candy

2026 Halloween Candy Buy Back!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Now that you’ve started all of the Halloween 2026 fun with carnivals, trunk-or-treats, and community events, do you have a pile of unwanted candy?

The best part of trick-or-treating is candy.

The worst part can be candy that your kids (and you) don’t like, goes against your family’s dietary restrictions, or that you’re allergic to.

If you are looking for something to do with unwanted candy, here are a few ways your kids can turn Tootsie Rolls into something your kids will like (cash).

Candy Buybacks are a way businesses, usually dentist offices, can get unwanted candy out of families’ hands. Businesses usually donate the candy to the USO or nonprofits like Soldiers’ Angels, which collect candy and ship it overseas.

Here are a few located in San Diego County for Halloween 2026:

 

Tryazon- Zolli Back to Cool Party!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a tasty sampling opportunity to apply for!

Go back to school and get ready for Halloween with an allergen friendly treat from Zolli Candy – the sugar-free candy for all!

Zolli Candy was born from the imagination of Teenpreneur Alina Morse, Zollipops®, Zolli® Ball Popz, Zaffi® Taffy, Zolli Drops, Zolli Gummeez & Zaffi KETO Taffy are delicious treats supercharged with smile friendly ingredients that are actually good for your teeth! Delicious, “Fun & Worry-Free”, Zero sugar, vegan, KETO, allergy-free*, gluten-free, natural fruit flavors, no artificial colors, Kosher. Because Zolli is candy EVERYONE CAN ENJOY! they are a favorite among families, teachers and dentists. Zolli Candy is perfect for snacks, lunches, parties and as healthy rewards or prizes.

As a bonus, the pack will include Vivoo wellness strips! Vivoo is a 90-second at-home urine test that analyzes 8 key wellness markers, including hydration, pH, magnesium, calcium, and more. Paired with the free app, Vivoo turns your results into personalized nutrition and lifestyle advice crafted by expert dietitians and nutritionists. Track your wellness trends over time, stay in tune with your body, and take action, all in one easy-to-use experience.

Tryazon will select 100 hosts for this party opportunity. Those chosen will receive a party pack with a variety of Zolli Candy and Vivoo Wellness Strips to showcase and sample with friends and family! To Learn more or apply for this opportunity here. 

Easter Basket Supplies on a Budget with Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

Easter Sunday is coming up on April 20th! That gives us a few short weeks to make Easter baskets! As always, I’m looking at Dollar Tree to help me make some cute baskets full of fun for each kiddo for $25 each!

First, we’ll start with a fun basket or tote. Dollar Tree always has a wide array of baskets, totes, and fun containers.

Here are some of my go-tos for a fun Easter Basket. My kids are tweens/teens. I tend to skip toys and go straight for consumables or items I know they will use.

  • Bath Bombs (I like to shop in-store for these- the in-store selections of bath bombs is always great)
  • Body Wash
  • Lotion
  • Lip Balm
  • Beverage Mixes
  • Water Bottles
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Playing Cards
  • Combs or a Hair Brush
  • Emery Boards
  • Candy
  • Snacks

My local Dollar Tree has a great collection of Skincare and Personal care dupes. From Bath and Body Works dupes to Bubble Skin care dupes, I always find great deals at my local Dollar Tree.

New Sampling Opportunities from Tryazon!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has five different opportunities to which you can apply.

Applying to host a party is quick and easy. If you want to learn more about Tryazon, their website has tons of information about all of the cool campaigns, parties, and past events.

 

Hop into Easter at Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

Easter is April 17th this year, but don’t wait until the last minute to get your basket goodies, Easter Dinner supplies, and goodies!

Dollar Tree has a ton of great ideas, and can help you stick to your budget!

Spring Cleaning on your Care Task List this Spring? Dollar Tree has your back with Cleaning & Storage Supplies. 

We recently re-organized our under the kitchen sink area with baskets and totes from Dollar Tree. And I use their totes to organize our HBA stockpile, hair coloring supplies, and even our first aid kit.

San Diego, Ca Area Halloween Activities!

Abby H.2 Comments

It’s Spooky Season, which means it’s time for some local events!

Trunk or Treats, Halloween/Fall Carnivals, and other Halloween fun!

These events are just a few of the events going on in San Diego County. If you know of other events, please feel free to leave info in the comments.

