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If you're wanting some cute boo basket ideas (and adorable boo-ing printables, too), you've come to the right place. This whole "boo-ing" thing is one of my absolute favorite concepts, ever, and is a really fun Halloween tradition. I mean, who wouldn't want a basket full of goodies left by some sweet friends?
Are you into the whole boo-ing craze? We love it at our house, it's such a fun way to spread Halloween cheer. But, this year, I thought it would be super fun to boo some of my own friends...with thoughtful grown-up gifties and treats. The black and orange bucket shown in this post has a fun coffee theme...my imagination was really brewing (pun intended) over all things coffee, fall, and Halloween! Grab your free prints below to create a BOO basket of your own. There are prints for "I've Been Boo-ed" and "We've Been Boo-ed" in case you're boo-ing more than one person at a time. And lots of ideas for a boo basket, as well.
What is Boo-ing?
The concept is purely fun and friendly. The idea is to create a gift for someone and leave it for them anonymously. The instructions included let them know that they, too, must do the same for someone else...and keep the fun going (or, boo-it-forward, if you will).
This is a game played by grown-ups and kids alike. I remember coming home when my kids were still in preschool to find a basket left on our doorstep with all of their favorites...and a set of instructions to pass the fun along. It was left by some sweet family friends and had a little something for every member of the family tucked in. We had a blast creating another basket for another family. And honestly, ever since then, just try to stop us from boo-ing!
There are so many directions to head when putting together a Halloween boo basket. Keep it super simple and just put in a few themed treats or fall items. Or, go more elaborate and really play it up to your recipient's interests. I've got several specific ideas for your boo-ing festivities below.
The basket I'm sharing today was from grown up to grown up--all treats, not a single trick! I left this on my friend Alice's desk one night after she left work (I happened to be married to her boss, so I had fairly easy access to her office). Since I know Alice loves coffee, I went with a themed basket and filled it with all of her coffee favorites for the season. Below are a few of my favorite coffee ideas if you decide to go that route for your boo basket (other thematic ideas are listed below).
Coffee-Lover's Boo Basket
- K-Cups (I went with Pumpkin Spice K-Cups for the fall)
- coffee sampler
- coffee mug
- biscotti
- coffee-themed crazy socks
- chocolate-covered spoons
- chocolate-covered espresso beans (we love these from Trader Joe's, also available on Amazon)
- coffee syrups
Other Themed Boo Basket
- movie night basket
- include a dvd (think Halloween movies) or movie tickets, popcorn, snacks, and sodas
- pampering basket
- include bath salts, nail polishes, nail files, loofah, lotions, candles (fall ones!), individual face mask packets, etc.
- snack basket
- include all of the recipient's favorite snacks...with a fun fall twist, if possible (have you tried the Halloween cookies from Panera? They'd be PERFECT for this!)
Non-Themed Boo Basket
Not all baskets have to fit a certain theme. Some of my favorites are family baskets with a little something for everyone tucked inside (give me all the stickers and theme socks!). Dollar Tree is a great place to grab lots of goodies and stay in budget. Below are a few ideas for non-themed baskets.
- glow sticks
- Halloween treats
- cute paper straws in fall colors
- Halloween socks
- Halloween pencils/erasers
- slap bracelets
- plastic vampire teeth
- Halloween stickers
- Halloween books for kids
- gift cards
- activity books and crayons
- sticking some of these Oreo Witch Feet from Your Home-Based Mom into your basket would be adorable, too!
Important Instructions
If you decide to put together a boo basket, be sure to include an actual set of instructions for your recipient, too. They can copy these and use them for the friend(s) they're boo-ing.
- I like to attach twine to the door tag ahead of time...especially for someone who will be displaying this in an office setting (not everyone may have something to hang their tag on their door).
- The tag lets others know they've already been boo-ed...that way everyone has a chance to get boo-ed and it's easy to see who has already been hit.
- This works great in a neighborhood setting, office area, and so many more places.
Above is my basket sitting on its recipient's desk waiting for her to find it. Hilariously, she knew right away it was me and texted me pretty fast the next day (I love you, Alice!). Then she texted me a day or so later to tell me how much fun she was having shopping for the basket she was making. I can't decide if it's more fun to give or receive these baskets...they're just a blast all around and can bring a smile to anyone's face.
Download these Boo Basket Printables
Again, these are the instructions (for single recipients or groups/families). Remember to print two copies per basket that you create...one that you will cut and put on display, the other is for them to use as they boo-it-forward.
- Download the Boo-Ing Printable.
- If the above link doesn't work for you, try this alternate (Dropbox) one, instead.
- Or, if you're a Google Drive user, you can also find this printable here.
Now, let's get out there and spread some Halloween cheer!
More Boo Basket Ideas
Be sure to stop by Good Housekeeping to see these 30 of the best Boo Basket Ideas (including mine featured today). They're got loads of great inspiration.
Looking for More Halloween Prints?
- These free printable Halloween Bookmarks are fantastic to tuck into a book-lover's boo basket. They're so simple, but perfect for the season.
- My free printable BOO banner would be perfect to tuck into a boo basket. Just cut out each pennant, include a length of twine and mini clothespins and your recipient will have their own piece of decor at the ready.
- These free printable candy corn gift tags are always a big reader favorite this time of the year. They're perfect for smaller gifts or even to attach to baskets.
- Or, be sure to check out my Free Halloween Gift Tags Printable over on my other blog, Print Pretty Cards. The design has a simple, farmhouse feel to it.
- Want to send a BOO across the miles? Download my free printable Halloween Cards from my new site, Print Pretty Cards.
- These cute Build-A-Jack-O-Lantern free printables from Sunny Day Family are such a great activity for the littles this time of the year.
- This free printable Halloween I Spy from Paper Trail Designs is another great activity print for the kids.
