Halloween
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Wait until children are home and finished trick-or-treating before letting them eat treats; have them lay out all their candy first so they can trade items they dislike for ones they prefer.
It allows kids to exchange unwanted items with siblings or friends.
one person who lived it
Create a 'toy graveyard' of used small toys like Happy Meal figures for kids to pick through.
Kids don't care that they are used and get excited, allowing you to purge old items.
one person who lived it
When asked 'trick or treat', respond with only 'trick' to confuse recipients; you may add an evil laugh if desired.
Most people do not know how to react.
one person who lived it
Dump the remainder of your candy into the bucket of the last trick-or-treater.
It usually makes a kid's night.
one person who lived it
Place a box of non-perishable groceries next to your Halloween decorations for neighbors to take if needed, rather than handing food directly to trick-or-treaters.
It feels less odd than handing out food directly and supports those who need it.
one person who lived it
Carry heavy liquid treats like soda cans yourself to prevent them from crushing other items in the child's bag.
Heavy cans can wreck what is already in the bag if carried by the child.
one person who lived it
Give out juice pouches instead of candy to avoid leftover guilt and make it easier to consume the surplus over time.
Spending money on juice feels better than wasting candy, and drinking juice over a week is preferable to eating all the leftover sweets.
one person who lived it
Hand out thrifted Goosebumps books.
It is an inspired idea, especially for spooky books.
one person who lived it
Give out random or unusual items like potatoes, as children may enjoy the novelty.
Kids love random things.
one person who lived it
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Distribute water bottles if you run out of other treats.
Recipients will likely appreciate the hydration.
- Water bottles can be heavy and crush chip bags in a bag.
one person who lived it
Keep all leftover Halloween candy for yourself.
You deserve it.
one person who lived it
Display a teal pumpkin to signal that non-food treats or allergy-friendly candy are available for children with allergies.
3 people, independently
Maintain separate buckets for candy and small toys to accommodate allergy concerns and dietary restrictions.
This eliminates trouble with kids who have allergies or dietary restrictions.
one person who lived it
Consider the costume before taking a child to a retirement home, avoiding scary outfits.
one person who lived it