Halloween isn't just about spooky costumes and fun scares — it's also about candy — lots of it! Whether you're going door-to-door or enjoying a trunk-or-treat event with family and friends, those bite-sized treats are the highlight of the night. And here's a fun fact: Halloween is officially the day to indulge without guilt (trust us!).
But after the candy rush, what do you do with the leftovers? Rather than letting them go to waste, we've got 11 sweet ways to put them to good use starting November 1st:
1. Donate Your Leftover Halloween Candy
If you’re looking to share the Halloween spirit, you can donate candy to local and national organizations that distribute sweets to those in need. It's an easy and meaningful way to give back. You can also look for local candy buyback programs!
Operation Troop Appreciation is a local non-profit located in West Mifflin that accepts candy donations to make packages to send to troops overseas.
Operation Gratitude distributes Halloween candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders all over the world — providing a sweet opportunity for grateful Americans to thank those who serve our nation. You can sign up as an individual, group, or business and send your candy to Operation Gratitude. Want something closer to home? A group called Soldiers' Angels lets you search by zip code to find a location near you to donate.
Many charities take candy, not just after Halloween but after Valentine's and Easter too. Call your local food pantry, homeless shelter, or nursing home to see if they would like a donation of unopened Halloween candy. SHIM located in Bethel Park often accepts candy donations. Meals on Wheels in Bethel Park and South Park will accept unopened candy donations meaning, extra leftover bags of candy.
2. Find a candy buy-back program near you
The most common candy buy back we hear about is at Learning Express. Trade your candy for toys!! After the sugar high wears off from November 1st - 4th, bring your candy into Learning Express and exchange it for Toy Bucks! Each customer will be given $1 in Toy Bucks for each pound of candy.* Toy Bucks work just like cash in the store!
*Limit of 5lbs of candy per customer and limit of $5 in Toy Bucks per purchase.
Do you know of any other local buy back programs? We'd love for you to share the deets so we can share with our readers! Check the Halloween Candy Buy Back site to see if there are any locations near you!
 Mary Herron | Canva |
3. Save for Gingerbread House Decorating
Hold onto your leftover Halloween candy for an upcoming holiday tradition: Gingerbread house decorating! The colorful candies make perfect rooftop shingles, pathways, or even windows. Your gingerbread houses will look extra festive with a mix of different treats.
4. Create a DIY Trail Mix
Mix leftover candy with healthier snacks like nuts, seeds, pretzels, and dried fruit to make a fun trail mix. It’s a perfect sweet-and-salty snack that can give you a quick energy boost.
 Mahlon Wills | Canva |
5. Bake Candy-Stuffed Cookies and Brownies
Give your favorite baked goods a fun twist by adding chopped-up candy bars to cookies or brownies. Replace chocolate chips with your leftover Halloween chocolate, and every bite will be a delightful surprise. Whether it's M&M's, Snickers, or Reese's, these treats will elevate your dessert game.
6. Build Candy Structures
Challenge your kids to use their leftover candy to build different structures as a STEAM activity. Use marshmallows, gummies, or other soft candies as connectors, and pair them with toothpicks or pretzel sticks to create towers, bridges, or other shapes. This STEAM activity teaches basic engineering principles like balance, support, and design, making it both fun and educational.
7. Make a Sundae Bar
If you have a birthday or event coming up, why not create a DIY sundae bar? Use leftover Halloween candy as the perfect toppings for ice cream. Just set up bowls of candy and let everyone customize their sundaes!
 Erika Mitchell | Canva |
8. Create Candy Bark
Melt down chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet, then sprinkle chopped-up leftover Halloween candy on top to create your own custom candy bark! You can mix in pretzels, nuts, or even sprinkles for extra texture. Once it sets, break it into pieces for a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting this holiday season.
9. Crush Candy for Topping Smoothies or Yogurt
Crush or shave hard candies or chocolate bars and use them as a fun topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even oatmeal. It adds a sweet, crunchy texture and a colorful twist to your healthy snacks or breakfast.
10. Create a Candy Advent Calendar
Use leftover Halloween candy to create a DIY advent calendar leading up to Christmas. Simply place different candies in small bags or boxes, and you’ll have a sweet countdown to the holidays.
 Olga Kriger via Canva |
11. Make a fondue
Yep, empty all that chocolate (don't forget the caramels too!) into a slow cooker. Add some cream, and let it get ooey-gooey. Just add fresh fruit on skewers to dip and you're set!
How will you use your leftover Halloween candy?
Halloween may come and go, but the fun with candy doesn’t have to end! From baking and craft ideas to educational STEM activities, there are plenty of ways to reuse and repurpose your leftover Halloween treats. Whether you're freezing candy for later, using it to decorate gingerbread houses, or finding creative ways to donate, these ideas make sure nothing goes to waste.
Try out these leftover Halloween candy ideas, and turn your post-Halloween stash into a source of fun, learning, and delicious treats for months to come!
What is your favorite thing to do with leftover candy? We're always open to new ideas!
If you are a local Pittsburgh business doing a candy buy back program this year, please let us know, so we can include you! Email Emily at emilyp@macaronikid.com with your information.
