Boo baskets can be a fun Halloween tradition, but it’s not always fun to add another to-do (or bill) to your schedule.
As a mom, I’ve always been a little intrigued by the idea of boo baskets. It could be because I love any excuse to celebrate, and I also happen to love Halloween. I also think that any chance we have to spread a little fun and joy is always a good idea.
That’s not to say I’m running out to buy up all the boo baskets I can, of course, but I do think the idea is a fun one to consider for a little extra Halloween magic.
What is a 'boo basket'?
Put simply, a boo basket is just a Halloween-themed gift basket.
Boo baskets originated as gift baskets that kids could put on their friends’ or neighbors’ porches or front steps as a friendly surprise. The ‘boo’ was ironic, because instead of a trick or a scare, they were treated to a basket full of treats.
Boo baskets can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like them to be. Some boo basket ideas include:
- Non-candy items for individuals with allergies or food intolerances, such as coloring books and crayons, stickers, or small toys
- Candy and other sweet treats
- Items for college students away from home
- Gift baskets for the home-bound or group home residents
- Teacher items, such as gifts from their wish lists or classroom supplies, and snacks
You certainly do not have to put together a boo basket to enjoy the fun of the Halloween season, but if you are looking for some boo basket ideas, we found some budget-friendly picks that can help get you started.
Utz Cheese Balls, 23-Ounce Barrel
All right, this one might seem odd, but hear me out: not only is this giant tub of cheese balls orange, which totally equals Halloween colors, but everyone loves cheese balls, am I right?
A giant pack of cheese balls sets the tone for Halloween, would be great for a Halloween party, and would blend in well with a boo basket for kids, teens, or adults. Plus, it’s under $7.
Utz Halloween Mini Cheeseball Treats, 32 Count
If the giant container of cheese balls is not your jam, or you’d just like a little more to go around, you can pick up a bulk pack for the same exact price.
This box contains 32 packs of individually-packed cheese balls, so you can pass them out on Halloween night, too.
Ceramic Ghost Mug with Pumpkin Purse Decor
I cannot handle how cute this ceramic ghost mug is, clutching its tiny, adorable pumpkin purse.
It’s almost too much Halloween cuteness, but the price, thankfully, is not too much, at under $5.
Orange Cream Pumpkins & Caramel Chocolate Skulls
$6
from
Karen's Candy Quilts/Etsy
Can you believe these hand-painted chocolate pumpkins filled with homemade orange cream and three chocolate caramel skulls are only $6?
The Halloween treats come packaged in a window box with a gold insert and a gold stretch loop from the Etsy shop Karen’s Candy Quilts, and they look downright delicious.
Corso's Cookies Color-a-Treat™ Happy Halloween Cookie Coloring Kit, 12 oz. , 6 Pre-Baked Cookies and 4 Edible Food Coloring Markers, Baked
Peanut and tree-nut-free, these six sugar cookies are pre-baked and ready to decorate. Nothing scary about that!
The kit even includes four Halloween colors to create the perfect spooky design.
Halloween Paper Mache Ghost Tabletop Decoration
We’re not sure why this little ghost looks so forlorn, but we hope tucking him into a nice and spooky boo basket will cheer him up!
9" Iridescent Glitter Ghost Tabletop Décor by Ashland
Or, maybe your boo basket needs a pink, iridescent glitter ghost instead. It has a slightly more cheerful vibe, while still maintaining that Halloween theme.
Joyly Halloween Collapsible Reusable Skull Boo Basket
What I love about this boo basket is that it can pull double duty — use it for trick-or-treating, fill it with treats and gifts for a boo basket, and then, when the fun is over, it collapses down for easy storage.
Pumpkins & Fall Leaves Window Clings
I picked up a few fall and Halloween-themed window clings at Walmart a few weeks ago because they were so cheap, and my kids have absolutely loved them. For under $2, it’s an easy way to make kids happy and get the house decorated. Win-win!
Bluey Glow-In-The-Dark Skeleton Costume Plush, 7.5" x 4.5"
If you have a Bluey fan in your boo basket recipient’s home, this glow-in-the-dark skeleton plush is a must. Or, you can also choose Bingo for the same sale price.
Personalized Halloween Hot Chocolate
$4.80
from
752 Favors/Etsy
Ideal for a boo basket or even classroom treats, you can personalize these Halloween hot chocolate packs by name and even label.
Next, choose from Halloween sprinkles or candy corn for the mix-in.
Haunted House Color and Activity Book, 64-Pages
You can’t beat a $1 boo basket pick, and this one is perfect with 64 pages of Halloween coloring fun!
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
