Another Halloween for the books! The costumes may be packed away and you've started taking down the Halloween decorations, but chances are that the excess candy is still lingering. So now what? Never fear, Promocodes.com shoppers! Scroll down to check out a handy guide for some innovative, frugal solutions to all of that extra sugar:
1. Donate it!
There are a number of charitable organizations that will gladly accept your unopened candy. This might come as a surprise, but there are a number of charitable organizations that you can look into to ensure that your candy is going to a good cause. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Operation Gratitude: Donate your leftover Halloween candy to the troops! The treats that you donate will be filled in care packages for the men and women who are serving in the military.
Treats for Troops: This charitable organization sends treats to soldiers and it lets your kiddos can earn buy-back prizes. You will also get a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
Operation Shoebox: Volunteers for this great organization will happily pack candy-filled boxes for soldiers year round, with a particular need during the holidays.
2. Bring it to the Office
If you don't have a sweet tooth or if you simply don't want to add a bunch of sugar to your diet, you can give it to your coworkers instead. If you put out free candy, it's sure to be gone. Fast.
3. The Candy Fairy: Your New BFF
Introduce a new holiday figure to your kids with the Candy Fairy! Each night, simply have your child put out treats for the Candy Fairy. When they wake up, they'll find that the clever Candy Fairy has swapped the candy for a small gift - crayons or a book make for great choices. You can also choose items that your children can really use as opposed to toys and your wallet will thank you in the long run.
4. Bake & Share
There are lots of delicious recipes calling for left-over Halloween candy, including pies, cakes, cookies - the possibilities are endless. So, grab your loot and have a baking party with your kids! Your kids will love being involved in the preparation and then you can share the treats with friends, family, or drop it off at a local senior center or shelter. It's a great way to start getting into the holiday spirit of giving back.
5. Freeze it!
You can stash some candy away for a rainy day, upcoming holiday parties, or make your own sundae night at home. By freezing a portion of your Halloween candy, it will make it last longer so you can enjoy it later. To freeze your candy, ensure that it's in an air-tight container such as a plastic container or a plastic bag with a ziplock seal.
6. DIY Trail Mix
If your diet doesn't have room for all those sugary treats, you can make your Halloween leftovers a little healthier by creating your own DIY trail mix. Just combine M&M's with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and dried fruits to create a nutritious snack on the go.
7. Holiday Decorations
Feeling crafty? Don't want all that Halloween candy to go to waste? You can get ready for the coming holidays by turning your leftover treats into tree ornaments or custom decorations for your gingerbread house! You could even save them for next Halloween and turn the candies into a festive, spooky wreath.
8. Save it for a Fall Birthday Party
If someone special in your life is celebrating a fall birthday, your Halloween candy could make the perfect addition! Simply save the treats and use them as party favors, or even better - a piñata!