Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024These 'Boo Basket' Ideas Are Truly Bewitching
Your boo deserves a sweet treat.
Photo: Getty and Stocksy,Graphic: Shelby Warwood
Just because you've aged out of trick-or-treating, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. This Halloween, start a new tradition. Give your partner a "boo basket," a festive gift bag filled with fall goodies. We've gathered the best boo basket ideas, like pumpkin scented candles, cozy socks and their favorite cold-weather beverages, so your partner feels the love this spooky season. Bonus: You can use many of the items for a romantic Halloween date night. Beware: Now that you've gifted one boo basket, your partner is going to want this spooky surprise every single year. Consider this tradition spellbound.
In this article:
What Is a Boo Basket?
A boo basket is a Halloween gift set filled with seasonal items, like food, craft kits, games, cozy accessories and decor. While anyone can give and receive a boo basket, they are a popular gift for partners who want to do something special for their boo without the fanfare of costume and trick-or-treating.
The size of the basket and the price of the contents is entirely up to you. All we recommend is that what you put in a boo basket is tailored to the recipient. For instance, a boo basket for your girlfriend or wife might include deep red nail polish or a new terracotta lipstick to help her dress up for the season, while a boo basket for your boyfriend or husband who loves being scared could feature a thriller novel or a movie theatre gift card for the latest slasher film.
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How Do You Make a Boo Basket?
These step-by-step instructions will help you impress your partner with a Halloween gift basket.
1. Pick your basket
First, you'll need to choose a container. (It doesn't have to be a basket.) Just make sure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to hold the contents. We recommend picking something reusable so it becomes part of the gift like this woven organizer cube or canvas tote bag. They both come in dozens of colors, including a classic jack-o'-lantern orange. You could also lean even more into the Halloween theme and put all the goodies in a black cauldron.
2. Line the basket with filler
Add filler to the bottom of your container to create height, cushion fragile items and give it a "wow" presentation they'll want to share on their socials. Crinkle-cut paper or tissue sheets are both trusty options.
3. Choose a theme
While Halloween is the overarching theme of any boo basket, narrowing it down further makes it easier to shop for complementary items and gives the gift a more intentional feel. Popular boo basket ideas include a scary movie marathon theme, a sweet-tooth's treat box or a cozy self-care night in set.
4. Fill with a mix of items
When building a boo basket, think about mixing a variety of items to create a fun and surprising gift. Start with treats like candy, baked goods, tea or hot cocoa. Then, add a cozy element like fuzzy socks and a candle, and an activity such as a game, book or movie. Top it off with a practical gift like lip balm, hand lotion or a coffee mug. You could also splurge on one or two items like a blanket, cologne or insulated tumbler. Remember to vary the sizes and purposes of your gifts for visual appeal, and always consider any dietary restrictions or preferences.
5. Finish with a personal touch
For an extra sweet touch, add a note to your boo basket. A heartfelt message expressing your love for your partner and how glad you are to have them warm your heart as the weather turns colder will make the gift even more special.
Boo Basket Ideas for Your Partner
Our boo basket ideas for your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband or partner are far from over. Shop our top picks for things to put in a boo basket.
Halloween Icon Ceramic Mug
Photo: Anthropologie
"Sit for a spell, and drink your morning brew," beckon these adorable mugs from Anthropologie. Adorned with whimsical bats, ghosts, pumpkins or black cats, these handcrafted mugs will make every cup of coffee or chai tea more festive. They're the perfect addition to a boo basket for her, him or them, especially stuffed with a bag of their favorite cold weather drink.
Warming Spices Black Tea
Photo: Amazon
Harney & Sons has a wide selection of tea nestled in cute tins. They won't just be a delicious addition to a boo basket, but they'll be aesthetic too. One of our top choices to delight the taste buds this October is their Hot Cinnamon Sunset, a sweet blend of cinnamon, orange and cloves.
Fragrant Three-Wick Candle
Photo: Bath & Body Works
Candles are a classic boo basket addition because they instantly bring a cozy look and inviting smell to any space. Since I already picked up one for myself, I'll let you in on my favorite seasonal scent from Bath & Body Works: Sweater Weather. This popular three-wick candle blends sage, juniper berries, eucalyptus and forest smells to mimic a fall day.
