Halloween is all about the costumes, the boos, and of course the C-A-N-D-Y!
Going door-to-door (or trunk to trunk!) dressed in costumes with family and friends is fun and a great tradition, but let's be real — it's all about those fun-sized treats!
Plus, did you know Halloween is the ultimate day to indulge without the guilt? (That's official.)
But all that candy may be overwhelming and, despite our best efforts, we can't eat all of those chocolate bars after they've gone to bed — right? But we'll give it the ol' college try!
If you do have leftovers, what can you do with the next-day sweets? We have ideas!
1. Donate to troops or first responders.
Operation Gratitude distributes Halloween candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders all over the world — providing a sweet opportunity for grateful Americans to thank those who serve our nation. You can sign up as an individual, group, or business and send your candy to Operation Gratitude.
2. Support a good cause.
Many charities take candy, not just after Halloween but after Valentine's and Easter too. Call your local food pantry, homeless shelter, or nursing home to see if they would like a donation of unopened Halloween candy.
3. Find a candy buy-back program near you.
There are businesses — usually dentists and orthodontists — that offer a candy buy-back offer post-Halloween. Kids will love to make a little extra money or earn a new toy while you'll just be glad to have that candy out of the house! Learn more about the Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program.
4. Get into the holiday spirit.
Christmas will be here before you know it. Store your leftover Halloween treats until it's time to decorate that gingerbread house!
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5. Make trail mix.
Just add chocolate, candy corn, raisins, pretzels, and other leftover goodies to a bowl full of pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and/or popcorn and you'll have an instant afternoon pick-me-up.
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6. Freeze it.
Freeze leftover chocolate candies, then add them to your holiday coffees or hot chocolates for a little surprise you and the kids will love!
7. Sweeten up that sundae bar.
Have a birthday or other special event coming up? Make a sundae bar with leftover Halloween candy! Simply unwrap the candies and divide them into bowls for kids (or adults!) to add to a DIY sundae. It's always sundae night somewhere.
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8. Say goodbye to chocolate chips.
Instead of adding chocolate chips to your favorite cookie, brownie, or cupcake recipe, cut or smash chocolate candy bars into similar-sized pieces. It'll be a surprise in every bite!
9. Make a fondue.
Yep, empty all that chocolate (don't forget the caramels too!) into a slow cooker. Add some cream, and let it get ooey-gooey. Just add fresh fruit on skewers to dip and you're set!
