What To Do With Leftover Halloween Candy (17 Easy Ideas + Recipes)

If your house is anything like mine right now, the candy situation can get a little out of hand rigth after Halloween. Whether it’s the trick-or-treat haul or the backup stash for Halloween night, there’s usually a little extra hanging around.

A lot of families fall into Halloween traditions around Halloween candy. If you don’t want your family eating all the candy you collected, try these ideas.

Save Candy For Decorating A Gingerbread House

For years, out family’s tradition has been saving at least half our candy to decorate a gingerbread house with candy.

I would have my kid separate out the candy she thought would be good to decorate with about a week after Halloween. We talked about which candies we thought would work best and look prettiest.

In this picture from 2017, we sure did get a lot of dum dum suckers that year for the fence!

A decorated candy-covered gingerbread house on a table with a blue hot glue gun and glue sticks beside it.

Three people, two adults and a child, pose and smile together at a table with a decorated gingerbread house and bowls of candy.

Kristy’s Gingerbread House Tips

Don’t feel like this gingerbread creation has to be perfect. We use a gingerbread house kit, and use hot glue because I just am not patient enough to wait for that gingerbread frosting to dry. I allow my kid to snack on a few pieces of candy while we are decorating, but once it’s glued on we don’t eat it. You can also pull out a different candy or treat your kid does enjoy if you don’t want them eating the decorating candy. (or they may eat less of it!)

How To Donate Leftover Halloween Candy?

There are multiple donations who accept donations of Halloween candy. Many of them are dependent on what is available in your area. I’ve included organizations I know of, but I suggest contacting them directly.

Donate To The Troops

There are several organizations that arrange pickups for Halloween candy and donate it to our service men and women. Check out Soldier’s Angels , Troopathon or Operation Shoebox for groups that donate to the troops that you can mail candy to.

Check With Local Dentists And Orthodontists

This video on ABC with dentist Dr. Kami Hoss came across my feed, they said the day after Halloween was one of the highest days of the year for emergency dental work, specially involving children. The dentist suggested chocolate was actually a little better for kids because it melts away easier and is less likely to stick to, crack a tooth or a filling, or break a braces bracket.

Many local dentists and orthodontists offer candy programs right after Halloween, so check with the offices local to you.

Try Donating To Ronald McDonald House Locally

Ronald McDonald House helps children and families who are quite ill and need support during time in the hospital. This charity doesn’t have an official candy program, however I have heard reports that they do accept extra Halloween candy in some locations. Contact a Ronald McDonald location near you to see if they accept candy donations.

Try Donating To Homeless Shelters Locally

Some homeless shelters will accept candy donations, but it will depend on that organization’s policies. I found in Phoenix closer to where I am, and organization called Just Serve accepts candy in Gilbert for those who are homeless.

Have You Heard Of The Switch Witch?

Have you ever heard of the Switch Witch? Some families have kids leave their candy out for this witch, and the “witch” brings a toy in exchange for the candy. This works for some families, and may work for yours. In some households, it’s the tooth fairy who pays a visit to offer an exchange for extra Halloween candy.

Recipes To Make With Leftover Halloween Candy

These recipes are a sweet way to use it up. Most freeze well, so if you’re overloaded now you can stash a few in the freezer. Pull them out when you need a homemade treat later, or during the holidays when you don’t feel like baking from scratch.