Halloween is all about trick or treating, however, this year we think your loved ones deserve a big treat. Or should we say a boo treat?
Boo Baskets, otherwise known as spooky baskets, have become popular over the last few years thanks to Tik Tok and Instagram.
Viral videos of partners sharing their Boo Baskets, or parents creating them for their kids, are a hit and very sweet to watch. Who doesn't love giving gifts?
For those of you wanting to join in on this not-so-scary tradition, we’ve created a guide all about these spooky baskets. We’re going to explain exactly what Boo Baskets are, why they’re so fun and how you can make one.
Grab your pumpkin spice latte and get ready to create the cutest Halloween gift!
Your complete guide to creating a Boo Basket
What is a Boo Basket?
Boo Baskets, or spooky baskets, are gift baskets full of treats given to loved ones at Halloween. They’re often full of Halloween-themed goodies – the kind that makes you go ‘ahh’ rather than ‘ooo’.
They’re a way of showing your partner or kids how much you love and appreciate them. Some people choose to give their Boo Baskets in the lead-up to Halloween, some on All Hallows’ Eve itself, the choice is yours.
Think Christmas gift hamper just Halloween style! Swap the cookie-flavoured candle for a pumpkin-spiced one. Instead of candy canes use Halloween sweets. Include an autumnal book as opposed to a festive one.
We’re going to go through many more Boo Basket ideas later in this article so don’t worry. First, let's go through how to make a Boo Basket.
How to make a Boo Basket
Step one is finding your Boo Basket vessel. There’s a few ways of doing this. You can either buy a basket/hamper or you can make your own!
3 Boo Basket containers to buy
1. Personalised Boo Basket
Baskets are not only functional but they’re cute too! Any kind of rattan or plastic basket would work but we especially love this personalised one from Hoolaroo store. It gives your Boo Basket a special customised touch.
SQUIRREL_13100674
2. Pumpkin Boo Basket
Round or square storage containers also make great Boo Baskets. They can be used over and over again and have a more luxe feel than a gift bag.
This pumpkin-themed rope basket is adorable and will make lovely Halloween decor after the Boo Basket is given.
Tip: Make sure you check the dimensions of your Boo Basket if you’re ordering online. Some are very small so they will not fit bigger gifts inside. You may need to choose a container which is deeper and wider.
SQUIRREL_13100671
3. Halloween-themed tote bag
Tote bags are another wonderful way of giving a Boo Basket that can be used every day. Inspired by Practical Magic, this tote bag can be filled with mysterious gifts and given to a loved one, family member or best friend.
SQUIRREL_13100675
3 Boo Basket containers to make
1. Knit your own Boo Basket
Put your knitting skills to the test with Sarah Muray’s DIY trick or treat bag tutorial. This sweet little bag will look lovely brimming with Boo Basket goodies, just remember to increase the stitch count to make the bag wider.
2. Sew a spooky basket
How fun is this bat basket? Kirsty Hartley’s how to make a trick or treat bag includes step-by-step instructions and is easy to follow. This bat would make an ideal Boo Basket for kids or adults.
Check out our collection of the 3. Crochet a pumpkin Boo Basket
Louise Sheward’s free crochet pumpkin pattern is the perfect Boo Basket vessel. Follow her tutorial and hand-make this year’s spooky basket.
Now you have your Boo Basket (handmade or bought) it’s time to fill it up. This is the fun part!
What to put in a Boo Basket?
You can put anything you want in your Boo Basket, it all depends on your loved ones' likes and wants. Think about their favourite scents, sweets, films and hobbies.
Boo Baskets aren’t always Halloween-specific either, you can make yours more fall themed or go for a different theme altogether.
To get you started, we’ve collected 13 items we think would make fun additions to your Boo Basket.
13 products to put inside your Boo Basket
1. Spooky treats and delicious delights
Halloween is all about tasty snacks therefore they should be a staple in every Boo Basket. Pick up your loved one's favourite chocolates and candies or go for some Halloween-themed ones.
