The most wonderful time of the year! Most would say it is Christmas, which I agree with as a Christmas girlie, but fall and autumn just bring out the best in people. Fall has arrived with pumpkin spice, apple crisp, cinnamon, fallen leaves, and that crisp autumn air that just makes you feel alive. With fall comes Halloween, the spookiest of the seasons. Halloween has so much to offer, creepy costumes, haunted houses, snuggling close with your partner for a scary horror movie, or even just admiring Halloween decorations. Among the most popular Halloween/fall festivities has been drum roll please… boo baskets! Here is the go-to guide, in no particular order, for what to include in a boo basket to make it extra special!
The Foundation
First off, the core of this creation. The basket! This can be anything you want it to be. A cute little tote bag, a woven basket, a wooden container, a container you already own, or even just a layout where your items will be placed. Some people decorate the basket with paint, stickers, or even photos.
Next is the essence of the boo-basket!
Blanket
An absolute must have for item number one is a cute blanket. Everyone gets a little chilly or in the mood for something soft and comforting. Blankets are highly recommended by my fellow friends and confidants. Much of the support for blankets as an item in a boo basket were focused on comfort and versatility. They can be used for decor, warmth, and who doesn’t need a blanket? Plus, they are nice to cuddle with on chilly nights by the fire or good covers when watching a scary movie! Gigantic, oversized hoodie blankets are also a great idea! Blankets aren’t just for fall or Halloween; they are for every season.
Slippers/Cozy socks
Item number two is a pair of cozy slippers or socks. When I was little, I would roll my eyes at receiving a pair of socks as a gift, as an adult I jump for joy. This can be any type of sock. Everyday wear, wool, fuzzy, aloe-infused, scented for relaxation, or even fun character socks! Slippers are also versatile. They make the basic slippers, fuzzy and not fuzzy, slipper sock slippers (a little thicker than a wool sock), or boot slippers. Boot slippers are great for those who love boots and want something a little cozier than just a pair of socks.
Candy/Food
Item number three is the food category! Who doesn’t enjoy a sweet treat, fresh produce, or a refreshing drink? The first thing that comes to mind for this selection is the three S’s! Sweet, Savory, and Sensational. You need something sweet. This can be chocolates, baked goods, candy, or even sugar-glazed fruits! You also need something savory – keep things balanced! This can be chips, crackers, trail mix, pizza, mixed nuts, or anything not sweet. This does not have to go in the basket, instead, it could be a homemade dinner next to the basket or a gift certificate for a local restaurant. You need something sensational! This is really just a fun way of classifying a beverage. They are so unique! This can be soda, hot cocoa packets, coffee, kombucha, Gatorade, etc. This is a pretty good rule to go buy, especially if you aren’t sure what the receiver of your basket may enjoy. Extra points for fun packaging!
Plush
Item number four is my favorite category, the plush. This is not necessary, but many people that I consulted loved the idea! This is similar to other categories where it is versatile. It can be a keychain plush, a stuffed animal, or even just a character pillow. There is an uprise in scented plushies that have little pockets of scent that are interchangeable as they run out. You could customize them with a fun scent! Customizable bears are also a big hit! Weighted plushies are wonderful for those who are in college and under a lot of stress, or even those who like the feeling of a cat on their lap or just are under stress. I personally own three and they are all amazing!
Bodycare/Skincare
Item number five is a must, body care/skincare. Start here if you have zero clue what to include in the basket or what the receiver may enjoy. This category has aisles and aisles worth of products. If you are feeling creative many lip balms and soaps can be created and personalized. Essential oils are great to add, and this can be great for those with sensitive skin. Those I asked gave me a plethora of items to include but at the top of the list were lip balms, lotions, their favorite hair care products, face masks, and even a bath soak. If you know the person their favorite products are great to add or even their favorite scents in different products that they can try. If you aren’t sure neutral fragrances such as vanilla, light florals, and seasonal smells are great! Not everyone is the same, but those are good go-to’s in my opinion.
Book/Activity
Item number six is a book or an activity. There are so many good books out there on so many different platforms. They are in the form of physical books, eBooks, or audiobooks. To fit the fall theme a paranormal or mystery book would be a good choice, however fantasy, romance, comedy, drama, and historical are all good choices! There are also autobiographies and informational books! Audiobooks could be given in the form of a gift card or even just a recommendation that you give them. It doesn’t have to be physical. If someone gave me a list of recommended podcasts, audiobooks, or songs I would be ecstatic. The same can be said for eBooks in the form of including it in the basket. If books don’t suit your receiver, then an activity is a good idea! This could be a fun craft, something that relates to a hobby that they enjoy, or even a physical game. This is really a hobby category! Something that they can use and enjoy!
Boo baskets aren’t just for partners or romantic relationships. They can be for anyone you would like- parents, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even adapted for furry friends! They can also be created with anything, not just store-bought items! So, grab a sweater, a warm beverage, a container, a spooky playlist, and create a book basket that gives them pumpkin to talk about!