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.
What to do with Leftover Halloween Candy
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 do a combination of 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 eat it, of course}
- 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 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, just 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 bags of the candy and gave it 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 to not 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 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.
- 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.
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 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 would 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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