Too Much Mishloach Manot? Here’s What to Do Post-Purim

Purim has come and gone, and if your home is anything like mine, you’re staring at a mountain of candy, cookies, and assorted junk food that could rival the offerings of a small candy store. Between the mishloach manot we gave and the piles we received, it’s a delicious dilemma: too much to eat, but too good to waste. So, what’s a family to do with all this post-Purim bounty? Don’t worry—we’ve got some practical, mitzvah-filled ideas to help you clear the counters and spread the joy.

Share the Sweetness with Soldiers and Sick Kids

One of the most beautiful ways to handle the excess is to pass it on to those who could use a little cheer. Organizations like Yad Eliezer and Lone Soldier Center are always thrilled to receive donations of packaged treats for soldiers stationed far from home. Imagine a chayal unwrapping a bag of Purim goodies—your extra hamantaschen could be the taste of home they need. Similarly, hospitals like Schneider Children’s Medical Center or local branches of Chai Lifeline welcome sealed snacks for kids battling illness. A brightly colored bag of candy might just brighten a tough day. Call ahead to confirm drop-off details, pack up the surplus, and turn your leftovers into a mitzvah of chessed.

Stash It for Shabbat Treats

If you’re not ready to part with all that loot just yet, consider stashing it for future use. Those mini chocolate bars, jelly beans, and bags of Bissli? They’re perfect for Shabbat nosh. Portion them out into small baggies or containers—one mom I know keeps a “Shabbat Treat Box” in her pantry—and dole them out over the next few weeks. It’s a great way to stretch the Purim fun without overwhelming the kids (or your dentist). Plus, it saves you a trip to the store when you’re prepping for guests. Just keep an eye on expiration dates—most hard candies and sealed snacks last for months, but those homemade rugelach might need to be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freeze It and Forget It (For Now)

Got baked goods like muffins, brownies, or extra hamantaschen? Don’t let them go stale—freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to be thawed for a quick dessert or a Shabbat kiddush. One reader shared her trick: “I freeze the mini cupcakes from mishloach manot and pull them out when my kids’ friends come over. Instant party!” This works best with sturdy treats—skip the freezing for anything too delicate, like meringues, which might turn mushy.

Host a Post-Purim Swap Party

Why not turn the excess into a community event? Invite a few friends over for a “Mishloach Manot Swap” after Purim. Everyone brings their extras—those licorice sticks your kids won’t touch, the popcorn you’ve got six bags of—and trades for something they actually like. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to declutter, and you might score a new favorite treat. Add some tea and music, and you’ve got a mini seudah to boot.

Donate to a Local Food Pantry

If your haul includes unopened, non-perishable items like pretzels, chips, or candy bars, consider donating to a local food pantry or gemach. Places like Tomchei Shabbos often accept packaged snacks to supplement their distributions. It’s a quiet way to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah while ensuring nothing goes to waste. Just double-check that everything’s sealed and within date—most pantries won’t take homemade goods or opened packages for safety reasons.

A Word of Caution: Know When to Toss

Let’s be real—not everything survives the Purim chaos in edible shape. That half-melted chocolate frog? The crumbling cookie with no packaging? If it’s not safe to eat or share, don’t feel guilty about tossing it. Keep the good stuff and let go of the rest—your kitchen (and your conscience) will thank you.

So, as we transition from Purim’s simcha to the pre-Pesach craziness, take a moment to sort through that sweet stash. Whether you’re blessing a soldier, treating your Shabbat table, or sharing with a neighbor, there’s a plan for every piece of candy.