DENVER (KDVR) — It's a worst nightmare for parents and dentists... hoards of candy that children will consume within a matter of days. Plenty of sugar rushes, tooth damage and tummy aches will follow.
For those whose children don't snap up every last crumb, here are some fun ideas you can use for leftover candy.
Deliver to the deliverers
There are people who show up to your porch almost 365 days a year regardless of a holiday. Candy is not just for kids, and your local delivery drivers might enjoy a treat when they bring your packages to your home. Leaving a bowl with the remaining candy can let them know you are thankful for their services.
Plan ahead
There is no written rule that you cannot eat the candy you were unable to give out.
Sometimes you don't get as many trick-or-treaters as you expected and you're left with a bowl of candy. One trick to turning this situation around is to buy the candy you like. It's a crapshoot for the trick-or-treaters coming to your door, not for you. You likely already sneak pieces before Halloween regardless of the candy chosen, might as well make sure the post-holiday sweets are to your liking as well.
Become Dr. Candystein
You know when you go to restaurants and combine every drink from the soda dispenser? Do that with the remaining candy you have.
This is human ingenuity at its finest, the curiosity that helps advance us as a species. There might be some creations that should be reported to the FDA but other creations can capture that sweet imagination. There are even online forums where you can share your creations.
Donate it
There are people out there who might not get to celebrate Halloween but still have a sweet tooth. You can donate to programs that can distribute it to people experiencing food insecurity. Schools might be a good place to reach out to as teachers always need a reward to give to students during special events or for their outstanding work. Some dentists may also take the excess candy and donate it to different organizations.
Put it on ice
Most candy can be preserved by freezing it. You never know when having a stock of candy can come in handy.
Crushing up candy for ice cream toppings, using it when baking or simply satisfying the odd craving, a stash of candy is a commonality in many homes. Your home may even have a hidden stash if you live with a secretive sweet tooth.
All in all, there is no correct way to use your excess candy. Even eating it is a perfectly acceptable answer. However, if you simply cannot stomach any more sugar or must teach children moderation, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose or distribute your leftover candy.
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