What city is this in?
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix is on sale at CVS this week for only $1…49, and many stores have Halloween candy marked down 75% or 90% off. You can easily stay under your $50 budget this way.
I like to make brownie cookies - by taking 2 boxes of regular brownie mix, prepared according to the directions, then simply add in an extra 1.5 cups of flour to thicken it a bit more, and also 1/4 cup corn starch, which helps make this less sticky. I mix this in my kitchen aid mixer, then I will let the batter chill in the fridge or freezer for an hour or so. I will use an ice cream scoop to make them the about same size and bake them about 9-10 minutes on a cookie sheet.
As soon as they come out of the oven, I’ll put either an unwrapped rolo, or a Hershey’s caramel kiss, or an M&M caramel on the top. The combination of caramel and brownie in a cookie is an inspiration, and these are always a big hit. You should easily be able to get 100 to 125 cookies out of a couple boxes - if you make them small, they cook quicker.
They are easy to make, but they look like you really have to fuss over them. Before I found my airbake sheets, I used to use parchment paper on the cookie sheets so they wouldn’t stick.
@Sybylla why do you ask? I’ll just share “midwest”.
If you were close, I would have volunteered assistance LOL.
You’re adorable. 
<3 Sweet to help with sweets!
Dried apricots half-dipped in dark chocolate. You can sprinkle finely chopped nuts on the chocolate.
Oreo truffles? Crushed Oreos mixed with cream cheese rolled into a ball; dip in melted chocolate.
MaryBarbars, sounds good. Can you share your recipe?
Do not worry about a peanut allergy- those will have to forgo your treat (or give it to someone else). Putting your treat in a snack sized bag will solve any hygiene issues. There are plenty of treats with ingredients some will not like- eg I do not like Oreos or pretzels.
Something easy is Rice Krispies chocolate scotcheroos. The recipe is typically on the box (or the internet these days). I always made them with a double chocolate topping. Easy and you can decide the size to cut them in (to fit the snack bag). This is a nostalgic treat most will not be buying the ingredients and making. You can make them thinner so there’s a better chocolate to rice ratio as well. Consider using cookie sheets…
I like @wis75 s idea about Rice Krispie treats. That’s one I haven’t had. As a teacher we get lots of home made treats and all the pretzel variations have been overdone. I love chocolate dipped apricots and dates but they will probably break the bank.
Since you are using this to promote your program , presentation is primary. Finding a good price for nice stickers and bags might influence the size and shape of your treat.
Giant GoldFish Crackers dipped in Nutella
crazy good
Is there any rule that says you can’t repeat your successful idea from last year? I thought it was clever.
Well thanks @colorado_mom ! Its a fairly small town and I’ll be there will be many return ticket buyers so I’d like to put a twist on it! You guys have given me some great ideas.