How to Save Money and Still Have Enough Candy for your Trick-or-Treaters

IF you usually have a considerable number of trick-or-treaters on Halloween but seem to run out of candy early, maybe you should start early. Though you may spend a little more time in preparation, you can save money and spend more time enjoying your little guests.

Things You’ll Need:

* candy bags or sandwich bags
* candies for all ages
* large bowl or a medium sized box
* spider web material

Instructions / Difficulty: Moderate

Step1
First, visit your local Dollar Store and purchase either Halloween bags or sandwich bags. While you’re there, pick up a bag of spider web material, and a large plastic bowl if you do not already have one at home. They also have these items cheap at Wal-mart.

Step2
Purchase your usual amount of candy and suckers. You can also purchase sip drinks that are usually 6 for $1.00 and throw some in your Halloween bowl/box. These are good for the younger kid who can’t eat just any and all candy. The parents will like this option, too.

Step3
Open all of your candy and arrange it in piles on the table. Take the spider web material and stretch it over the inside of the bowl or box, giving it a spooky look. Kids will like this!

Step4
Put one of each of the larger pieces of candy in each bag. The number of bags will vary, depending on how many little guests you expect. Then put two or three pieces of each of the smaller candies in each bag. If you have Reeses, Snickers, etc. snack size candies and three to four other kinds of candy, that will make a pretty good candy bag. Remember, some of the kids will pick the drinks.

Step5
Now, after you’ve made your bags, place them with the drinks into the bowl or box amongst the spider webs. This should be ready before your guests begin to arrive. Use your judgement on when to cut your light off by keeping an eye on your bags.

Step6
Now, get ready for smiles. When the children arrive, kindly tell them that they can have ONE bag or ONE drink. They think they are getting a real treat when they see candy already bagged up or a drink, which is different than what they are used to. You will spend less money on candy, which is getting more and more expensive, if you fix bags. Also, everyone gets the same amount.

Tips & Warnings

* Don’t forget the bubble gum! Almost all kids will want bubble gum, even teenagers, and if you put three pieces of bubble gum in each bag, that will make them smile!
* You may want to put half of your bags and drinks in at first, then add more when the bowl or box gets low. Some kids will be greedy and grab more than their share if you seem to have more to offer.
* You can also purchase apples or oranges to place in your mix. There are some kids who’d rather have an apple than candy, though not many.
* There are Halloween pencils, fake teeth, and other things that could be thrown in also.
* If you see a toddler with their older siblings but no adult, you can mention to the older siblings that the toddler may rather have the drink instead of a candy bag. This way, the toddler won’t end up with candy that may harm them.