Updated September 30, 2025
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Halloween is a dream come true for every candy-loving kid. But what happens after the trick-or-treat sugar rush is over and you’re left with piles of leftover Halloween candy—even unopened bags? Don’t let it go to waste! Here are some of our favorite ways to use up all that extra candy.
👉 Looking for more ways to celebrate this season? Don’t miss our complete Milwaukee Halloween Guide.
1. How Long Does Halloween Candy Last?
You and your kids worked hard for that candy, so enjoy it! To keep your sweets fresh, store them in an airtight container:
- Milk & White Chocolates: Last 8-10 months.
- Filled Chocolates: Like peanut butter, nuts, or caramel-filled varieties, last around 6 months.
- Hard Candy: Can last up to a year when properly stored.
If you’re looking for a general rule, aim to finish it within 6 months—by March 31st. Here are some ideas for enjoying your stash:
- Pack a piece in your child’s lunch for a sweet treat.
- Put out a candy bowl during playdates.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream.
- Make your own trail mix with chocolates.
- Reward your kids for chores with candy prizes.
You can even freeze some of your candy to extend its life. Chocolate bars like Snickers, Twix, and Reese’s taste especially good when slightly thawed from the freezer.
2. Donate Leftover Halloween Candy to the Troops
Spread the Halloween spirit by sending your leftover Halloween candy to troops overseas. Nonprofit organizations like Soldier’s Angels’ Treats for Troops program and Operation Shoebox accept candy donations to include in care packages.
Locally, Bradley Corporation in Menomonee Falls is collecting candy between November 1 and November 30, 2023, to send to troops in partnership with Soldier’s Angels.
3. Support Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a home away from home for families with children in hospitals. Many locations accept unopened candy donations to offer as treats to families staying with them. Call ahead to check your nearest location
Once you’ve worked through your pile of leftover candy, keep the Halloween spirit alive by checking out this Milwaukee Halloween fun guide packed with events, activities, and festive fun for all ages.
4. Participate in a Halloween Candy Buyback
Halloween candy buybacks are a fun way to repurpose your Halloween candy for a good cause. Local dental offices often host buyback events, where they exchange candy for prizes, coupons, or toothbrushes.
The collected candy is then donated to veteran organizations. Check with local dental offices for buyback events near you.
5. Donate to a Local Food Pantry or Homeless Shelter
Some food banks and shelters accept Halloween candy donations, but it’s best to call ahead. The Guest House of Milwaukee is accepting Halloween candy donations this year. You can drop off or ship your donation to their main entrance at any time of day.
Teachers often appreciate candy donations to use as classroom rewards or treats. Ask your child’s teacher if they could use some extra goodies for their classroom!
7. Stuff Christmas Stockings
Save your leftover Halloween candy for holiday stockings! Keep it in a cool, dry place, stored in an airtight container, and use it to bulk up those stockings when December rolls around. Your future self will thank you!
8. Use It for Birthday Party Goodie Bags
Candy makes perfect party favors! Use your leftover Halloween candy to fill goodie bags or piñatas at your next birthday celebration. You can also tape candy to wrapped gifts for an extra sweet touch.
9. Invite the Switch Witch to Your House
The Switch Witch is a fun Halloween tradition where kids trade in their candy for a small gift. It’s like the Elf on the Shelf, but for Halloween! The Switch Witch “visits” kids in the weeks leading up to Halloween and, in exchange for hosting her, she’ll turn leftover sweets into a surprise gift.
10. Decorate Your Gingerbread House
Save some of your candy stash to decorate your gingerbread house this holiday season! Good choices include chocolate chips, candy corn, Dots, gummy bears, Skittles, and Jolly Ranchers. Your gingerbread house will be extra festive with these colorful candies.
We hope these ideas help you make the most of your leftover Halloween candy—whether you eat it, donate it, or save it for holiday fun.
As the candy wrappers settle and pumpkins fade, it’s time to look ahead to the next holiday. 🍂 Check out our seasonal favorites to get ready for Thanksgiving:
Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Halloween Candy
You can donate it to nonprofits like Soldiers’ Angels or Operation Shoebox, repurpose it for gingerbread houses and Christmas stockings, or use it in recipes like brownies, trail mix, and ice cream toppings.
Most chocolate lasts 6–10 months, filled chocolates around 6 months, and hard candy up to a year. Keep it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for the longest shelf life.
Yes. Chocolate bars and bite-sized candies freeze especially well and will last up to a year. Let them thaw slightly before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Look for local food pantries, Ronald McDonald House Charities, or dentist offices with candy buyback programs. National organizations like Soldiers’ Angels’ Treats for Troops also accept mailed donations.
Yes. Many dentists run annual Halloween candy buyback events, trading candy for toothbrushes, coupons, or prizes. The candy is usually donated to veteran or community groups.
If stored properly, most candy is safe for several months. Always check for torn wrappers, unusual smells, or changes in texture before eating.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
