Halloween candy guide 2026 — what to buy and how much
Running out of candy at 8 pm is a rookie move. Here is a simple way to size your stash, plus a printable checklist.
Printable candy checklist
- ☐ Chocolate bars (mixed)
- ☐ Fruit chews
- ☐ Sour gummies
- ☐ Lollipops
- ☐ Candy corn (love it or hate it)
- ☐ Mini cookies
- ☐ Nut-free chocolate
- ☐ Glow sticks (non-food, big hit)
How much to buy
| Your street | Plan for |
|---|---|
| Light neighborhood | 2–3 pieces per kid |
| Busy street | 3–5 pieces per kid |
| Large event (trunk-or-treat) | 5–8 pieces per kid |
Two tips that actually matter
1. Teal pumpkin. If you offer non-food treats, a teal pumpkin or a printed sign tells kids with allergies your house is safe. Glow sticks, stickers and temporary tattoos cost less than chocolate and last longer.
2. Buy slightly early. Bulk candy discounts usually land in the first two weeks of October, not on the 31st. Buying on the 31st means paying full price for whatever is left.
Allergies and non-food treats
Around one in thirteen children has a food allergy, and the big eight — milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish — cover most of them. Two habits remove almost all of the risk:
- Keep one bowl of individually wrapped, clearly labelled treats for kids with allergies, and do not mix wrapped and unwrapped candy in the same bowl.
- Offer a non-food option at every door. A sticker box costs about $5 and is the reason some kids can take part at all.
See the costumes these sweets are for →
Frequently asked questions
How much candy do I need for Halloween?
Roughly 3 pieces per trick-or-treater. A busy street can see 100–200 kids, so a 5 lb mixed bag (150–200 pieces) is a safe starting point.
When should I buy Halloween candy?
The first two weeks of October usually have the best bulk discounts. Buying on the 31st means paying full price for whatever is left.
Still deciding? Browse current listings on the spreadsheet →
Last updated: · Independent & unofficial