Dreading the mountains of Halloween candy your kiddos are going to bring back on October 31? If you are, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Those mini Snickers and Hershey bars are super tempting and not just for the kids. Then, there are the sugar rushes, those ruined meals along with the potential for broken braces and cavities. Sure, all these things are a part of the hangover of Halloween, but what if someone could magically whisk away the majority of the candy? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Well, you don’t need a cauldron and a spell book for that. Just call the Switch Witch.
Don’t know who the Switch Witch is? Well, you’re probably not alone, but rest assured. There isn’t a shelf or an elf involved, and you don’t have to think of clever scenarios to post on Instagram, either, unless you want to. All you need to do is add the legend of the Switch Witch to your Halloween traditions, and the unwanted candy disappears like magic with something even better in its place.
OK, so it’s not magic, but it is easy and takes away the majority of the Halloween haul while teaching the kids a lesson about value. So, here’s what you need to invite the Switch Witch to fly her broomstick by your door on Halloween night.
Meet the Switch Witch
The Halloween tradition of the Switch Witch has been around for a while. Charity A. O’Neill-O’Kane published the children’s book The Switch Witch in 2009. The Switch Witch is a good witch. Her mission is simple. She replaces unwanted Halloween candy with something special like a toy, puzzle, book, craft, or even clothing. The idea behind the Switch Witch is to prevent kids from eating too much candy while extending the excitement of this special day.
When kids return home from trick-or-treating and dump their haul on the table, parents typically look through to toss any open or suspicious-looking candy. In order to welcome the Switch Witch tradition into this nightly ritual, kids simply need to choose their favorite candies they want to save. Make up a bag or bowl filled with each child’s absolute favorite Halloween candy. The rest is placed back in a Halloween bucket or bag and left on the front or back porch for the Switch Witch. While the kids are fast asleep, the Switch Witch flies by and takes the Halloween candy, leaving behind something cool.
The tradition of the Switch Witch lets parents get rid of the high volume of candy without squeals of protest from the kids. It also allows children to decide what candy they like best and want to keep. This Switch Witch tradition is great with kids who have food allergies. Many kids with food allergies dread Halloween because they can’t eat most of the candy. Having the Switch Witch take it away and leave behind a special gift gives a purpose to trick-or-treating.
Do’s and don’ts with the Switch Witch
The Switch Witch tradition is a nice way to keep the fun of Halloween going. Many kiddos wake up feeling a little like Charlie Brown on November 1 because of the huge letdown after the tremendous buildup for Halloween throughout October. Receiving a small present while still getting to eat your favorite Halloween candy is a win-win. There are some important things to remember before summoning the Switch Witch, though.
Switch Witch do’s
- Remember the Switch Witch is a good witch. You don’t want to introduce a tradition that’s going to scare your kids. She isn’t stealing the Halloween candy. The Switch Witch is trading it for something kids enjoy.
- Be sure to allow your kids to choose the candy they want to keep and the candy they want to leave for the Switch Witch. This is a fun way to give kids the opportunity to make their own decisions.
Switch Witch don’ts
- The main thing to avoid when using the Switch Witch tradition is not put too much emphasis on the unhealthiness of candy. Doing so can lay the groundwork for an unhealthy relationship with food for kids.
- Don’t force them to participate if they don’t want to. The Switch Witch is supposed to be fun, but if it’s causing upset, don’t do it.
- Don’t go overboard with Switch Witch gifts. The Switch Witch doesn’t need to leave an expensive gift in place of Halloween candy you didn’t buy in the first place.
Switch Witch gift ideas
The Switch Witch isn’t Santa Claus, so, she doesn’t need to leave pricey presents. Think of the Switch Witch like Linus’ Great Pumpkin. Here are some simple ideas for Switch Witch gifts.
- Puzzle
- Small toy
- Stuffed animal
- Squishmallow
- Book
- Craft
- Hoodie
- Coloring book and markers
- Paint set
- $10 Amazon gift card
- Board game
Ideal age for the Switch Witch
If you’re looking to start the Switch Witch tradition in your home, 3 and 4 is the perfect age. How long you keep the tradition going depends on you and whether or not there’s a big age gap between your kids. Tweens and teens with younger siblings won’t mind giving up unwanted candy for a Starbucks or Amazon gift card. Like Santa, most kids begin to doubt when they reach third grade.
How to introduce the Switch Witch
There are several different Switch Witch books available on Amazon. Reading the Switch Witch story is a great way to introduce kids to the tradition. There’s also a Switch Witch doll that you can use along with the book. If you’re not worried about the Switch Witch becoming another Elf on the Shelf, the doll is certainly cute and can come out every Halloween. The truth is, though, you don’t need it. You can come up with your own Switch Witch tale to introduce the concept to the family.
What to do with the Halloween candy
Now, all that Halloween candy can get to be a little overwhelming even for the Switch Witch. Of course, you can hide it in the trash, or you can donate it when the kiddos are at school. Operation Shoebox, Halloween Candy Buy Back, and Treats for Troops are three places where you can donate wrapped Halloween candy.
Halloween savor or killjoy
Social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have spread the tradition of the Switch Witch, expanding her reach. Doing so; however, has stirred up a little controversy in the cauldron. Where parents stand on making the Switch Witch a part of their Halloween celebrations depends on your point of view. Some feel the Switch Witch takes away one of the eternal joys of Halloween — eating too much candy. While others think the Switch Witch gives parents options, especially for kids with food allergies. The Switch Witch tradition lets kids learn life lessons about making choices and values while extending the thrill of Halloween for a bit longer.
Like with any tradition, participating is entirely up to you. The Switch Witch is a fun way to get rid of that excess candy. Eating sweets is all about balance, and Halloween tips the scale in the opposite direction. The Switch Witch brings back the balance without making parents turn into the Grinch. Like the Elf on the Shelf, though, the Switch Witch gives busy parents one more thing to do during an already crazy time. If you’re looking to give the Switch Witch a go this October 31, try reading one of the Switch Witch books or spin your own tale, which will make it easier to adjust the tradition to your family.
