The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (2024)

Boo baskets. Just what exactly are they and why is everyone talking about them?

Let's just say boo baskets are a fun spin on the term of endearment 'boo' and your standard gift hamper, but instead, have been given a seasonal makeover. That's right, they're gift baskets inspired by the spooky and autumnal season, and perhaps we can convince you to add them to your roster of Halloween decorating ideas.

Don't get it twisted. Boo baskets aren't reserved just for romantic partners, but we can only imagine that in no time at all you'll have your kids harping about them too. So, it'll pay to be clued up on this new trend while it's early.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (1)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

What is a boo basket?

Think your typical gift basket, but themed accordingly for the season – so it's everything spooky and cosy wrapped up in an endearing basket of treats.

We first came across the concept of boo baskets when our Editor in Chief, Heather Young, was met with a 'boo basket' request from her twins who most definitely saw these goodie bags taking social media by storm.

In fact, the #boobasket hashtag on TikTok has over a collective 300 million views, filled with videos of people surprising their partners, family members, and loved ones with these spooktacular gift baskets.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (2)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

'I first heard about boo baskets from my 14-year-old twins, who want to put one together to give to their cousin,' starts Ideal Home's Heather. 'Not having a clue what they were talking about, I went straight to TikTok. I think it's a really sweet idea, and we're going to put one together that's a mix of homemade and bought goodies.'

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Commenting further on boo baskets, Etsy's trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson says, 'I'm loving the 'Boo Basket' trend we're seeing this season.'

Dayna Isom Johnson

Dayna Isom Johnson is the trend expert for Etsy and a judge on the NBC primetime series ‘Making It’. As part of her role at Etsy, Dayna is responsible for keeping her finger on the pulse of the hottest trends on the market. She is in constant pursuit of new and unique finds on Etsy in an effort to unearth the latest and greatest designs, up-and-coming Etsy shops, and sellers with exciting stories.

'It's such a fun way to treat a loved one and package all the autumn-themed goodies for the spookiest night of the year.'

Dayna continues, 'These are a great way to treat yourself, friends, partners, and anyone in between! They are so much fun to put together and Etsy sellers have jumped on the trend to make it as easy as possible to create your very own.'

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (4)

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

What to put in a boo basket

If you're wondering what to put in a boo basket, we've got the perfect formula for crafting the perfect one, as advised by Dayna.

1. Set the theme

'This of course will be dependent on the recipient,' starts Dayna.

'Decide whether they are a Halloween lover and would love all things spooky or whether they are more of an Autumn lover and would appreciate a more pared-back Autumn self-care theme.'

You can almost consider it an early wellness Christmas gift.

2. Bag the basket

From pumpkin-shaped bags, vintage wicker baskets, to personalised crates, the options are endless for whatever you want to use to bag your goodies in.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (5)

Create your own personalised gift for friends and family with this fantastic fill your own hamper. A great way to add a homemade touch to your gifts, simply fill the hamper basket with the recipients favourite things.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (6)

Pumpkin Basket

This charming pumpkin basket is adorned with an adorable embroidery pattern that kids will adore. Fill it with your kids' favourite treats, and reuse it for trick or treating.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (7)

Personalised Trick or Treat Baskets

Customise these pumpkin-shaped bags with your loved one's name. This bag is perfect for gifting spooky and equally cosy autumnal goodies.

3. Bring the 'boo'

'The best part is filling the basket with festive treats the recipient will use and love throughout the season. Think cosy blankets to snuggle under whilst watching scary movies, a thoughtfully chosen mug for the pumpkin-spiced drink of the season, autumnal scented candles, and fluffy socks.'

Dayna continues, 'You can continue the personalise the basket with cute, wooden tags which can be used year after year. Ultimately, you want to make something so that you or whoever you decide to gift can have a cosy night in and relax with a fun treat.'

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (8)

Habitat x Designs in Mind Medium Boxed Candle - Happy Place

F notes of apple are paired with spicy cardamom makes for the ideal pairing for autumn. The simple clear glass is decorated with a playful botanical illustration with 28 hours of burning time.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (9)

Pumpkin-Shaped Mug

Whether you're enjoying a pumpkin latte or a spiced chai, this mug lends autumnal charm to your day.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (10)

2pk Recycled Velvet Cosy Socks

These velvet faux fur slipper socks will help keep your feet cosy after a long day. Ankle-high designs with comfy added stretch. Both have extra fluffy cuffs and one features sparkle detailing.

FAQs

What goes in a boo basket?

