Anybody can buy bags of mini candy bars for a Halloween party, but that's about as clever as a T-shirt that says, "This is my Halloween costume." Give trick-or-treaters Smarties and Starbursts but delight adult guests with the sweets they grew up on (and some new sour sensations).
Yes, we know candy cigarettes (and pipes) are politically incorrect, but we still get a cheap charge from that single, sugary puff. Isn't that what Halloween is all about?
We bought enough candy for a party bowl for less than $25 at Candy Kitchen, 10641 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island; 727 363-6194. (There are two other beach locations: 13711 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach; (727) 392-6803, and 1401 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach; (727) 517-7656.) Retro candy can also be purchased online at www.discountcandy.comwww.candydirect.com and www.oldtimecandy.com
GOLD ROCKS. Strike it rich with these golden gum nuggets. Tie the mother lode to your belt, pardner.
WAX BOTTLES. Bite off the top and suck out sweet liquid. Funny, they tasted better when you were 10.
LICORICE PIPES. A World War II favorite, licorice pipes will make you debonair. Don't forget smoking jacket and ascot.
CIGARETTES. You won't have to hide these bubble gum and chocolate sticks from Mama, but they do look scandalous in the hands of kids today.
BRAIN DRIPS. Take your medicine, my pretty. "Outta your mind sour liquid" goes straight to the tongue from a dropper.
JAWBREAKERS. These aren't even the largest jawbreakers available. Keep the dentist on speed dial .
POP ROCKS. It's 1975 all over again when you toss explosive rocks into your mouth and wash them down with Coca-Cola.
FREAKY FINGERS. Wear your Mexican Chupa Chups suckers on all 10 digits for a devilish finger-puppet show.
ASTRO POPS. "The longest-lasting pop on the planet" with three flavors on one rocket launcher: cherry, passion fruit and pineapple.
BLACK JACK GUM. The first flavored gum in America was licorice Black Jack introduced more than 100 years ago. It was also the first gum to come in a stick.
CHICLETS. Tiny Chiclets will bring back memories of the first gum some of us had.
XTRA SOUR GOO. Don't mistake this goo tube for toothpaste or risk "gween apple" meltdown.
WAX FANGS AND LIPS. Pucker up and bite! Then chew and chew and chew. A '20s era favorite is still a popular Halloween accessory.
GUMMI FRIES AND BURGER. Offer them fries and burgers but give them these chewy facsimiles. Too cute, too diabolical.
