Halloween is fast approaching and once again we face the dilemma: How much candy should I buy?
It never fails: You buy a lot because you almost ran out last year and you’re left with Halloween candy until Christmas. Or you make a small purchase because you only had a few kids last year and you run out by 7:00 p.m.
We usually get around 100 children at our house so we buy a few bags and, truth be told, we usually keep a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups just for us. However, according to this year’s survey, I should stock up on Butterfingers. They’re ok but definitely not on my Top 5 list.
The National Retail Federation says Americans are expected to spend a record $3.6 billion on candy this year. Which candy will we buy?
Once again this year, CandyStore.com has come out with a map projecting the most popular candies in each state. This year, the most popular candy in seven states … M&Ms. Sour Patch Kids top six states, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in five. Hersey’s Miniatures and Butterfingers are also getting a lot of love. Oh, in case you’re wondering, Utah is the only state that shows love for candy corn. Not a fan.
Yes if you look closely it’s Butterfingers for Massachusetts. Rhode Island goes for M&M’s and New Hampshire votes for Peanut Butter Cups.
Alabama loves their Skittles. Louisiana goes for Lemonheads. Jolly Ranchers win in Georgia. Maryland goes for Hershey Kisses which I always thought were too much work unwrapping for only a small piece of chocolate. Minnesota, North Dakota and New Mexico all go for Hot Tamales while Tennessee and Washington state vote for Tootsie Rolls. I was never a fan of Tootsie Rolls. Too chewy. And “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” I never had enough patience to find out.
And according to HalloweenCostumes.com we can expect to see a lot of Barbies, Ariel’s and Taylor’s (Swift) this Halloween. Outfits associated with the Barbie movie, The Little Mermaid, and Taylor Swift have been flying off the shelves. They say that Barbie costumes, in particular, have been selling nine-times as much as last year. Ariel costumes are up nearly 70%, and outfits inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour are in high demand, too. I’ll have to wait to see if Travis Kelce jerseys make an impact.
One more thought: I saw a meme this year that said something like, “Before you get upset that an older teen is coming to your door, realize that this is one child who is not out causing trouble and is trying to hold onto their childhood just a little bit longer.” I like that thought. I remember that struggle when I got older. “Am I too old to trick-or-treat?” And by the way, who gets to decide?
Here’s hoping everyone has a safe Halloween… and May you be left with a few of your favorites once you turn the porch light off.
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