Q&A for How to Give Out Candy on Halloween

If you have any hard information about this (not mere rumors), contact your local police.

Yes, you can give out Valentine's Day candy, but it is generally more common and often preferred to offer candy suited for Halloween.

Homemade candy (unless you're giving it to someone you know very well), or anything that was already opened up or has holes or rips in it. The safest candy to give out is store-bought candy in its original, sealed packaging without any damage.

Sure! Sour Patch Kids are a very popular candy, especially with those who don't like chocolate or peanut butter. Make sure the Sour Patch Kids are in their original, untorn packaging.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to politely limit the amount of candy a child takes. You can kindly explain that you need to save some for other trick-or-treaters.

Maybe not. Kids don't really care that much, although they do tend to like the name brands more.

That might be risky. If you don't have extra candy available, turn off your porch light and call it a night.

Look for a porch light that is on. They may also have Halloween decorations visible. Remember to be polite and respectful, even if they don't have candy.

It typically starts at (or before) dusk and lasts until 8:00 or 9:00.

You should prepare 2-3 big bags of candy beforehand. If each trick-or-treater is given one or two pieces of candy, the candy will last the entire night.

You really can't. Perhaps you could post a sign saying "Only 2 pieces! Other trick-or-treaters are coming!"

Yes, you decide when to stop handing out candy. Many trick-or-treaters will visit other houses after that time.

Many will. Have a big variety of flavors so every kid will be satisfied.

The most common candy allergies are peanuts (basically any nuts), wheat/gluten, and dairy.

You can expect trick-or-treating to typically begin around dusk and conclude around 9 PM, though times may vary by location.

Either way is fine. If you want, you can make goodie bags for the trick-or-treaters and put the same items in each bag.

After trick-or-treating, carefully inspect all candy for signs of tampering. Look for unusual discoloration, strange smells, or anything that appears out of place. Also, check for damaged, torn, or previously opened wrappers. If you notice any of these suspicious signs, it is safest to discard the candy.

You can ask the child or their guardian directly. Providing a variety of candy options, including non-food treats, helps ensure every child can safely participate. Also, note that a teal pumpkin or bucket often signals that a child has a food allergy, as part of the 'Teal Pumpkin Project'.