BOO BASKETS: A New Way to Boo!

by Stefanie Powers

Most Halloween traditions date back centuries. But one is much more recent and appears to be gaining popularity. Halloween Boo Baskets started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to spread the Halloween spirit in neighborhoods at a time when trick or treating and parties weren’t possible. Thanks to social media, Boo Basket sightings have surged in recent years.

How it works: Secretly (can it be secret when so many people have front-door surveillance cameras!?) leave a basket of Halloween treats and seasonal gifts at the front door of a friend or neighbor. Ring the bell . . . and run! Once the giftee has been “Booed,” they are expected to pass it on by creating another Halloween Boo Basket and gift it to another neighbor, and so on.

Print out a “You’ve Been Booed” sign to tape to the front of the basket. This sign is also the instruction sheet, informing your gift recipient of how the “game” is played, and encouraging them to keep it going.

You’ll also print out a “We’ve Been Booed” sign for them to put at their front door or window. This notifies neighbors and friends that they’ve already received a basket. If the recipient decides to treat someone else, they’ll follow the instructions on the first sign to make copies of both sheets before continuing the game.

Creative ideas for the baskets and templates for the signs are posted on platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. The baskets can contain everything from candy and snacks to toys, Halloween decorations, and autumnal goodies. If you put together a Boo Basket for adults, consider more “mature” treats such as a nice bottle of wine, a good cheese, olives, nuts, etc.

It’s best to start a couple weeks before Halloween to ensure everybody has enough time to play. Happy Booing!