We all get so excited about Halloween. We shop for the perfect costumes, locate all the trunk-or-treats in our area, and purchase the perfect candy to hand out on Halloween night. Then November 1st comes and we realize we have pounds of candy that our children shouldn't eat, and despite our best efforts, we can only sneak so many pieces after bedtime.
According to the National Confectioners Association, most candy lasts 6 -12 months before expiring, as long as you store it in a cool dry place. That means there is no rush to eat it, but you can save it for several future uses. On the other hand, if you have decided that you just need to get the extra candy out of the house, we have also come up with a few ways that you can pass along that expensive candy without guilt:
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1) Riverby Books Candy Buy Back
Riverby Books on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg is offering to trade candy for book credits!
According to their Facebook Post: Swap excess Halloween Candy for awesome books! $5 in-store credit for children's books for every pound of candy you’d like to bring in! We’re at 805 Caroline St - open every day and most evenings too. Swap runs for a limited time only: don’t delay! (actual Halloween candy only, please - we don’t need your leftover after dinner mints!)
 Image credit: Canva |
2) Baking:
Sort through the candy that you have, separate out the candies and chocolate that you can use, and put them away for baking. One of my favorite holiday cookies is a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, but I have found that substituting any type of chocolate for the chips tastes just as good! Just imagine the interesting holiday cookies you can make (and give to friends) with the different types of desserts you have left over from Halloween.
 Image credit: Canva |
3) Gingerbread houses
If your kids are anything like mine, they want the biggest and best candy-covered gingerbread house. Why not let them have their pick from lots of different candy? Pop Rock roofing and cookie bar pillars sound great to me!
 Image credit: Canva |
4) Trail Mix
Who doesn't enjoy trail mix? Grab some mixed nuts, a few raisins, and add your favorite candy. This makes a great treat.
 Image credit: Canva |
5) Science Experiements
Do you have a kiddo who loves science? Use some of your candy for experimenting! Here are some ideas.
 Image credit: Canva |
6) The Food Bank
Believe it or not, the local food bank will accept candy. You can find the Fredericksburg Foodbank's hours and information here.
 Image Credit: Treats for Troops |
This organization will accept your abundance of candy and send it to the Troops. You can use THIS LINK to locate a drop-off location near you. (if you're a local business that would like to be a drop-off location, visit the link to sign up)
 Image Credit: Operation Shoebox |
This organization puts together care packages for the troops, but you do have to mail them your candy.
 Image Credit: RMHC |
9) Donate to Sick Children
Locate your closest Ronald McDonald House here (we have locations in Fairfax, Charlottesville, Richmond, and DC), and plan to drop off your extra candy the next time you're nearby.
 Image Credit: Canva |
10) Support a Good Cause
Many local charities accept Halloween candy. Check with your favorite charity to see if they have any upcoming events that could use the candy.