Pumpkin-Pie Flavored Lip Mask
Photo: Amazon
This boo basket idea is fitting for the one you love to kiss. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult-favorite for keeping lips soft, smooth and hydrated. The pumpkin-pie flavored version is a perfect, seasonal addition to their autumn self-care routine.
Maple Leaf Print Insulated Tumbler
Photo: Amazon
Keep their hydration game strong this fall with a new water bottle. This cup holder-friendly, dishwasher-safe tumbler features a leak-resistant lid with two reusable straws and double-wall insulation to keep a drink hot or cold for hours. Even better, its rich maroon color and maple leaf design make it a perfect accessory for their flannel and sweater outfits, especially since they carry their water bottle everywhere.
Horror Movies Scratch-Off Poster
Photo: Uncommon Goods
This gift is perfect for the partner who watches scary movies all year long (but only gets you to join them around Halloween). The poster features a list of the 100 best horror movies of all time, so they can track their progress as they watch. A sturdy wooden frame across the top and bottom with a reinforced string allows for an easy wall display.
Haunted House Snack Box
Photo: Harry & David
The Haunted House Gift Box from Harry & David is just what you need for a night of Halloween movies. It's overflowing with popcorn in four flavors: ranch, cheese, kettle and chocolate peanut butter. Plus, savory is balanced with sweet thanks to the inclusion of chocolate tartlets and milk chocolate pretzels.
Heated Plaid Blanket
Photo: Target
Technically, you might have trouble actually fitting this idea into a boo basket, but your snuggle buddy will be thrilled to receive it on the side all the same. The plaid blanket isn't just super soft, it has built-in heating so it's extra warm too. Nestling in together on a chilly fall evening just got cozier!
Marble Pumpkin Coasters
Photo: Anthropologie
Elevate their fall decor with a beautiful set of polished marble pumpkin coasters. These upscale coasters feature a mother-of-pearl inlay for a hint of shimmer and an authentic acacia wood stem. Pick out a round or tall pumpkin—or grab one of each so you both have one—and add it to your partner's boo basket with a seasonal glass and their favorite cold-day beverage for a curated gift.
Ghost Taper Candles
Photo: Amazon
For a partner planning a Halloween feast, fill their boo basket with hosting essentials. Their table spread will look spooktacular with these twisted taper candles painted to look like ghosts. Tall and slim, they deliver eerie elegance without getting in the way of all the delicious dishes. Don't forget candlesticks if they don't already have some!
The Peanuts Gang Kitchen Towels
Photo: Williams Sonoma
Perfect for wiping up spills, handling hot dishes or just adding color to the kitchen, dish towels are a practical addition to a spooky basket for her, him or them. This set of two exclusively from Williams Sonoma feature scenes from Peanuts' "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." We can't get enough of the nostalgia and lovable characters, and your partner is sure to feel the same.
Black Cat Vase
Photo: Anthropologie
Channel spooky superstitions with this black cat vase from Anthropologie. This pretty kitty is ready to perch on a mantle or table either on its own, or amongst other Halloween home decor. Available in small and large sizes, this stoneware black cat vase is dishwasher safe.
Seasonal Fall Bouquet
Photo: The Bouqs
This is a great boo basket idea for a wife or girlfriend who loves fresh flowers. This one, aptly named Pumpkin Patch, features a vibrant mix of sunflowers, daisies and pincushion proteas. It's an ideal way to bring the warm, rich colors of autumn into your home.
Zombie Brains Gummies
Photo: Sugarfina
Everyone knows zombies eat brains…but who eats zombies' brains? You and your sweetheart can with Sugarfina's Halloween themed gummy candies. Toss the strawberry-flavored craniums into a spouse's, girlfriend's or boyfriend's boo basket, and watch them go crazy for the gourmet candy.
Caramel Apple Kit
Photo: Williams Sonoma
This baking set may go in your partner's boo basket, but you'll actually be able to enjoy it too. Pick up some crisp Granny Smith apples from a farm stand, then use the kit to turn them into caramel apples. It comes with birch wood sticks to embed in the apples, making them easy to dunk in the rich caramel. You can then top them with the included black and orange sprinkles or chopped peanuts.
