There is something magical about Candy. If a game is a bit boring, add candy and voila! It’s now a family favorite.
Which is exactly what happened to us. ☺️
When we decided play Candyland with real candy it quickly became a family tradition. You may have already read about our Candland tradition, along with our other favorite Christmas pass times.
Once I introduced this idea for Candyland, our children wanted to play with real candy all the time.
We found we needed some house rules to turn Candyland into the coolest cooperative game ever known to man.
These simple rules made the game play more smoothly, encouraging everyone along the path to King Candy. 😊
Items Needed To Get Started
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Candyland game – we have the 2002 edition, other versions may use different candy stops
Gingerbread people – for the gingerbread tree.
Peppermint (or candy canes) – for Mr Mint
Gum drops (or fruit snacks) – for Gum Drop pass
Licorice – for Lord Licorice
PB cookies or candy – for Gramma Nutts
Lolly pops – for the Lolly Pop Forest
Frosted animal crackers or mints – for Princess Frostine
Chocolate for Gloppy in the chocolate swamp
M&M’s for King Candy’s finish line.
Why Candyland House Rules
This year when we played I realized I needed to share our ground rules. If you try out the Candyland tradition I want you to experience the game in its full glory. These additional rules keep things sane and fun.
How to Create Candyland Anticipation
Only do it once a year – for two reasons, scarcity- it keeps it special and reason two – time, who has the time to constantly get all the right candies? Am I right? Just tell your kids it’s for their own good, you love them so much you want to keep some traditions special.
No Hard Feelings or Whining
Start with the reminder that no one gets upset. Since this is for fun and to bond as a family, being upset kind of ruins it if anyone is whining. A simple reminder usually gets everyone on the same page, kids and adults.
Candy at Every Stop
One piece of candy for passing the candy image and two pieces if you land right on it. If you get sent back all the more time to gather candy.
Candyland Time Limit
Set a time limit, like 10 minutes, 15 if you’re brave. Remember, it’s still a simple game and kids start to get anxious about getting to the top where the M&M’s and stack of chocolate sticks are. A time limit helps kids stay focused.
How to Split up the Leftovers After a Game of Candyland
Setting a time limit means there’s usually still candy on the board. We split up the rest by taking turns one piece at a time (usually trying to go as fast as we can) until its all gone. This way players get to take the candies they like most and the game ends on a high note.
Pre – game set up
Gingerbread men
Since I’m pretty passionate about this whole candy authenticity thing 😉, we usually make gingerbread men earlier (like the week before). Then save some for gingerbread houses and some for the game.
Because you need to something to collect when you pass the gingerbread tree, it’s important.
Peanut butter candy
We make peanut butter candy for the Gramma Nutt stop. You can also just purchase or make peanut butter cookies.
The rest
Any other Candyland bliss, I buy at the store or you can following the affiliate links above for easy purchases.
Have a great time playing and Merry Christmas! ❤️🎄🤗
I haven’t played Candy Land in years. I liked playing the game with my son. The added candy makes playing the game even better.
Candy definitely ups the game anticipation.
I remember playing Candyland as a kid but never with real candy! I like the concept of this though – nothing better than being able to play with something you can eat, hehe. Thanks for sharing this idea!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I hope you get to try it sometime. 😊