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Want to Boo Your Neighbors? Printable + 9 Boo Basket Ideas Inside

🎃 Everything you need to start the Halloween “You’ve Been Boo’d” tradition—free sign included!

By Andrea Kistler and Macaroni KID October 8, 2024

Looking for a fun Halloween tradition the whole neighborhood will love? Try Boo Baskets! 

Booing friends and neighbors is an easy (and budget-friendly) way to spread Halloween cheer before October 31. The idea is simple: Surprise someone with a festive basket of treats, leave it on their doorstep, and encourage them to keep the fun going.


👉 Download your FREE “You’ve Been Boo’d” printable and start this Halloween tradition!

Click to download the free 'You’ve Been Boo’d' printable

👻 Get the FREE “You’ve Been Boo’d” printable


What Is a Boo Basket?

A Boo Basket (sometimes called a You’ve Been Boo’d Basket) is a small Halloween-themed gift left anonymously for a friend or neighbor. You drop it off on their doorstep — usually with a little sign that says “You’ve Been Boo’d” — and let them discover the surprise.

The best part? It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. A couple of thoughtful items are all it takes to put a smile on someone’s face. The hope is that they’ll “boo” someone else, creating a chain of Halloween kindness across your street, school, or community.

9 Creative Boo Basket Ideas for All Ages

Not sure what to put in a Boo Basket? Here are nine fun ideas to spark inspiration. We’ve spaced out photos to keep the page fast and easy to read.

1. Lil’ Monster Boo Basket (for kids)

Kids adore Boo Baskets! Fill with Halloween-themed toys, glow sticks, stickers, or a small craft kit. Add puzzles, balloons, or coloring pages for extra fun.



Julie Dikken | Macaroni KID

2. Baby Boo Basket (for new parents)

Surprise new parents with baby board books, teething toys, wipes, or soft rattles. Sweet, practical, and thoughtful.

3. Teal Boo Basket (allergy-friendly)

Support the Teal Pumpkin Project by making a non-food Boo Basket. Glow sticks, fidgets, bubbles, or mini games are perfect alternatives to candy.



Photo courtesy of Food Allergy Research & Education

4. Baking Boo Basket

Include pre-measured dry ingredients for cookies or cupcakes, plus sprinkles, frosting, or spooky cupcake liners. Perfect for a family baking night.

5. “Boo’ze” Basket (for adults) 🍷

Boo Baskets aren’t just for kids! Create an adult version with a bottle of wine, seasonal beer, or fun cocktail mixers.


Macaroni KID

6. “Boo’k” Basket (for book lovers)

Tuck in a couple of spooky books for kids or cozy autumn reads for adults.

7. Pumpkin Carving Boo Basket 🎃

Gift a pumpkin, carving kit, and stencil templates for a ready-made Halloween activity.

8. Pampering Boo Basket (self-care)

Include bath bombs, face masks, lotion, or candles for a relaxing Halloween treat.


Macaroni KID

9. Photo Boo Basket (for teens or friends)

Print favorite photos and include a mini scrapbook, washi tape, or fun frames. Teens, in particular, love this thoughtful and creative twist.


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Start Boo’ing Today and Spread Halloween Cheer!

Boo Baskets are a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and make your community feel connected.

📥 Don’t forget to download your FREE “You’ve Been Boo’d” printable to complete your basket and encourage others to join in the fun.

This Halloween, skip the tricks and give someone a surprise treat they’ll never forget. 👻