10 Fun Ways to Use Leftover Halloween Candy Without Tossing It!
Halloween is over, and if you find yourself staring at a mountain of candy, you’re not alone. Instead of tossing it or sneaking a piece every time you pass by, here are some creative, fun, and delicious ideas for those leftover sweets. Your kids — and your sweet tooth — will thank you! First, sort through the stash to decide what to do with each type of candy. With three kids, our pile is sky-high, but I hate to waste it. Here are some creative ways to put it all to good use:
Candy Science Experiments
Halloween candy can be the perfect excuse for fun at-home science experiments. Try a “sink or float” test with different candies, or dissolve candies like Skittles in warm water to create a rainbow of colors. It’s educational and entertaining — plus, it’s a sneaky way to help you eliminate some of the pile!
Make S’mores
The candy pile is sure to include mini-sized Hershey bars that are perfect for making s’mores over a winter fire. You can even melt the chocolate down for chocolate-covered strawberries or blueberries. Or save the idea for next year’s Easter candy stash — planning ahead, right?
Candy Buy-Back Programs
Some dentists will pay your kids to hand over their candy. Check if your local dental office is still offering a candy buy-back program where you can swap those sugary treats! While not specifically based in Lafayette, Operation Gratitude runs a nationwide Halloween Candy Give-Back Program. Check it out and give back.
Freeze Candy for Later
Got more candy than you can handle? Pop it in the freezer! Mini chocolate bars freeze well and can be chopped up later for ice cream toppings, baked into cookies, or tossed into trail mix for a sweet surprise. Plus, you never know when an emergency chocolate craving will strike!
Candy Piñata Party
If you have enough candy to fill a piñata, you’re in luck! A piñata is a fantastic way to make use of that leftover Halloween candy, and it adds an extra burst of fun to any celebration. In my house, we have two kids with back-to-back birthdays in December, so a piñata is the perfect way to spread out the Halloween sugar rush.
Build a Christmas Gingerbread House
Build a Christmas gingerbread house. Decorate it with colorful gummy shingles, candy corn pathways, and mini chocolates for windows. It’s a great way to get ahead on holiday cheer while reducing the leftovers.
Bake Cookie Bars with Leftover Candy
Use that pile of M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped-up candy bars for chewy, gooey cookie bars. It’s a fun way to mix and match different candies without the temptation of just eating them straight out of the bag.
Recipe Idea: Candy Cookie Bars
– Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup flour, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup chopped leftover candy.
– Instructions: Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the chopped candy. Spread the mixture in a greased 9×9 pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before cutting.
DIY Candy Necklaces
A friend of mine has the sweetest idea — she makes candy necklaces by wrapping a variety of candies in mini cellophane wrappers and tying them to an elastic string. It’s such a creative and fun way to turn leftover Halloween candy into a thoughtful gift, especially for those holiday performances. It’s the perfect way to repurpose candy while making something memorable!
Use Candy for Holiday Décor
Save some candy for holiday decorating. Mints, gumdrops, and red & green chocolates can be perfect for a holiday candy jar. It’s a great way to make use of seasonal leftovers!
Host a Candy Potluck
Invite friends over for a “candy potluck” where everyone brings their leftover candy to share. You could have a candy swap or create a topping station for ice cream sundaes. It’s a fun way to get together and clear out the candy surplus!
Leftover Halloween candy doesn’t have to go to waste. Whether you’re baking, crafting, or sharing with friends, these ideas let you put those sugary treats to good use. Plus, it’s a chance to get creative and make new memories with your family — and who knows? Maybe by next Halloween, you’ll be ready to do it all over again — just with a few new tricks up your sleeve!
