Best Halloween Boo Basket Ideas They’ll Love
What is a Boo Basket?
A boo basket is a collection of goodies that you put in a basket or hamper to celebrate Halloween.
Think of it as a spooky Easter basket without the chocolate bunny or a Secret Santa without the mistletoe-scented candles.
You can secretly give it to your kids, friends, neighbors, teachers, the organizer of your area’s trunk-or-treat, or anyone really!
We got “boo-ed” by an anonymous friend a few years back and our card said we were to then “boo” someone else with our own fun basket of treats.
Now whenever I hear the word “boo basket” I think of that hit Paul Russell song “Lil Boo thang.” And now that song will be in my head for the remainder of this post.
And possibly yours too.
You’re welcome for that.
Ok, let’s jump in and get our boo on. Here’s my collection of boo basket goodies I’ve found from across the web to decorate your swag bag for Halloween.
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If you’re not the DIY type you can always order one online that’s already put together for you.
What to Put in a Boo Basket
Something that smells good
Add a candle that smells like fall, essential oils, or incense.
Add a Sweet Treat
Think Halloween candy or hand-decorated sugar cookies like the ones I found above are to DIE for this Halloween. You could also do apple bread from a nearby bakery or pumpkin farm.
Include Something to Read
If your friend likes to read this is a great chance to give them something spooky in book form.
I’ll warn you I included the book Amityville Horror but that one gave me nightmares for WEEKS so you might want to choose something more light-hearted. Not for kids! The Amityville Horror book is seriously scary. I’m having nightmares just typing this. So only include that in your Boo Basket if your friend can handle it. I cannot handle it.
If you are giving the Boo Basket to someone with kids consider adding a cute children’s book like The Happy Pumpkin.
I’ve listed my other favorite children’s books as well as ideas for what to write in the front of a book and you can’t read it all here.
Add something plush to your goodie bag
Add a Plush Item to Your Bag
Consider something plush like the above-pictured ghost pillow, which reminds me of one I saw at Pottery Barn for like quadruple the price.
If it’s for a child you could always do a fun stuffed animal like the one pictured above.
Fall-themed treats, such as pumpkin spice candies or apple cider mix.
Include something home-made
The kids and I recently made these bendy ghost candles and I think they’re adorable. You put them in warm/hot water for like 15 minutes and then you can shape them however you like! They would be cute to add to a Boo-Basket along with a Dollar Tree candle holder.
You could also do something cute like this DIY ghost garland I made from Dollar Tree supplies.
Include something to sip on
You could do a warm fall tea, coffee, or even a bottle of fall-themed wine for the adults.
Include a thoughtful Gesture
A handwritten note explaining why that person is so special can give the gift a personal touch. If you want to go big, you could add a fall door hanger to the gift box, but sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most.
Orange plastic buckets are great for holding your boo basket stuff and they’re not expensive.
I found the super cute above-pictured cloth basket that can certainly be used for lots of other things after it holds all the boo-basket goodies.
The adorable decorative basket pictured above can also hold other things after it’s used for the Boo Basket gift.
How fun is the mummy-themed basket pictured above that I found from West Elm?
Container Ideas
There are lots of container options for goodies. From super thrift plastic jack-o-lanterns to plush cloth ones, there are lots of varieties.
You can even take a wicker basket you already have, or grab one from the thrift store, and use that.
Boo Basket Ideas – Some of the Best I’ve Found
1. Ghostly Boo Basket From Eighteen25
Draw a face on a white balloon and it just elevates everything. Literally. Such a cute idea.
2. Teacher Boo Basket from Crafty Momma in Me
Our teachers deserve all the love in the world so why not shower them on Halloween? You could fill it with all her favorite things. Our teachers give us a list of things they love at the beginning of the year so it makes it easy. You could also go in with other parents and fill it with the teacher’s Amazon wish list for the classroom.
3. You’ve been “boozed by Coffee and Confetti Mom
So fun for the adult wine lover in your life.
4. Kids crafts Basket from Project Whim
The kids are going to get so much candy on Halloween. Give them something they can craft that will keep them busy.
5. Movie Night basket from Canterbury Gifts
You can also make your own by giving a gift card to the movies and a couple of bags of popcorn.
6. Decorate your own Halloween cookies by Krazy Kreations
My neighbor gave us one of these sets before Halloween a few years ago and the kids loved it! Kept them busy for a while!
7. Taylor Swift Lover Basket from Pinterest
I might have to do something like this for my daughter – though not as extravagant. Love the Purple Haze theme.
8. Basket for the Snacker
Fill the container with your neighbor’s favorite treats and be their favorite person!
9. A little something for the Hubby from Naughty and Nice
I think a lot of husbands would be on board with getting a basket of lingerie for the wife to wear.
Delivering the treats
- Secretly leave the basket on your neighbor’s front porch to surprise them and bring on the Halloween fun.
- Consider delivering the basket at night, when the porch is lit up.
- Make sure to include a “You’ve Been Booed” sign with instructions on how to play the game. Also, it lets them alert others that they’ve already been booed so it doesn’t happen again.
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Boo Basket FAQs
What should I include in a boo basket?
A boo basket typically includes a mix of Halloween-themed treats and goodies. Popular items are Halloween candies, small toys or trinkets, festive decorations, and seasonal items like mini pumpkins or spooky stickers.
How do I present a boo basket?
Present your boo basket in a fun and festive way by using a themed container like a Halloween bucket or a decorated gift basket. You can leave the basket on the recipient’s doorstep with a note encouraging them to “boo” someone else.
When is the best time to deliver a boo basket?
The best time to deliver a boo basket is early in October to give the recipient plenty of time to enjoy the treats and participate in the fun. You can also time it so that the basket arrives around a week or two before Halloween.
Conclusion
Remember you don’t have to go overboard with it or spend a lot of money. It’s just a fun way to get into the spooky season with loved ones.
Now that your neighbors are taken care of, you’re ready to take on some DIY fall decor for your home!
Also, it doesn’t just have to be neighbors you can create a Boo Basket for a family member or friend who lives far away.
Happy Halloween and don’t forget to get your “boo” on!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
