What to Put in a Boo Basket
Halloween is the perfect time for a little mystery and a lot of fun. Have you ever opened your door to find a surprise basket waiting for you — filled with treats, toys, and a friendly note that says “You’ve Been Booed!”?
If not, you’re in for a treat! This simple tradition is a sweet way to bring neighbors, friends, and families together all season long. Want to start your own? Let’s talk about what to put in a Boo Basket that everyone will love.
If you’ve ever opened your door to find a mysterious Halloween basket full of treats and surprises, you’ve probably been booed! This fun tradition has been popping up in neighborhoods everywhere, and it’s such a sweet (and slightly spooky) way to spread joy during the Halloween season.
Whether you’re new to the “You’ve Been Booed” tradition or just looking for new ideas this year, here’s a list of fun and creative things to include in your Boo Basket — for kids, families, and even adults!
👻 What Is a Boo Basket?
A Boo Basket (or Boo Bag) is a small gift basket filled with Halloween treats, goodies, or little surprises that you secretly leave on a neighbor’s doorstep. Inside, you’ll include a note or tag that says “You’ve Been Booed!” along with instructions to keep the fun going by booing someone else.
It’s a simple way to add a little mystery and excitement to the season — and kids love being part of the delivery team!
You can grab my free “You’ve Been Booed Gift Tags and Door Tags” printable to make your basket look extra festive and official.
👉 Download the Free Printable “You’ve Been Booed” pages here.
🧺 How to Make a Boo Basket
Making a Boo Basket is easy! Just grab a small container like a Halloween bucket, paper gift bag, or basket, fill it with a few fun surprises, and attach your printable tag.
Here are some ideas for what to include based on who you’re booing:
🎃 Boo Basket Ideas for Kids
Kids love surprises, and Halloween is the perfect time to give them a mix of sweet and playful goodies!
Treats and Snacks:
- Mini chocolate bars or snack-size candy
- Caramel popcorn or kettle corn bags
- Halloween-shaped pretzels or fruit snacks
- Hot cocoa packets or apple cider mix
Fun Toys and Trinkets:
- Glow sticks or bracelets
- Mini bubbles
- Plastic spider rings or vampire fangs
- Halloween-themed pencils and erasers
- Stickers, stamps, or temporary tattoos
- Slime or Play-Doh mini cans
- Small puzzles or activity pads
Creative Extras:
- Halloween coloring sheets or crayons
- A small Halloween storybook
- A DIY craft kit or sticker scene
🕸️ Boo Basket Ideas for Families
Want to surprise a whole family? Make it cozy and shareable!
Snack Ideas:
- Microwave popcorn for a movie night
- Chocolate chip cookies or pumpkin muffins
- A small bag of caramel corn or trail mix
- Mini marshmallows and cocoa mix
Fun Add-Ons:
- A family Halloween movie DVD or streaming gift card
- Matching Halloween socks or glow bracelets
- Pumpkin-scented candle or fall-scented wax melts
- Cute kitchen towel or fall decor piece
- Family board game or puzzle
Bonus Tip:
You can even make it themed! Try a “Movie Night Boo Basket” or a “Pumpkin Spice Boo Basket.”
🧡 Boo Basket Ideas for Adults
Boo Baskets aren’t just for kids! Surprise a friend, coworker, or neighbor with something cozy and thoughtful.
For a Cozy Night In:
- Pumpkin spice tea or coffee pods
- Mini candle or wax melt sampler
- A cute mug
- Chocolate-covered pretzels or truffles
For a Fall-Themed Treat:
- Small pumpkin or gourd
- Autumn-scented hand lotion
- Cozy socks
- A fall-scented car freshener
For a Little Fun:
- Mini bottle of sparkling cider
- Bookmarks or a fall-themed notepad
🧺 Boo Basket Containers
Don’t overthink the container — half the fun is how creative you can be!
- Mini Halloween buckets
- Small wicker baskets
- Paper gift bags with tissue paper
- Mason jars filled with candy
- Fabric gift bags or reusable totes
Tie on your “You’ve Been Booed” Gift Tag with twine or ribbon, and you’re ready for delivery!
✨ A Few Helpful Supplies
Here are a few handy (and fun!) things that make Boo Basket prep even easier:
- Mini Halloween Treat Bags 🎃 – Perfect size for candy, stickers, or small trinkets.
- Glow Sticks or Glow Bracelets ✨ – Add a little nighttime magic.
- Halloween Stickers or Mad Libs 🕸️– Fun, sugar-free options for kids.
- Pumpkin Spice Tea Sampler 🍂 – A cozy addition for grown-up Boo Baskets.
Fill your basket with treats and little surprises, then sneak it onto someone’s porch when they’re not looking. Your kids will love being part of the secret delivery team!
🎃 Keep the Fun Going
Once your basket is ready, wait until dusk (or later!) to make your delivery. Sneak up, place it on the porch, ring the doorbell, and run! Then watch the fun spread through your neighborhood.
The best part? Watching your own “We’ve Been Booed” tag appear on your door a few days later.
💌 Download the Free Printable
Ready to start your own Boo Basket tradition? Download my free “You’ve Been Booed” Gift Tags and Door Tags printable to get started.