Halloweentown University Sweatshirt
Photo: DiamondTeeDesign
If your partner loves cozy Halloween movies, like "Return to Halloweentown" where Marnie attends university and experiences a witch's dream date—riding a broom and eating ice cream with Ethan Dollway—this sweatshirt is made for them. Soft, warm and nostalgically magical it reads "Halloweentown University" with the giant jack-o'-lantern in the middle. Underneath, in a small collegiate font it says, "Where being normal is vastly overrated."
Glow-in-the-Dark Crew Socks
Photo: Sock It To Me
These ghost-themed crew socks for women are a cute spooky basket idea for her. They're a pastel purple, decorated with playful ghosts and the phrase, "Hey Boo!" Plus, they glow-in-the-dark for an extra fun touch.
Matching Halloween Undies
Photo: MeUndies
Who says boo baskets can't be a little sexy? MeUndies' matching underwear for couples will be a welcome, cheeky surprise for him, her or them. Snag one of their Halloween-themed prints in boxers or panties and get a matching one for your lover to bring a playful and intimate touch to your October date nights.
Personalized Witty Candle
Photo: SimplyLitCandle
There is no shortage of spooky puns to add to a Halloween basket for your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife or husband. For instance, this candle jokes, "Boos for life," with the cutest illustration of one ghost giving a flower to another ghost. It's personalized with you and your partner's names. There are five scents to choose from, though we recommend Cinnamon Vanilla to keep with the fall theme.
Halloween Moisturizing Face Masks
Photo: Amazon
These face masks aren't for a costume—though they will temporarily turn you into a ghost, pumpkin or bat while your skin soaks up their nourishing ingredients. The set of sheet masks are infused with natural extracts like egg white, collagen and pumpkin to help shrink pores, reduce redness and moisturize so your partner is glowing all month long.
Pearl Skull Earrings
Photo: PearlsTale
They'll look boo-tiful with these pearl skull earrings dressing up their October 'fits. They're available as hoops or threaders and they can mix and match the two for an edgy look. They're so cool, they'll wear them outside of the spooky season too.
Gucci Sterling Silver Ghost Band
Photo: Neiman Marcus
If your partner appreciates the finer things in life, they're sure to love finding this ghoulishly glamorous Gucci ring in their boo basket. Featuring the iconic brand's logo alongside a few spooky pals, this sterling silver ring should definitely be on your list of luxury boo box ideas.
Cozy Pumpkin Slippers
Photo: Amazon
No list of the best boo basket ideas is complete without something cozy! Your S.O. will love slipping their feet into these plush slippers once fall's cooler temps arrive. Featuring a cushy footbed, a rubber, non-slip sole and, of course, a festive pumpkin on the upper, these unisex slippers are sure to become a favorite in no time.
"Hocus Pocus" LEGO Build Set
Photo: Target
This boo basket idea says "I put a spell on you and now you're mine!" The LEGO set builds the Sanderson Sisters' cottage from "Hocus Pocus." With over 2,000 pieces, your Disney lover will build a detailed model that opens up to reveal the museum gift shop, the cauldron which actually lights up and the Book of Spells. It even comes with minifigures of the witches! This isn't just a toy, it's a piece of display-worthy Halloween decor they'll love to show off every year.
Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle
Photo: Uncommon Goods
For a relaxing Halloween date night at home, slip this murder mystery jigsaw puzzle into a boo basket for your wife, husband, GF or BF. Using a narrative instead of a visual reference, the mystery only gets solved once the puzzle is finished. It's a fun and suspenseful way to spend an evening, offering a problem-solving challenge that will haunt you until you figure out whodunit.
Halloween Cocktail Mixer
Photo: Williams Sonoma
For a boo basket idea just for adults, add some alcohol! Williams Sonoma offers cocktail mixers with Halloween themes like Witches Brew, a blend of blackberry, blood orange and agave, and Vampire Punch, which features berry and citrus. The recipient just needs to add vodka and ice. They also taste great paired with sparkling water for a seasonal mocktail.
Gourmet Halloween Chocolates
Photo: Compartes
If you're still feeling stumped on what to put in a boo basket for your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse, candy is the best fallback. This luxury box of chocolates from Compartes is an extra indulgent treat. They'll receive 10 chocolate truffles, half decorated with ghosts and filled with marshmallows, while the other half are blood orange ganache squares decorated with a spooky blood splatter print.
Use the code KNOTGWP for a free gift with purchase.
