halloween

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:

 

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day- Recipe Round Up!

Abby H.

October 26th is National Pumpkin Day. Whether you celebrate with a pumpkin spice latte or by carving pumpkins, this day has something for everyone.

Here are a few of my family’s favorite pumpkin recipes:

Don’t forget to check out my Halloween Events and Activities post here. There are all sorts of fun (and free) events all over San Diego County!

2026 Halloween and Fall Fun Events in San Diego, CA

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! I’ll be decorating the house this week, once the heat breaks, and we’ve already started on Halloween costumes!

My kids have always loved wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always on the lookout for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few events that are free and seasonal.

10/09/2026

10/17/2026

10/18/2026

10/23/2026:

10/24/2026:

10/25/2026

10/30/2026:

10/31/2026

SanDiego.org has a listing of events all over the county. Some may not be free.

Talk Back: If you know of any free Halloween or Fall events that are free and family-friendly, please leave a comment!

October 2026 Clothing Swaps!

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- if you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap with clothes in all our sizes.

And, as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

October has many great swaps, including Halloween costume swaps!

Porchlight Halloween costume swap

  • Date: Saturday, Oct 3, 2026
  • Time: 1–3 PM
  • Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite F (behind Denny’s & Mic Drop Comedy)
  • Details: Please bring clean, gently used kids’ costumes, dress-up clothes, accessories, and costume pieces in good, wearable condition.

Daydreamers Landing  Halloween clothing and costume swap

  • Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Time: 2pm-6pm
  • Location: Daydreamers Landing, 8575 Los Coches rd #1, El Cajon, CA
    Details: Bring your gently used Halloween costumes and outfits (shirts, dresses, pajamas, etc.) and give them new life!

Goth Clothing Swap at San Diego Goth Picnic

  • Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Pioneer Park (1521 Washington Place, San Diego)
  • Details: Free, all-ages community swap. Bring clean, gently used items and a blanket to display them.

Slow Down Swap Party at SD Climate Week

  • Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Garden of the Sky at the University of San Diego
  • Details: Hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego during Climate Week, featuring a free clothing swap (limit 1 grocery bag of donations), a fix-it clinic, and an upcycled fashion show

Women’s Clothing Swap in La Mesa

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: The Chapel at Grossmont (5651 Water St, La Mesa, CA 91942)
  • Details: Free swap for women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Items should be freshly laundered. [1]

New-to-You Clothing Swap in Spring Valley

 

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

2025 Halloween and Fall Fun Events in San Diego, CA

Abby H.

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! We’ve got our Halloween decor up, and I’ve been working on Halloween costumes.

My kids have always loved wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always on the lookout for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few events that are free and seasonal.

10/17/2025

  • HauntFest 2025, El Cajon’s ultimate Halloween block party and the largest free Halloween event in San Diego County! Happening Friday, October 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon, this family-friendly festival draws thousands each year with costume contests, amusement rides, a haunted maze, trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat with classic cars, live entertainment, and a family outdoor movie.

 10/23/2025

10/24/2025

10/25/2025

10/31/2025

SanDiego.org has a listing of events all over the county. Some may not be free.

Talk Back: If you know of any free Halloween or Fall events that are free and family-friendly, please leave a comment!

 

Cents of Style: No TRICKS just TREATS 31% off the Entire Site!

Abby H.

Favorite Tops** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

This is a pretty sweet deal from our friends at Cents of Style! Going LIVE at TEN PM on 10/30/2022, they have a SPECIAL Halloween deal of 31% OFF SITEWIDE for ANYTHING AND ENTIRE ORDER (sale & clearance items included) FOR 24 HOURS ONLY as our Halloween Treat.

This deal runs from Sunday at 10pm until Monday at midnight!

In order to take advantage of this deal, use coupon code TRICKORTREAT at checkout.

I’ll be picking up stocking stuffers and holiday gifts!

2022 San Diego Halloween Events!

Abby H.

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! We’ve got our Halloween decor up, and I’ve started the kid’s costumes. They love wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always looking for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few that are big hits with my little ghouls:

As more events pop up I will add to this post, and post on Social Media as well.

Talk Back- If you know of any free Halloween events in San Diego, please leave a comment!

 

 

 

2022 Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California

Abby H.

It’s back!! My kids love Legoland and I’m so excited for Brick or Treat this year!

Park guests received an early Halloween “treat” as LEGO® Monsters began to arrive for LEGOLAND® California Resort’s Halloween celebration, Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party. Witches, ghouls, and vampires made their way to the entrance of the family theme park to join LEGO® Zombie Cheerleader and Monster Rocker just in time to boogie down as the Park transforms into the ultimate children’s Halloween celebration. Beginning Sept. 17, families are encouraged to grab their festive costumes and join in on the fun!

In addition to the new LEGO® characters, Brick-or-Treat features the debut of the all-new 4D movie “The Great Monster Chase,” a kid-friendly scare trail, elaborate décor, LEGO building activities, new entertainment and treat stations. For even more electrifying excitement, the Park’s signature roller coaster has been transformed into the Disco Dragon Coaster with a groovy soundtrack and festive decorations.

Brick-or-Treat is included in a general admission ticket and select annual passes. The Halloween festivities begin Saturday, Sept. 17, and continue every Saturday through Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.legoland.com/california.

Dollar Tree: $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping For a Limited Time!

Abby H.

It’s Back! One of my favorite deals from Dollar Tree. $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping is back for a limited time!

From Monday, September 12th through Wednesday, September 14th, Dollar Tree is offering $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping with exclusive code: HARVEST.

Shopping online with Dollar Tree is great for party planning, crafting, or stocking up on snacks. You buy a case and get the same in-store price and value, and now with this deal, you’ll pay only $5.99 shipping.

What I love about this shipping deal is that now I can buy in bulk without having to travel between 2-3 Dollar Tree locations to get as many craft supplies and snacks as I will need for an upcoming event.

If you aren’t sure what Dollar Tree has that’s fresh and new check these out:

Tryazon Sweet Chaos Fall Snacking 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.

Bring the sweet to life’s chaos, with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Sweet Chaos. Featuring delicious fall flavors like Vanilla Chai, Pumpkin Spice, and Candy Corn, Sweet Chaos is the perfect mix of your favorite sweet & salty snacks and a delightful break in your day. Just pour a popcorn bowl of your favorite fall flavor, take a breath, then a bite, and remember to enjoy the chaos!

Tryazon and Sweet Chaos has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a variety of Sweet Chaos popcorn and other extras to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.