Whatever you want. The whole point of the boo basket is to fill it with your loved one's favourite things for the season, whether it be cosy throws, their favourite treats, a new set of PJs, and self-care treats.

The choice is yours, but most importantly, just have fun with it.

And just like that, you've got yourself the ultimate boo basket that your loved ones will certainly thank you for.

The boo basket trend is sweeping social media – what it is and how to make one if your kids keep asking for one (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for the boo basket? ›

You can leave it anonymously or add your name! You can leave it anytime this month — not just on Halloween. Really, there are no rules. A Boo Basket is simply just an act of kindness meant to bring a smile to someone's face.

How to make a boo basket? ›

Here's how to create your own Boo Baskets full of gifts this month:
  1. Find a festive basket, bucket, or bag to fill with treats.
  2. Print out a “You've Been Boo'd” sign to tape to the front of the basket. ...
  3. Fill the basket with an assortment of Halloween treats for your recipients.

How to send a boo basket? ›

If you're not familiar with this idea, it's kind of like a Secret Santa. You fill up a box or basket with goodies, leave it at your neighbor's door, and then put a sign on it that says, “You've been BOO'ed!” Kind of silly and kind of sweet too, don't you think?

What are the rules of being booed? ›

What does that mean, and what happens next? A Halloween BOO is a gift or treat left anonymously by a friend, family member, or neighbor at your front door. Once you've been BOO'd, hang the “We've been BOOd!” sign on your front door to let everyone know you've already received your Halloween surprise.

What's all in a boo basket? ›

But just in case you haven't, a boo basket is, well, a basket full of seasonal goodies (though they can also house items like beauty products and books that aren't necessarily seasonal). This can include anything from blankets and candles to candy, cozy socks, plushies, and way more.

When should you do Boo baskets? ›

When Do You Give a Boo Basket? Some mamas choose to hang on to their baskets until Halloween to make the day extra special. Other mamas choose to give Boo Baskets on October 1 so their littles can enjoy the fall treats all month long as the holiday excitement builds.

What does the boo basket have? ›

As its name may suggest, boo baskets are ideally packed with Halloween and autumnal-themed goodies, so for a home lover it's perfect if filled with cosy soft furnishings and accessories for seasonal decorating, from plush pumpkins to a cosy blanket.

What is the Thanksgiving version of a boo basket? ›

The idea is similar to Boo Baskets. You leave a bag of goodies on the front porch of a family in your neighborhood and then, hopefully, they do the same to another house and so on. #youbeenbooed #thankful #thanksgivinggifts #thanksgivinggiftideas #thankaneighbor #giftsforneighbors #todayineeda…

When did Boo baskets come out? ›

For those unfamiliar, the Boo Bucket was originally released in 1986 by the chain and was sold sporadically through 2016.

What is a boo bag? ›

A boo is an anonymous goodie bag that you leave on someone's front doorstep. It could be a neighbor, a friend, someone from church or anyone else you want to surprise with something sweet. But the point is to be discreet and encourage folks to pass on the “boo” to a new person.

What's in a BRR basket? ›

The gist is pretty simple: a content creator assembles and decorates a themed basket of goodies — think fleece blankets, bags of snacks and candy, and self-care or beauty products, among others — and gifts it to a lucky recipient, usually as a festive, holiday surprise.

How do you make a you've been booed basket? ›

It's simple! You choose two neighbors, leave a basket of Halloween goodies on their doorstep, ring the doorbell and RUN! Inside the baskets are treats, little Halloween gifts and You've Been Booed instructions for the neighbors to keep the "boo" going.

How to play You've been booed? ›

What is Booing?
  1. Pick out Halloween-themed items like candy, toys, stickers, or craft kits.
  2. Put the items in a Halloween themed bag or container.
  3. Print out a "You've Been Booed" sign/directions and attach it to the bag.
  4. Deliver the treats to your neighbor's doorstep, ring the bell, and run away.
Oct 9, 2023

How do you put gifts in a basket? ›

We recommend starting by placing the larger and heavier gift items in the back. Place shorter and smaller items in front, arranging them in a way that all gifts are visible. Use tissue paper or shred to help boost height for items that may not be quite as visible.

How does the boo game work? ›

Families sneak special treats onto neighbors' or friends' porches after dark with a note attached saying "You've Been Booed". When a family gets "booed", they have two days to "boo" two other families, spreading the fun.

Does booing have to be anonymous? ›

The game continues as recipients follow instructions and pay it forward. The kids delight in this perfectly acceptable and totally awesome version of doorbell ditching, should you choose to “ring and run” (optional). Even if you don't ring the bell, it should absolutely be done anonymously.

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