I now hand it out.

One time greedy little kids grabbed with such force that half of the candy dumped down on the floor. Then they treated it like a piñata. I learned my lesson!

We get so many kids we just stand outside handing out 2 to each kid and there are STILL lines on the sidewalk at peak ToT time. If we let them pick their candy it would back up even more. So I think this all depends on the situation.

Hand out. Or, they will take a handful or two.

I start slowly and as it gets later the amount goes up if we still have a good supply. No choosing. I do not want to stand there while you search. If someone specifically says Can I have some Nerds I would probably comply.

Anonymous wrote:I’d drop a piece into their open container, to prevent the spread of germs.

Sure if you eat the candy wrapper and all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you hand out the candy it limits the spread of germs.

You should also wear a hazmat suit and blue latex gloves.

Just send it down the candy chute

I’d drop a piece into their open container, to prevent the spread of germs.

I hand it out because it takes too long for kids to pick. We get a ton of kids.

Do whatever you want.

They come to the door glholding their bag so you put in there. It's not that hard to figure out. And if you let them take their own you are clueless on how it works.

Anonymous wrote:If you hand out the candy it limits the spread of germs.

You should also wear a hazmat suit and blue latex gloves.

I've seen it done both ways. I seldom get trick or treaters so I give them a handful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No issues with limiting the take to one or two pieces, but as a parent of a kid with food allergies, I'm always appreciative of the houses where the kids are invited to select their own candy.

+1.

I usually hold the bowl out and tell the kids how many they may take.

And if there's a line and kids are holding it up by dithering, I do a countdown, "Three seconds and then I choose for you -- 3, 2, 1." Just like my own kids.

Yes! This is my only objection to having them pick. I usually still let them do it, but I have to start pushing some kids to make a decision. It's kind of hilarious. The way some of them stare at the bowl with furrowed brow, you'd think they were selecting their spouse, not "Kit Kat vs. Snickers"

Anonymous wrote:You come to the door in a Buffalo Bill style costume a la Silence of the Lambs and say "it takes one piece of candy or it gets the hose."

You can put travel size bottles of lotion in the basket, too, for those who don't want or can't eat your candy.

Anonymous wrote:I've found some of the younger ones will take forever to decide if you let them choose.

The big ones too. I just handed it out.

We have over 200 kids and many are grabbers, so I usually get down on one knee hold the bowl where they can see in and say "Tell me what you want, one per kid!" They tell me what they want and I put it in their bag.