Raise your hand if you get overwhelmed by all the Halloween candy your kids bring home after a night of trick-or-treating?  OK... you can put your hand down now.  I have some fantastic ideas for controlling your children’s Halloween candy intake.

In our house, we have a system we have been using for years.   First, as soon as my boys get home, they empty their three bags of loot into one big pile, and each boy is given a large Ziploc bag.   Then, they take turns picking their favorites from the pile and putting them in their bags.  They have a lot of fun trying to choose their candy wisely and trading with each other.  The "candy draft" is one of our favorite Halloween traditions. After all the boys have filled their bags, the rest of the candy is taken away.  The next evening, we put the bag beside the front door for the Book Fairy.  While the boys are sleeping, the Book Fairy takes the bag of candy and leaves each boy a new book.  The Book Fairy has also been known to leave new costumes for our dress up box.  I think she must get good deals on costumes when they are marked down by 75% after Halloween.   (Book Fairies love bargains!) If you aren't interested in leaving books for the Book Fairy, there are many other ways to deal with your mountain of Halloween candy.  One of my favorite ways to get rid of chocolate is to bake with it.  Add Smarties or chopped up chocolate bars to your favorite chocolate chip cookie or banana bread recipe to create an extra special treat. You can also share the candy with others.  Donate it to a children's hospital or food bank, or bring it to work. Putting it away and taking it out a little at a time is also an excellent option.  If you have a family birthday coming up, the candy can be used for a party Pinata or loot bags.  Halloween candy is also great for family movie nights, making an edible Christmas advent countdown, or eating after the kids have gone to bed.  (Shhh... don't tell my boys!) Halloween is an exciting time for little ones, and it can still be fun without sending everyone into a sugar-induced coma.  I hope you find these tips helpful in controlling the candy in your home. ♥ Gina (aka  East Coast Mommy)