If your kids are into trick-or-treating as mine are, we are in for an overwhelming influx of candy. It has been my tradition to pause candy-eating regulations for the night of Halloween, but strict enforcement returns in the morning. In years past, I have found myself throwing out Halloween candy to make room for Valentine’s Day candy, and then the Valentine’s Day candy gets pushed out by Easter candy.
There is simply a lot of it, so let’s put it to good use!
Bake — Many of my favorite baked goods are made even better with the substitution of candy for ingredients. Using hard-coated chocolate candy in lieu of chocolate chips or adding crushed candy bars to brownies can’t be beat. Don’t feel as if you have to eat them all yourself; take a plate to a neighbor!
Vocabulary Games — When I taught science, I used Skittles every Thursday for our vocabulary bingo. I would call out the definitions, and the kids would use the candy as a marker on their bingo card over the correct vocabulary word. It is a simple game to create, and Thursdays became their favorite day.
Math Games — Using pieces of candy as math manipulatives can be a lot of fun. Being able to hold number concepts in your hand {and then eat them later} can make a complex concept easier. Over at Kids Activities blog we have also created other Halloween math games for kids, like Candy Memory.
Repurpose for Gifts — With holidays on the horizon that include giving all sorts of gifts, sort out the non-Halloween candy and get creative! A cute holiday container filled with candy and a small gift card makes a great teacher’s gift; a baking-themed basket that includes a few candy ingredients is perfect for a friend.