TORONTO - Halloween may be officially over but with buckets full of treats sitting at home, many may wonder just what to do with all of that candy (besides eating it all at once, of course). From baking it into sweet treats to using candies to engage children with math challenges, we take a look at some creative and alternative uses for Halloween candy. <h3>Add it to a recipe</h3> Candy and chocolate can be used as fun ingredients when baking. Make<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/halloween/blog/sweet-eats-spooky-eyes-chocolate-bark/32562/"> candy-filled chocolate bark using assorted Halloween treats</a> or create your own trail mix by opening little bags of candies like M&M and adding pretzels, who grain cereal and dried fruit and nuts. [caption id="attachment_1646972" align="alignnone" width="720"]<a href="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/trail-mix.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1646972" src="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/trail-mix.jpg" alt="Mix M&M's, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit and whole grain cereal and oats to make your own trail mix." width="720" height="550" /></a> Mix M&M's, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit and whole grain cereal and oats to make your own trail mix.[/caption] <h3>Use it as holiday decor</h3> With Christmas around the corner, saving candy or freezing some in small plastic bags can easily be used for some holiday decorations. Treats can be used to decorate a gingerbread house or used to make Christmas ornaments. [polldaddy poll=9158894] The shelf life of candy does depend on its type, packaging and storage conditions. Experts say candy can last anywhere from two weeks to a year, so be sure to check labels if you're saving the treats for later use. [caption id="attachment_1646964" align="alignnone" width="720"]<a href="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ginger-bread-house.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1646964" src="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ginger-bread-house.jpg" alt="Save some candies this Halloween and use it for a ginger bread house this holiday season." width="720" height="651" /></a> Save some candies this Halloween and use it for a ginger bread house this holiday season.[/caption] <strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/1642548/how-do-halloween-treats-stack-up-to-whole-foods-here-are-5-comparisons/">How do Halloween treats stack up to whole foods? Here are 5 comparisons</a></strong> <h3>Use it as a learning tool</h3> Have kids practice doing their homework with little pieces of candy like Hershey Kisses or Tootsie Rolls. Use candy for counting and sorting into groups with subjects like math or <a href="http://www.science20.com/science_mom/top_ten_scientific_reasons_that_chocolate_is_the_world_s_most_perfect_food">chocolate for hands-on science experiments.</a> <strong>READ MORE: </strong><strong><a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/1626647/a-closer-look-at-ingredients-found-in-halloween-candy/" target="_blank">A closer look at ingredients found in Halloween candy</a></strong> [caption id="attachment_1646979" align="alignnone" width="720"]<a href="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/candy-math.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1646979" src="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/candy-math.jpg" alt="Using candy as learning tools for kids is a great way to use excess Halloween treats." width="720" height="480" /></a> Using candy as learning tools for kids is a great way to use excess Halloween treats.[/caption] <h3>Use it for a party</h3> Pinatas are often reserved for children's birthday parties but let's face it, adults love them too. Stuff your left-over treats into a pinata or make a board game and use the candy as game pieces. If you're throwing a child's birthday party, include the treats in party bag favours. Just be cautious of giving out candy to children who may have food allergies or dietary restrictions. [caption id="attachment_1646982" align="alignnone" width="720"]<a href="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pinata-girl.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1646982" src="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pinata-girl.jpg" alt="Throwing a party? Rather than paying for candy, use Halloween treats to stuff your pinata." width="720" height="466" /></a> Throwing a party? Rather than paying for candy, use Halloween treats to stuff your pinata.[/caption] <h3>Give it away</h3> If you simply want to avoid consuming all that excess candy, simply give it away by bringing it into the office. [caption id="attachment_1647026" align="alignnone" width="720"]<a href="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/office.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1647026" src="https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/office.jpg" alt="Share your Halloween leftover goodies with your colleagues. On long work day, they might appreciate the candy or two." width="720" height="466" /></a> Share your Halloween leftover goodies with your colleagues. On long work day, they might appreciate a candy or two.[/caption]