10 Things to Do With Leftover Halloween Candy

What to do with Leftover Halloween Candy

My kids will tell you, I’m not big on feeding them tons of sugary snacks and treats. Halloween is a tough one because it’s all about sugary candy. It’s everywhere! So what do you do with all the leftover  halloween candy?

With four kids, the candy practically covers the kitchen table once they open their bags and check out their goodies. Gone are the days of little candy bars…there are often full-size ones in there!

Years ago when they were small, we had the Great Pumpkin come and trade out their candy for a gift. They are a little too old for that now, so we usually do a combinaion of the below list to get rid of our leftover Halloween candy.

10 Things to Do With Leftover Halloween Candy
{besides eat it, of course}

1.  FREEZE IT – It’s easy to take some of the chocolate or other candy and freeze it for later. You can then use it in recipes or crafts when it’s convenient. It will last in the freezer about six months.
2. COOK WITH IT – If you make smoothies or bake, your leftover candy can be an easy add-in. Who doesn’t like a chocolate shake or cookies with M&Ms? To limit sugar intake, just use the candy as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
3. DIY TRAIL MIX – Just add it to your own mix of nuts and fruit for an energy boost for you or the kids to use on the go.
4.  GIVE IT AWAY– Last year, we made little bags of the candy and gave it to the homeless. Taking it to your office is another way to pass it along.
5. USE IT ON HOLIDAY CRAFTS – If you make a gingerbread house or reindeer collage, the leftover candy is a great way to add those precious details to your art.
6. SEND IT OVERSEAS – Operation Gratitude sends more than 100,000 care packages annually to U.S. troops stationed overseas and to their children left behind, as well as veterans. The organization’s mission is simple: to put a smile on soldiers’ faces. Operation Gratitude accepts donations of unopened candy. Click the link for more details.
7. CANDY EXCHANGE – In some cities to encourage kids to not eat as much candy, Dentists and Orthodontist exchange Halloween candy for gifts or money. This can be a real incentive for some kids.
8. MELT IT INTO OTHER CANDY FOR GIFTS – It’s simple to get a candy mold at the store and fill it with the candy you receive and melt it into something new. These could make cute gifts for friends, grandparents or neighbors over the holidays.
9. KEEP SOME IN YOUR PURSE – When hunger or a craving strikes you’ll be ready if you keep a few pieces in your purse or bag. It might even come in handy if you need a quick reward while out shopping with your little one 🙂
10. INTRODUCE THE CANDY FAIRY OR GREAT PUMPKIN – This alternative to eating all the candy works well for smaller children. Have your child pick their “favorite candies” and leave the rest out overnight for the candy fairy who will exchange the candy for a toy or small gift. This creates a sense of magic and creativity for the holiday.

What do you do with your leftover candy?

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