10 things you can do with your leftover Halloween Candy. From crafting with it to donating it - this list has something for everyone! The recipes are the best!
Other Halloween resources include Tips for Keeping Kids Safe on Halloween and Easy Halloween Treats.
Our kids will tell you. We're 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?
After trick-or-treating, Halloween candy practically covers the kitchen table once the kids open their bags and check out their goodies. Gone are the days of little candy bars. There are often full-size ones in there now!
Years ago, when they were small, the Great Pumpkin would come and trade out their candy for a gift. They are a little too old for that now, so we usually combine the below list to get rid of our leftover Halloween candy.
It's important to keep kids safe this Halloween, so always make sure to check their treats before they start eating them!
Related: 4-ingredient Bat Treats
10 Things to Do With Leftover Halloween Candy
{besides eating it, of course}
- FREEZE IT - It's easy to take some 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 for about six months.
- COOK WITH IT - If you make smoothies or bake brownies, 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, use the candy as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.f
- 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.
- GIVE IT AWAY- Last year, we made little candy bags and gave them to the homeless. Taking it to your office is another way to pass it along.
- 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. It would also be perfect to use on these Reindeer Brownies or Reese's Reindeer!
- 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.
- CANDY EXCHANGE - In some cities, to encourage kids not to eat as much candy, Dentists and Orthodontists exchange Halloween candy for gifts or money. This can be a real incentive for some kids.
- MELT IT INTO OTHER CANDY FOR GIFTS - It's simple to get a candy mold at the store, 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.
- KEEP SOME IN YOUR PURSE - When hunger or a sweet 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 🙂
- 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.
Here are 50 Recipes to Use Your Halloween Candy!
Bonus Tips for What to Do with Your Halloween Candy
- Make it into a learning tool by having the kids count with the candy or use it to do math problems.
- If it's close to the date, reuse it in a fun pinata at your child's birthday party.
- Send a care package to the grandparents. It's unlikely they'll be out trick-or-treating so that they will welcome the sentiment!
- If you want to be a thoughtful partner, tuck some candy into your husband or partner's work bag and make their day!
- For those who might be motivated by money, trade out the child's candy for coins! Whatever denomination you think best.
What do you do with your leftover Halloween candy?
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Kim~madeinaday says
Great ideas, I usually throw it out because I can't take help myself, lol.Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned! Have a great week!
Kim
Samantha says
Love all these ideas! I will definitely be keeping some Halloween candy in my purse this year. 😉 Thanks for joining the Family Joy Link Party!
Erin | Stay at home yogi says
Saving some for decorating gingerbread houses is GENIUS!!! What a great tip!
Erin says
Thanks, Erin! Why buy candy when you'll have a ton left over from Halloween!
Grammy says
Lots of great ideas! I think melting, cooking, and freezing would be the best way for me to use it.
Erin says
All great uses for sure! Thanks for stopping by and checking out the ideas. Freezing it works well around here.
Charlene Asay says
These are all great ideas. I hope to see you at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party this week.
Joanne says
Great ideas! We do freeze some and bake some but my kids mostly get hard candies or sugary (not chocolate) candies so the last few years we've started using our candies for science experiments. We try dissolving some in water and try to guess which ones will dissolve first. We try microwaving different candies to see what happens with added heat. We run sink/float experiments. Many candies have baking soda inside (especially if they say sour) or as a coating and it's fun to try dropping them in vinegar and watching the mini volcano like explosions.
Erin says
I love it! What clever ideas to get rid of your candy besides eating it! I love that it makes the kids think and engage their brain. I'm sure these memories will stay with them a lifetime.
Vickie says
Great ideas! The kids love it but it can be overwhelming. We never know how many to expect here even so we end up with more candy than we can handle. We have froze it before and it works great!
Erin says
It can be overwhelming when all the candy comes home! I think there is too much candy around that time, so these tips help get some of it out of the house!
AJ @ Aspen Jay says
Hi Erin!
Oh, I really like the candy fairy idea! That is a really fun idea. I am definitely going to put some of these ideas into practice because we have way too much candy leftover from Halloween. Thanks for the ideas!
Cheers,
AJ
Erin says
You're welcome, AJ. Between four kids, we always have too much 🙂