What To Do With All That Halloween Candy

"We don't want pumpkins, we want sacks mom!" This was the reply I got when I tried giving my kids their dollar store bought plastic pumpkin containers before Halloween. They were large enough for about a couple of blocks worth of trick-or-treating. Nonetheless, all three of my kids decided on the old pillow sack instead as they made their way down the well lit neighborhoods in Dublin. After about two blocks, my littlest one was already hinting at her sack getting too "big" and flopping it over her shoulder in despise with a "Hmmph!". 

We made out with three large, stuffed to the brim pillow sacks and if you're a mom like me, you do not want them sitting in the house. For one, that's too much of a temptation to eat all of the treats. Secondly, your kids will be wailing every night for "dessert," of which there happens to be plenty. Lastly, your dentist will give you that discerning look after taking the kids for their dental check up and finding out cavities are underway. To avoid the post woes of Halloween sugar, here are some alternatives to what you can do with your leftover Halloween candy.

1. Check your kids' School: My kids' school is hosting "Book Fair Bucks for Candy" which means for every pound of candy each child brings in, $1 in book fair bucks will be traded. The candy will be donated to Blue Star Moms and the Dublin Senior Center. Book fair bucks can then be spent on books during the book fair. 

2. Get baking: Use Real Simple's yearly recipes and bake something yummy.

3. Save some for Christmas: Your kids will mostly have school projects this year ranging from gingerbread houses to Christmas decor or ornaments. Candy can serve as festive, colorful additions to any craft.

4. Recycle: If you have a birthday coming up, why go out and buy more candy when you have plenty left from Haloween. Of course I wouldn't suggest using the candy more than a few months out.

5. Candy buy back with a Dentist: Go to Dublin Smiles Dentistry and trade in your candy for a toothbrush and goodie bag. For each pound you bring in, they will also give you $1. The candy will be donated ans shipped overseas to troops via Operation Gratitude.

Don't forget to let your children pick out at least 10 favorite pieces they want to keep from their night out trick-or-treating. I like to put a piece in their lunches at the end of the week as a sweet surprise.