When Halloween rolls around the kids go CraZy for candy but then when all the craziness dies down we are left with a great big mound of candy to deal with. Now comes the time to try to figure out ways to use leftover Halloween candy. I’m pretty sure it’s ok to eat some of it but re-purposing it for other recipes and other uses would probably be a great idea.
15 Ways to Use Leftover Halloween Candy
Check for a Halloween Buy Back in Your Area – There is a website called Halloween Candy Buy Back where local dentists sign up to buy back Halloween candy to send to troops overseas. There is a simple zip code search that will let you know if there is any available in your area and I bet those troops sure are happy about getting a special treat. This is a great way to show your support and teach your children a little about sharing.
Donate It – Check your area first before dropping it off but you may be able to donate your extra candy to a daycare, local women’s shelter, fire dept., police dept or church. Often times these candies can be used for parties and events for the community. You may also want to check into retirement homes or nursing homes. Sometimes they like to have a special treat too.
Freeze it For Later – Most chocolate candies can be frozen for later use and can really come in handy around Christmas time when everyone starts doing their holiday baking. Freezing it in Ziploc freezer bags will help keep the freezer burn away and will make it taste a whole lot better when it comes time to eat it again.
Make a Teacher’s Gift – Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to brighten your child’s teachers day than by grabbing a cute mason jar and filling it with little candy treats. They can either eat it up themselves or use it as an added intensive in their class.
Make Trail Mix – You can make your own DIY trail mix at home with pretzels, M&M’s, dried fruit, nuts and popcorn. Make up a big ole batch and have a movie night with the kids!
Make your own Piñata – Everybody loves to have a piñata at the party but it can really cost a lot to fill them up. Save your leftover Halloween candy and you can probably fill up a pretty good sized one for you next party or get together.
Use if for an Incentive – Now a lot of people may disagree with this one because they don’t want to reward good behavior with candy but I have found that an extra insensitive every once in a while works out very well at our house.
Bake With It – You can use plenty of your leftover Halloween candy to add into cookies, brownies and even cupcakes. Candy corn makes a great addition to cookies and leftover mini candy bars can easily be added to the center of brownies and cupcakes for a nice surprise. Here are 30 recipes to use up leftover Halloween candy.
Take it to Work with You – Your co-workers may or may not like this idea but you can always load up a cute little bowl and take it to work to share in the break room. Just make sure you don’t eat to much yourself!
Do some Candy Experiments – There is a pretty cool website called Candy Experiments where you can find out all sorts of cool things to do with you candy. We have been having a blast with this website and all kids like to do play scientist every once in a while.
Save it For Christmas – One of my favorite ways to use leftover Halloween candy is to save it for Christmas! You can use it for stocking stuffers or add it to the bow on a Christmas gift makes a nice special touch. If you are making a gingerbread house you can save your leftover candy corn, life savors and skittles to your home for a great pop of color.
Use it for Prizes at Card Games and Parties – Everyone loves to be a winner and you can bag grab some cute little bags and use your treats as prizes for your next party.
Use it for a Topping – Another great way to use leftover Halloween candy is to use it for a topping for ice cream, pudding and cakes. Have yourself a great big ice cream buffet and place all the Halloween candy in little bowls for everyone to choose from.
Craft Project with the Kids – The kids can have a great time gluing their leftover Halloween candy onto paper and card stock. They may not be able to eat their craft when they are done but it looks very pretty on the wall.
Donate To the Troops Yourself – You can leave out the middle man and donate your candy directly to the troops. You can read about Operation Shoebox and even find the address to send it to here.
How do you use up leftover Halloween candy?
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