These super cute mini chocolate pumpkins are the perfect addition to any Boo Basket. Filled with chocolate and hazelnut, these tiny pumpkins pair deliciously with hot chocolate.
2. Fall scented candles
Set the mood with a fall scent! Calming yet seasonal, candles make a relaxing Boo Basket addition. We love the look of this Pumpkin Spice candle by Lovat Press.
If your loved one isn’t into candles there’s plenty of other options to get their home smelling good.
Why not learn how to make your own wax melts? Or for a more decorative approach learn how to paint candles with wax.
3. A scary story or ghoulish game
A form of spooky entertainment always fits nicely into a Boo Basket. Horror, magical realism or even fantasy are all book genres you could include.
For books, there are plenty of creepy classic novels such as Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Dracula. Alternatively, opt for more modern tales by Stephen King, Grady Hendrix or Neil Gaiman.
If your recipient isn't a big reader, opt for a game instead. This could be a video game, board game or card game like we’ve chosen here.
4. Curl up under a blanket
Get ready for all the horror movie nights by including a Halloween-themed blanket in your Boo Basket. We love this mushroom blanket for cosying up under on a fall night.
Paired with the chocolate pumpkins from earlier your loved one is in for a terrifyingly terrific evening!
5. Buy a new Halloween pal
Give your Boo Basket recipient their very own familiar this October. Bats, black cats, frogs… there’s plenty of cute Halloween plushies on the market. How sweet is this squishy little spider?
6. Treat your Boo to some pamper items
Everyone deserves to relax and on these chilly fall evenings, we need it more than ever. Add soothing products into your basket like moisturisers, face masks and body scrubs.
You can even DIY some of these products. Learn how to make lip balm and how to make lavender oil here on Gathered.
7. Jewellery that goes bump in the night!
For those of you creating a Boo Basket for your girlfriend, Halloween jewellery is the way to go.
Not on the High Street sells many incredible handmade pieces all by independent designers.
We just know your Halloween-obsessed girlfriend will love these mini ghost earrings.
8. DIY decorations
Handmade gifts are always the most appreciated and they show you’ve put care into creating your Boo Basket.
Learn how to make macrame ghosts here on Gathered then tie them to your spooky basket for some on-theme decoration.
Your recipient can add these cuties to their Halloween windows or tie them to their keys.
9. Creepy craft kits
Craft kits are a brilliant way of celebrating the Halloween festivities together, whether that's with a partner, kids or friends.
Your Boo Basket could include mini pumpkin painting kits, scary colouring in books or this amazing Day of the Dead biscuit decorating kit.
10. Fun footwear
You simply can’t go wrong with a pair of comfy slippers or socks. There’s plenty of Halloween-themed socks available online but we think these pumpkin slippers are perfect for your Boo Basket.
11. A witch’s spell book
Notebooks are a witch's and wizard's best friend – where else will they store all their spells and dark deeds?
A beautiful notebook makes a wonderful Boo Basket item and will be useful for recipients of all ages.
Alongside this ethereal-looking blue notebook, Amazon sells Halloween-themed pens, stickers and other journaling items.
12. Make your Boo Basket glow with lights
Illuminate the dark October sky with glowing lights thanks to these freaky eyeballs! Fairy lights will look fabulous wrapped around your Boo Basket’s handle or placed inside as decoration.
If these eyeballs are a bit too scary for you (or smaller Boo Basket recipients), don’t worry. Amazon also sells pumpkin, ghost and skeleton versions.
13. Decorate yourself for Halloween!
Finally, we’ve got a bit of a fun Boo Basket item. Make your loved one glow with Halloween joy thanks to these glitter tattoos.
Easy to transfer and apply, these terrifying tattoos will make your loved one look very cool. We just know kids would adore them too.
