Halloween is all about the costumes, spooky fun, and of course... free candy! Our family enjoys the Halloween tradition of picking a costume, dressing up, and trick or treating with family and friends each real, but let's be real — I am overwhelmed by the huge pile of candy by the end of it!
Sure my kids think it's great fun, but after a few days, I'm ready to find some creative ways to recycle these bite sized treats!
Macaroni KID has some ideas! Here's 9 things you can do with all that extra Halloween candy after you've had your fill and want to give back:
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. Want something closer to home? A group called Soldiers' Angels lets you search by zip code to find a location near you (the closest ones are in Atlanta).
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
Some businesses, such as dentists, have a candy buy-back offer after Halloween. You might find some listed Halloween candy buy-back program, but asking locally might be the best bet. If you find a local buy-back program near Elberton or Hartwell, please let me know! Kids would love to make a little extra money while you'll just be glad to have that candy out of the house!
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4. Get in the holiday spirit
Christmas is right around the corner. Store your leftover Halloween treats until it's time to decorate that gingerbread house, or make goodie bags for stocking stuffers or homemade gifts to family from the kids.
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5. Make trail mix
Just mix chocolate, candy corn, raisins, pretzels, and other leftover goodies in with some pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and/or popcorn and you'll have an instant afternoon snack with some protein.
6. Freeze it
Did you ever think to freeze candy or chocolate to use later? I can imagine chocolates would go well in holiday coffees or hot chocolates for a little surprise you and the kids will love!
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7. Sweeten up that sundae bar
Save the treats for an ice cream party, weekend movie night, birthday or other special event. Grab vanilla ice cream and serve bits of leftover Halloween candy as toppings, and voila... a sweet and fun surprise for everyone to enjoy!
8. Say goodbye to chocolate chips
Instead of adding chocolate chips to your favorite baked goods recipe, try pieces of chocolate candy bars. It'll be a surprise in every bite!
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9. Make a fondue
Yep, empty all that chocolate (and caramel!) into a slow cooker, add some cream, and watch it melt into ooey-gooey goodness. Serve with fresh fruit to dip and you're set! You get to have a nice activity without spending a lot. That's a win-win!
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