I know it's only June and Halloween isn't until October but when we have Halloween over here, we get around 300-400 trick-or-treaters. It's a crazy busy day and on a lot of years we have either had to make a quick run to the store or end up handing out candles, candy canes, it's a boy mints, and other random things we have individually packaged (the candles were at least scarecrow themed so it wasn't too wild).

But anyway, I have been seeing quite a few candy deals in the papers lately and am thinking "Would that last until Halloween?" I'm wondering when people stock up for candy or if they just wait to September/ October to get it when there's a ton out?

Well I'm starting now. My daughter will be starting kindergarten this year so I know we will need candy for her class and for our trick-or-treaters so I'm already starting. And I like to have a variety for all of the kiddos.

I live in the country so no trick-o-treaters, but I wanted to tell you that you can freeze chocolate.

Last year there was a coupon where people got Reese PB cup snack size for 67¢ a bag at Target in late September / early October. I don't know if they will have that again but it was an awesome deal.

Rite Aid had buy $10 get a $5 rebate - the bags were on sale for $2 one week, I think that was in September.

Last year I had to make treat bags for my daughter - packages of 100 Wonka candy for $5.99 at Big Lots in July. And that was still good at the end of September.

I personally wouldn't get chocolate this early. Other stuff, should be ok.

Chocolate is good for a year. That is what the big chocolate companies have told me when I called and asked.

As for when do I start my Halloween stockup? Whenever I can get the stuff for free/cheap! Preferably free. And sometimes that's Nov 1st.

You might want to ask if you can bring candy as a treat. Here where I live all candy and sweets have been banned.

300-400 trick-or-treaters???? I'm lucky if I get half a dozen! I live within a mile of an Elementry, Middle, & High School and I still never get any kids coming by!

Were never home to hand out candy and if we get trick or treaters after we get home we just rob it from the kids bags

It's a newer subdivision (actually, been here 10 years now though so not as new). There are a lot of kids in my neighborhood plus we get quite a few kids that aren't from our neighborhood but come here because it is safer than some of the other neighborhoods. I was so proud of myself for making up 250 bags with treats (stickers I had cut up, superballs, spider rings, and a couple pieces of candy) plus having some bigger toys I had picked up on clearance for .25 or so (summer clearance good for this), but was shocked when all that went and then some. I won't be doing the goody bags this year but have been trying to stock up on McDonald's toys from garage sales (.10 is my limit though) and other little toys.

I know over here that nuts have been banned at school because of so many allergies. I've never had a trick or treater turn down candy though. They must just trade it with someone who is not allergic or their parents eat it.

I'll just build it up litle by little. Not worried about chocolate melting... woried about eating it, . But from the sounds of it, it shouldn't be a problem finding some at a good price when I need it.

I usually start in July/August. I buy candy with coupons I've accumulated (as my store takes ALL expireds). We get tons of children so with halloween being on a Friday, I'm going to double by stash!