Halloween Safety: Trick-or-Treating Tips for a Spooktacular Night

Hands of a trick-or-treater holding Halloween candy in an orange pumpkin bowl.

Did you know that almost half of the entire U.S. population buys candy for Halloween? That’s over 150 million people and even more bags and wrappers of Halloween candy. As seasoned candy pros, we wanted to share some of our top trick-or-treating tips for handing out those sweets to every costumed ghoul and goblin this holiday season. Read on for the ultimate guide for Halloween safety tips and learn how to give out candy to trick-or-treaters!

1. Hand out individually wrapped Halloween candy.

Opting for individually wrapped chocolate or Halloween candy, like Reese’s Cups or Skittles, ensures the product is safe to eat. Buy them pre-wrapped with seals and closings intact so that parents of trick-or-treaters can confirm what’s inside.

2. Take your time buying your candy.

Don't worry if you haven’t stocked up on your Halloween candy yet. While the selection might not include your preferred choices, stores aren’t going to run out. Your procrastination may even save you a few bucks. Shops with an overabundance of candy are likely to have sales on or near October 31. In fact, a recent study from Ibotta reveals that shoppers get the best Halloween candy deals about four days before the big event.

3. Keep your favorite sweets stashed separately.

Orange pumpkin jars with packaged Halloween candy chocolates.

Pick out a few of your favorite candies and stash them away in your own Halloween candy jar or Halloween candy bucket. That way, you don’t spend the evening munching on what’s intended for trick-or-treaters. Don’t want to be tempted to eat any of it? Buy the ones you don’t like—it’s that easy!

4. Avoid homemade treats.

While it’s a nice gesture, some ingredients may cause children to choke or have an allergic reaction. Plus, parents will want to know what their kids are eating. Save yourself some time and effort and stick to the store-bought stuff.

5. Donate your leftover Halloween candy.

There are usually nearby businesses or dentist offices that’ll take candy donations for their own Halloween candy dish. In fact, Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops is a Halloween candy collection program where local businesses accept excess Halloween candy in exchange for goodies once trick-or-treating season is over. Visit soldiersangels.org to learn more.

6. Use kid-friendly Halloween decorations.

Trick-or-treaters in costumes walking up to a front door.

Scary Halloween decorations with sounds and lights might be entertaining for older kids and adults, but they can be frightening for the younger crowd. Households welcoming the littlest of ghouls should stick to outdoor decorations, like smiling carved pumpkins and friendly characters, that won’t deter them from getting near the prized treats.

7. Give out your candy evenly.

You’re either the type who allows kids to pick their candy or the one who distributes a certain number of pieces individually to each trick-or-treater. However you decide to hand out candy, make sure it’s fair and consistent. Flip-flopping between one kid and the next might create a bigger conflict than you’re ready for.

8. Turn off your porch lights when you’re all out.

Lights out: That’s the universal signal for no candy here. After you’ve run out of candy, turn off your outdoor lights, so trick-or-treaters know to bypass your house. Just remember to turn them back on, for safety reasons, before going to bed.

Beyond Halloween Candy: Go All In This Fall!

Two children in Halloween costumes sorting candy on the floor.

With these trick-or-treating safety tips and tips for giving out Halloween candy, you should be ready to handle any trick-or-treaters who show up at your doorstep. Remember to buy individually wrapped candy, keep your favorite treats stashed separately, distribute candy fairly, and donate your leftover candy. If you’re looking for more fall fun, we've got you covered. Check out “Your Ultimate Fall Bucket List” for fresh ideas on traditional excursions that are suitable for the season.

Halloween Candy FAQs

Read on for answers to the most frequently asked Halloween candy questions.

1. What is the most popular Halloween candy?

According to candystore.com, America's favorite Halloween candy includes:

Reese's Cups
Skittles
M&M's
Starburst
HotTamales
Sour Patch Kids
Hershey Kisses
Snickers
Tootsie Pops
Candy Corn

2. What should you do with leftover Halloween candy?

Got leftover or extra Halloween candy? Here are a few things you can do with it:

Eat it within six to eight months
Donate it to a local homeless shelter, nursing home, or food pantry
Bring it to work with you
Send it to the troops
Use it to make another yummy treat
Freeze it and save it for later

3. How long does Halloween candy last?

Unfortunately, most Halloween candy expires within six to 12 months. Candies that contain chocolate and peanuts will expire faster than hard candies and gummies. Just to be safe, though, it's a good idea to toss out all candy by the time Easter rolls around.

4. When is the best time to buy Halloween candy?

The average price of candy is at its lowest during the last week of October. Buy candy as early as you can during the week to ensure you have the most options and aren't settling the day before or the day of Halloween.

5. Does Halloween candy go on sale after Halloween?

Yes, typically, Halloween candy goes on sale the day after Halloween. Many stores put candy, especially those branded around Halloween, on clearance to get rid of excess inventory.

6. Why do people give out candy on Halloween?

According to experts, giving out candy on Halloween is the evolution of a Celtic tradition where they would leave food out for passing spirits as part of an ancient festival.

7. What time do kids trick or treat?

It varies by neighborhood, but trick-or-treat usually starts around 6:00 PM and wraps up by 9:00 PM.