Halloween Clearance

Boy, I’m I glad Halloween is finally over! First of all, I’m happy because we don’t celebrate Halloween. More than a decade ago, we felt this is not a holiday our particular family is supposed to take part in. Trust me, it’d be easier to give in, especially years like this one, when one kid begs and pleads.

There is one aspect of Halloween I actually look forward to. Like all big days, eventually Halloween yields to something I love….clearance sales! I’m sure many of you may be wondering what I’d do with lots of vampire teeth, fake cobwebs and plastic fingernails. The answer is, “Nothing”. I look past the “junk” and pick up the following at 50%, 75% or 90% off:

• Lollipops and gum for Operation Christmas Child and stockings

• Candy treats for kids I work with at church (check the dates, many hard candies are dated more than a year from now)

• Candy for my kid’s birthday party goody bags

• Chocolates wrapped in gold, silver, red or green foil (great for Christmas candy bowls, gift bags or stockings)

• Plain chocolates, which can be melted and used to coat popcorn (add to a gift basket)

• Party favors (like balls, water pistols or other plain items…use one or two colors per party to avoid revealing your source)

• Cake Mix (although the photo shows Halloween jimmies in the cake, read the baking instructions and note if the packet of jimmies has to be added prior to baking)

• Sprinkles (look for the variety container and use the purple, orange or black as needed. If you have boys, those bats might even come in handy for a superhero party!)

• Costumes for preschoolers. (Save for Christmas or birthday gifts.)

Happy Clearance Shopping!