With cheerios, I actually fry it up with a little butter and salt and give it to the family as a treat instead of popcorn. An old family trick that tastes great. ... View related article.
What I've done with my kids included various craft projects. We've picked up sticks from the yard to form Jewish stars and other shapes that we've glued together and used for centerpieces. We've bought sheets of beeswax at the craft store to make our own candles (not necessarily the most gorgeous candles, but they're fun). We have also made menorahs using bottle caps glued onto a leftover piece of wood that we then painted and decorated. Good for holding the funky hand-made candles. :)
I make my own applesauce to use with the latkes which tends to taste really good and allows the kids to help. All you need to do is have the kids peel the apples with a vegetable peeler and maybe (depending on their age, maturity, ability) chop up the apples. I have them use a special knife from Pampered chef that I got years ago, but even a plastic knife or butter knife can often cut up an apple. Once chopped, put the apples in a pot with enough water to come about half way up the apples. Bring to a boil then simmer while the apples cook down. You can add jam or cinnamon to the mix, and the kids love it. ... View related article.
If you are really in a pinch and can't bear to give them away, you could sell them on ebay or craig's list. Another option is to give something to people who really mean something to you that you normally wouldn't have been able to give a gift to--a teacher, someone at church, the mailman... ... View related article.
