shouldn't trick or treat but that his smaller friends are ok because they look younger.

eta...he and his friends are 8th graders.

Answer 10

I went trick or treating in college, but it was mostly to friend's houses. I think it's all about fun. Since when should there be an age limit?

My sister planned a great b'day party for my niece. It was Christmas in August. We went caroling and decorated the ficus. She had a blast at 15.

For my 25th b'day, my friends and I had a slumber party at my favorite restaurant in our pajamas. We had a blast.

There's no reason to ever get over having fun as long as you're not destructive.