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Be The Hottest House on the Block This Halloween By Heather Watt  |
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 It’s as simple as candy; after all, it's what trick-or-treating is all about! As Christmas lights can become a competition between neighbors, Halloween candy can be just as important in keeping up with the Joneses.
Best Candy
When in doubt, go for variety. Kids' constant favorite is goodie bags with an assortment of three or four small candies. Kids can have very picky taste, but the candy they like any other time of the year will be the candy they'll want for Halloween. Try for one good chocolate candy, such as Snickers or Reese's and one sugary candy like Sour Patch Kids or Starburst. As for the older ones, they've had their years of trick-or-treating, so don't worry about pleasing them, because they're usually not out on Halloween for the candy.
And yes, it does have to be candy. Apples don’t count unless they’re covered in caramel. Don’t be the loser who gives out nickels when stock is out. Make sure you have enough; you can donate leftovers to local charities like soup kitchens. The wrapping does not have to be orange and black or have ghosts and witches on it. That way, leftovers won't seem so old around Christmas time. But "Creepy Peepers" (chocolate eyeballs filled with caramel goo), are a favorite.
Worst Candy
Peppermint patties, sugarfree gum, black licorice, coconut, (anything that favors a sophisticated palate), and any stale candy! Bubble gum is bad for kids with braces and be aware that some kids have severe peanut allergies. If you know of children in your neighborhood with allergies, make a special bowl just for them without any nuts or candy that may have come into contact with nuts. Though sugar seems like all kids want, you can offer a healthy alternative. A candy apple is more apple than candy.
Candy-Giving Tips & Safety
Pre-wrapped packages are the best way to go. You never know what sticky kid could have stuck his hand in the bulk candy.
You are the one who hands out the candy: that’s why the trick-or-treaters dress up. Don’t let them grab two handfuls from the bowl and skip away on a sugar-high. Give the same amount to each child.
Sure, the haunted house is always fun, but it scares away as many little kids as it attracts older ones. The trick-or-treaters know who has the best candy, year after year, and you better believe they tell their friends. Still, a little haunted house music or “Monster Mash” is easy to do.
Happy Halloween!
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