If you’ve been around a while, you already know I love any excuse to make the everyday a little more fun, and Halloween is basically the perfect excuse. We’re talking my favorite fall gift… the boo basket! Whether you’re making one for a friend, your kids, a teacher, a neighbor, or just want to put together a little something for yourself, they’re such a fun way to celebrate the season without spending a ton.
The best part is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. You can go all out with a big cozy basket filled with fall favorites, or keep it simple with a few cute finds. I rounded up ideas for both, plus some of my favorite things to add to kids’ boo baskets!
Start With Your Basket
First things first, you need something to actually put everything in! I love using a basket, but you can also use a cute bin, a tote, a bucket, or even a mug. For a mini boo basket, a mug is such a cute alternative and makes the perfect little “basket” for a few smaller goodies.
For a more elevated look, I’d stick with something neutral and let the contents bring in all of the Halloween colors. If you’re making one for a kid, though, this is where you can have a little more fun with the orange, purple, ghosts, pumpkins, etc.
The Ultimate Cozy Boo Basket
hydrating face spray | lip gloss | cozy robe | pumpkin tumbler | lip crayon | oven mitts | cozy socks | eye patches | hand sanitizer | makeup eraser wipes
If you really want to go for it, I love the idea of making a big, cozy boo basket that feels like an entire night in a basket. Something soft, something cozy, something to sip, something sweet, something to watch or read, and a few little treats just for fun.
For this kind of basket, I’d add things like:
A cozy blanket
Cute fall pajamas or a robe
A seasonal mug or tumbler
Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea
A favorite fall candle
Cozy socks or slippers
A book
A beauty or self-care treat
Halloween candy
A cute seasonal accessory
A little game or activity
Something personal that you know they’ll love
The key here is mixing practical things with a few “just because it’s cute” things!
Keeping It Mini
pumpkin mug | claw clip | gingham socks | fall wooden spoons | maple leaf tags | apple cider tea | lip gloss | lip crayon | eye patches
You definitely don’t need to spend a ton to make a boo basket feel special. A mini boo basket is one of my favorite options if you’re making several of them or just want to give someone a little Halloween surprise. I like the idea of choosing 3–5 smaller items and putting them in a small basket, bucket, or mug.
Some easy things to add:
Lip balm or lip gloss
Cozy socks
A mini candle
Favorite candy
Face masks
Hair accessories
A seasonal drink mix
Small beauty products
A little gift card
This is also a great option for neighbors, coworkers, teachers, girlfriends, or anyone you want to surprise with a little something!
Don’t Forget the Kids
spooky season sweatshirt | bracelet set | slime kit | book | sticker book | slippers | pumpkin pop toy | white basket
dinosaur sweatshirt | slippers | bat pop toy | socks | halloween leggos | sticker book | ghost pop toy | magna tiles | black basket
Obviously, we can’t talk about boo baskets without talking about the kids! This is where I think you can have so much fun because there are endless cute Halloween finds for them. I’d build a kids’ boo basket around a few different categories so it feels like more than just a basket full of candy.
Something to wear:
A Halloween sweatshirt, pajamas, Halloween slippers, or a cute pair of socks.
Something to do:
Sticker books, coloring books, crafts, puzzles, activity books, or a little Halloween game.
Something to play with:
A Halloween-themed pop-it, small toy, stuffed animal, slime, or another little surprise.
Something to read:
A fun Halloween book is always a good addition, especially if you’re trying to make the basket feel a little more thoughtful.
Something sweet:
Of course, a few favorite Halloween treats are a must. You can add candy, cookies, hot chocolate, or whatever their current favorite happens to be.
And you really don’t have to fill the entire basket. A few things they’ll genuinely get excited about is better than a basket overflowing with random stuff!
Use Seasonal Packaging
The little details are what really make a boo basket feel like a gift. Tie everything together with a ribbon, add a cute Halloween tag, or tuck in a handwritten note. I also love using seasonal packaging when I’m making several smaller baskets. A little gingham ribbon, a leaf-shaped tag, or even a simple orange bow can make inexpensive finds feel so much more special!
And there you have it, the easiest little Halloween tradition to start this year! Whether you go big and cozy or keep it simple with a few thoughtful finds, a boo basket is such a fun way to make someone’s fall a little sweeter.
xo, J
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