 

  • Journey Church in La Mesa is hosting Journey Kids – Halloween Family Dance on 10/9/2021 from 5:30-7:00pm. RSVP here. 
  • If you live closer to downtown/Little Italy, check out Trick or Treat on India Street. This fun and safe Halloween event makes it possible for urban families to enjoy authentic trick-or-treating fun as Little Italy businesses along historic India Street open their doors to give out candy and Halloween treats. 10/27/2021 5:30-7:30pm.
  • HauntFest on Main is an exciting family-friendly event in Downtown El Cajon with a pumpkin patch, costume contest, kids zone, rides, entertainment, and more! 4pm-9pm on 10/29/2021

Faith Chapel in Spring Valley is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Halloween 10/31/2021 6pm-8pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Tryazon: New Niagara Chocolates Sampling Party

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Prepare to indulge with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Niagara Chocolates! Hand-crafted in small batches, with a focus on creating the most indulgent experience possible, Niagara Chocolates make delicious chocolate divine. These mouth-watering chocolates feature an array of unique flavors, all sourced with exceptional quality non-GMO ingredients and Rainforest Alliance certified chocolate.

They have a total of 250 hosting spots open for this opportunity! The first set of 125 parties will be in October and the second set will be in November. Those selected get to receive a party pack with $150 worth of Niagara Chocolates to sample and share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/niagara-chocolates-sampling-party/

10/30/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

This Friday’s freebies and deals have some awesome goodies! It’s Halloween weekend, so get ready for all sorts of spooky freebies and deals!

As always, if you find an amazing deal or freebie, please share it in the comments below.

Freebies:

Free Boo Adventure Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating at Target
Free Keds Stickers
Free Face Mask
Free Medela Breastfeeding Product Sample Box
Free K-Beauty Products
Free Hot or Iced Coffee at Circle K
Free Sample of Yes Life CBD Oil & Hemp CBD Pain Relief Cream
Free Products for SwagBag Tastemakers
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free 5pc. Chicken Nuggets at Jack in the Box
Free Genexa Kids Allergy Medicine
Free Sample of Daiwa Krill Oil
Free Phocus Naturally Energizing Sparkling Water
Free Sample of Smashbox Primer
Free Jar of Barilla Vero Gusto Pasta Sauce
Free Burger on Your Birthday at Ruby Tuesday

 

Deals:

 

Legoland California Treats Kids to a Bricktacular Halloween in Miniland USA!

Abby H.

Fall is a time for costumes, treats, and family fun, and even though LEGOLAND® California is still awaiting approval to open, the Resort is joining in the festivities with an outdoor experience of its own…Introducing: Halloween in Miniland! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during October (Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 & 31) the Park’s Miniland U.S.A  becomes a not-so-spooky Halloween destination filled with activities, tasty treats, and one of a kind LEGO® Halloween décor inviting families to wear their favorite costumes and have safe fun.

Halloween in Miniland features character meet and greets, virtual costume contests, a Miniland scavenger hunt, LEGO building activities, and, of course, a goody bag filled with candy and a LEGO surprise! Families can enjoy savory food options at Smoke House BBQ and NINJA Kitchen and satisfy sweet cravings with LEGOLAND California’s world-famous Granny’s Apple Fries. The treats don’t stop there as families can also take a stroll through The Big Shop to find the latest must-have LEGO sets.

LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel will also join in on the Halloween fun with festive décor throughout the fall season! Guests visiting SEA LIFE® aquarium will be treated to special Halloween decorations and LEGO models that will be on display underwater in the aquarium’s tanks.

Halloween in Miniland is a special outdoor experience and admission can be purchased online for as low as $12.99. Guests are required to purchase tickets online in advance to reserve access to Miniland for their desired dates and time to visit. As guests and employees’ health and safety remain the top priority at LEGOLAND California Resort, guests will experience some differences in Miniland including reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices, and enhanced cleaning regimes. Face coverings (PPE) will be required for all guests three years old and up as well as for staff members. Guests are highly encouraged to visit the Resort’s website for further guest experience and visiting details. For more information, and to purchase tickets to Halloween at Miniland or SEA LIFE aquarium, visit www.legoland.com/california.

WHEN: Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 &31

  • Friday: 3- 7pm
  • Saturday: 10am-2pm or 3pm-7pm
  • Sunday: 11am-3pm

San Diego Local Halloween and Fall events for Kids!

Abby H.

7be30acaf94af3fc23ce78b5df96f46cHalloween is just TWO WEEKS AWAY!! Are you ready? Thankfully I only have a few last-minute tweaks to make to the big kids’ Knight Costume, and Little Miss’s Elsa dress is store-bought (much to my chagrin).

Trick or treating door to door isn’t really popular in our area, but a lot of churches and civic groups host carnivals or events either on Halloween or on the weekends leading up to it, so there is no shortage of fun for the kids.  If you are in San Diego County, here are just a few fun events that we’ve enjoyed in the past:

10/25/19:

10/26/19:

10/31/19:

a9e9d4b9823ec9482155e106114ca37cDon’t Forget HalGLOween at the San Diego Zoo! And most YMCA locations host a Halloween event that has a small fee, but has lots of fun games, crafts, and candy.

And if you are looking for tons of fun, don’t forget that Brick or Treat is still going on at Legoland California, tickets are on sale here.

Talk Back: If you know of a free, fun Halloween or harvest event for kids in San Diego County, please leave a comment.