Every year around April, I find “leftover” Halloween candy in a cabinet or closet somewhere. “What a waste!” I always think. “All that collecting and so little enjoying.” So this year, I plan to spare myself some spring cleaning by getting rid of all those treats early on. Here’s how you can do the same:
1. Make cookies.
You don’t have to be an avid baker to know that many types of candy can be substituted for chocolate chips in your favorite cookies. I’ve tried this a couple of times myself with mixed results. I recommend blondies or brownies as the base, and plain chocolate bars or perhaps something toffee-flavored as the “chips.” But don’t eat them all right away; instead, consider them “holiday cookies.” Just seal them up tightly and stick them in the freezer. You’ll be glad you did when you unexpectedly need a gift for someone in a couple of months.
[See: 11 Healthy Holiday Gifts.]
2. Donate it.
The Ronald McDonald House is one good option for donations. Its website allows you to search by state to find locations near you. Homeless shelters may also take leftovers; just be sure to call ahead or check out the organization online first.
3. Put it in a pinata.
No, I’m not kidding. Those little bite-sized candies are the perfect size to squeeze into a pinata. Who — child or adult — doesn’t like an excuse to swing a bat at a defenseless object that will respond with a release of candy? If no one in your family has a birthday on the horizon, opt for a Thanksgiving pinata. You can buy one for your family gathering at Walmart or through the website pinatas.com. Or, if you’re particularly crafty, you can go down the Pinterest rabbit hole and learn how to make one yourself.
4. Send it to the troops.
Plenty of organizations make it easy to share all sorts of goods — candy included — with the men and women protecting us. Operation Gratitude sends care packages abroad with the goal of “putting a smile on soldiers’ faces.” Its website contains information about shipping. Soldiers’ Angels will exchange kids’ candies for nonedible prizes, and you can receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.
[See: 10 Ways to Raise a Giving Child.]
5. Bring it to work.
How well this strategy goes over depends on where you work. I’ve found that my college students are often grateful for a little treat in our post-lunch classes. Other faculty and staff who aren’t buried in candy in their own homes often don’t mind a mini Snickers either. Of course, if you work at a doctor’s or dentist’s office, you may be criticized for sending the wrong message to patients. But, in that case, you can register your office as a buyback location for some of the organizations listed above that accept candy donations.
[See: 10 Good Deeds and Why You Should Do Them.]
As I’ve said before, allowing yourself (and your kids) some sweet indulgences can be valuable. None of these suggestions are meant to imply that you need to get rid of all of those little boxes of Nerds and Hershey’s Kisses ASAP. Just don’t leave them in a bag, basket, cupboard or closet until spring!
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5 Creative Ways to Ditch Extra Halloween Candy originally appeared on usnews.com