9 spooky Boo Basket ideas
We’ve rounded up nine Boo Basket ideas to help you assemble your new gift. Use these as inspiration and, coupled with the products above, you will have the spookiest basket in town.
3 Boo Basket ideas for girlfriends
1. Personalised Boo Baskets
We love how personalised this Boo Basket is to their partner. They’ve featured a lot of the items we’ve mentioned above but made them specific to their partner such as featuring their favourite vinyl.
- Boo Basket inspiration by MrJuicePump
2. Pumpkin-themed Boo Baskets
@nikkkoo_10 Boo Basket For My Girl 🎃 #fyp #fallseason #october #boobasket #boobasketideas #halloween #target #targetfinds #pumpkin #girlfriend ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song - PeriTune
This Boo Basket by Nikko is a pumpkin delight! The blanket, cushion, and even the cookies are all on theme.
Take inspiration from Nikko’s Boo Basket and create one based on a theme your girlfriend loves. That could be the colour pink, Dark Academia, Hello Kitty… there’s endless themes to choose from.
- Boo Basket inspiration by Nikko
3. Makeup-themed Boo Baskets
This Boo Basket is perfect for girlfriends who love makeup. Not only is Halloween a time of year they can be creative with their looks but there’s also a lot of Halloween-themed makeup on sale.
Halloween palettes, dark shades of lipstick and even movie-themed collections (for example, the Hocus Pocus range) would make thoughtful Boo Basket items.
- Boo Basket inspiration by Noemi
3 Boo Basket ideas for kids
1. Toy-filled Boo Baskets
This type of Boo Basket is much healthier than the traditional sweet-filled ones, making it a great option for parents.
Fill your kid’s Boo Basket with Halloween-themed toys and activities to keep them entertained throughout October. We especially love the black cat Lego kit!
- Boo Basket for kids by Fire Flies and Mudpies
2. Twin Boo Baskets
If you have more than one kid, Three Daughters Home shows you how to make cute matching Boo Baskets.
We love that they’re the same but slightly different, making each child feel unique. We also love the inclusion of cookie cutters and fun cups!
- Boo Baskets for children by Three Daughters Home
3. Illustrated children’s Boo Baskets
We love the beautiful illustrations featured in this Boo Basket. It’s simple, personalised and would make a wonderful gift for kids.
There’s a few spooky baskets to choose from which vary in style but all boxes include stickers, temporary tattoos and lollipops. Plus a personalised lid!
3 Boo Basket ideas for wives
1. Home decor Boo Baskets
Treat your wife to a home decor-themed Boo Basket this year. Fill your basket with Halloween decorations or go for more general fall decor pieces.
Blankets, tea towels, faux flowers, jars and prints are all potential spooky basket items. She’ll love using all the pieces inside to give the house a new look.
- Boo Basket inspiration by House Beautiful
2. Coffee fuelled Boo Baskets
Your wife has been working hard all October so she might need a little pick-me-up! Create a coffee-filled Boo Basket, complete with a Halloween mug and fun fairy lights.
Pick up her favourite coffee beans, syrups and toppings. You could also add a voucher for her favourite coffee shop.
- Boo Basket inspiration by Alexandria
3. Boozy Boo Baskets
If your wife loves a tipple then make her one of these booze Boo Baskets! Filled with her favourite beverages and mixers, this spooky basket is bound to give her a buzz for Halloween.
Add some hangover cures inside, such as paracetamol and vitamin C for a cheeky twist.
- Boo Basket inspiration by Meghan Mosakowski
Send spooky love Halloween with Boo Baskets
Boo Baskets may be a trend but we think it’s here to stay. Your loved ones deserve to be treated all year round and Halloween is the perfect time to show them you care.
Whether you make a scary Boo Basket or a more homely one, your creation will be appreciated and remembered for years to come.
Discover more Halloween DIYs on Gathered
Still on the hunt for the perfect costume? Look no further! Browse our collection of DIY Halloween costumes, there’s over 200 ideas to explore.
