After about 2 weeks I usually dump whatever they have into 1 bowl.  By Thanksgiving I'm ready to toss whatever is left.  However, I do like your ideas for the pinatas (did our first one in August, now DS2 is insisting he have one too in April).  And the chocolate bars, cutting them up for cookies, great idea.  Don't forget to add them into regular brownie mix too.  I don't have the time or the patience to make gingerbread houses, I'm too busy making angel food, peanut brittle and cinnamon candy (among other things) but anything that is still left come Easter gets tossed.  They'll get plenty more from the Easter Bunny.

DD's school sends a bunch of candy to other countries or something.  This is the first year I heard that they do that, so I'll be doing that.  Otherwise in the past, I raid their candy and pull out what I know they won't eat and bring it to work for my candy jar.

Mom of 10 & 7

I stick it in the freezer and we forget about it for awhile 

DH is going to take the excess to work and leave it in a bowl in the breakroom...I suppose there's a chance he might just stick it in a desk drawer and eat it himself!

I usually bring it to work for the guys or when kids come in.

  Linda

Wow, I can't believe your kids don't notice.  My DD noticed when we snuck a piece.  I think she had it all counted!  She usually sorted it and took out the pieces she didn't like....but no one was gonna take her chocolate!

I stick the chocolate into the freezer after a few days.  The local dentist (the past few years) bought the candy from the kids and sent it overseas to the troops.

We eat only a few pieces (2 or 3 each) and have DH take the rest to work.

I like your ideas Laura!  I had too much left over from trick or treat bowl...now I know I don't have to toss it;)

We use the leftover candy we didn't handout for our son's fall birthday.  The rest after a week goes into a large container for when kids come to hangout at the house. That's a great idea to pull some out for holiday crafts and baking.