The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Candy for Trick or Treaters
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Halloween is one of those holidays that brings back all the best childhood memories. Costumes, trick or treating, and a pillowcase full of candy by the end of the night. Now, as parents, we're doing our best to create those same magical memories while also figuring out how much candy is actually enough to last the whole evening.
Between picking out costumes for the kids, planning a couples costume with your partner, and getting your indoor and outdoor Halloween decor ready, candy can end up being the thing you scramble for last. So I put together this guide to make that part easy.
Whether you're looking for candy that's perfect for handing out, non candy alternatives, or a few favorites just for the adults, I've got you covered. And the best part, you can add it all to your Amazon cart, no need to fight the seasonal aisle at the store.
Candy That's Perfect for Trick or Treat Bags
Not all candy holds up well in a bucket full of treats. Here are the best options that are easy to hand out and just the right size for trick or treat bags.
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Non Candy Trick or Treat Alternatives
If you want to be one of the teal pumpkin houses on the block, non candy treats are a simple way to make Halloween more inclusive for kids with allergies. They're also a nice way to cut down on the sheer volume of sugar coming home in one night.
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My Favorite Halloween Candy
As an adult, it's important that we set a little candy aside for ourselves before the kids get into it. Whether it's a nostalgic favorite or something a little more grown up, these are my top picks for the season.
And if you haven't seen the original Jimmy Kimmel "I Ate Your Halloween Candy" joke, you have to watch it, it's hilarious.
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The House Everyone Remembers: Full Size Candy Bars
Every neighborhood has that one house. The one that hands out full size candy bars instead of the mini ones, and somehow every kid on the block knows exactly which house it is. If you want to be that house this year, here's a roundup of full size candy bars, obviously on Amazon.
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Adding a Little Halloween Magic
Beyond the candy itself, it's the little extra touches that make trick or treating feel special. Think a few extra string lights on the porch, glow in the dark accessories, or a simple scavenger hunt around the neighborhood before the candy even comes out.
Shop Halloween Magic Essentials
Trick or Treat Timing and Safety Tips
A few small details make trick or treating go smoother for everyone.
When to head out. Dusk is usually the sweet spot, early enough that it's still light out for younger kids, late enough that most houses have their lights on and candy ready.
How to keep kids visible in the dark. Glow accessories or a flashlight clipped to a bucket go a long way, especially over costumes that are mostly black.
How to avoid running out of candy. Buy a little more than you think you need. Nothing worse than turning your porch light off at 7pm on Halloween.
Shop Trick or Treat Safety Essentials
Halloween Press On Nails
Complete your look with a fun Halloween nail moment. From classic black and orange to spooky cute designs, these are an easy finishing touch whether you're handing out candy or out trick or treating with the kids.
Where to Stash the Leftover Candy
Once the night is over, you might find yourself with more candy than anyone needs. A few tricks help make it last, or disappear at a reasonable pace.
Out of sight, out of mind. Store it somewhere the kids can't easily reach and hand out one or two pieces a day.
Set some aside for yourself first. No shame in pulling your favorites out of the bowl before the kids get to it.
Bake with it. Halloween candy makes a surprisingly good mix in cookies or brownies if you're trying to use it up faster.
What to Do With All That Halloween Candy
Once trick or treating wraps up, the real challenge starts, figuring out what to do with the mountain of candy that comes home. A fun approach is "The Switch Witch," kids trade some of their candy overnight for a small toy or treat, the same idea behind the Easter Bunny Swap I do for Easter.
The American Heart Association recommends kids ages 2 to 18 consume less than 25 grams, about six teaspoons, of added sugar per day, but most kids eat far more than that on Halloween alone. Spreading the candy out over a couple of weeks, rather than letting them have free reign the next morning, helps avoid the sugar crash and the inevitable trip to the dentist.
If you're really looking to cut back, some dentist offices and local charities run candy buyback programs after Halloween. However you handle it, a little planning makes the night just as fun, without the sugar overload the next day.
Halloween should be fun, not stressful. Whether you go all out with candy, magic touches, and a giant show stopping treat, or keep it simple with a few favorites and some glow sticks, the goal is just to make the night memorable for your family. And with everything just a click away on Amazon, you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying it.
Halloween Costumes and Decor
Once the candy is ordered, it's time to pull together the rest of the night, from costumes to decor. Here's what to check off next.
Kids Costumes
Whether your little one wants something classic or this year's trending costume, kids Halloween costume ideas are an easy place to start.
Couples Costumes
If you and your partner want to do something together this year, couples Halloween costume ideas are a fun, low effort way to coordinate.
Indoor and Outdoor Halloween Decor
Get your whole home ready with Halloween decor ideas for indoors and outdoors, from porch displays to cozy interior touches.
