Looking for fun Halloween gift ideas? Discover 15 creative boo basket ideas for kids filled with treats, toys, and spooky surprises they’ll love this October!
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Hi beauties! Halloween is one of those holidays that’s just plain fun—especially when you have kids. Between picking costumes, decorating the house, and dreaming up spooky snacks, there’s so much excitement in the air. One of my favorite traditions to kick off the season is putting together a fun little “boo basket” for the kids—basically a Halloween-themed gift basket filled with treats, toys, and festive goodies.
The best part about boo baskets? There are no rules! You can go big or keep it simple. Whether you’re grabbing a few items from the dollar store or putting together a themed basket based on your kid’s favorite character, there are so many ways to make it special. It’s such an easy way to surprise your little ones and add a little extra magic to the days leading up to Halloween.
In this post, I’m sharing 15 creative boo basket ideas for kids to help get you inspired. Whether you’re making one for your own kids, a classroom party, or dropping them off secretly on a neighbor’s porch, these ideas are cute, fun, and super easy to put together. Let’s get into it!
What are Boo Basket Ideas for Kids?
Boo baskets for kids are fun Halloween-themed gift baskets filled with small treats, toys, and festive goodies, usually given at the start of October to build excitement for the holiday. They’re a cute way to surprise your own kids or secretly “boo” a friend or neighbor by leaving the basket on their doorstep with a note. Think of it as a Halloween version of an Easter basket—just with more pumpkins, ghosts, and spooky fun!
When Do You Give a Boo Basket?
Boo baskets are usually given at the beginning of October to help kick off the Halloween season, but there’s really no wrong time! Some parents surprise their kids on October 1st to set the mood for a month of spooky fun, while others hand them out closer to Halloween as a pre-trick-or-treating surprise. If you're “boo-ing” a neighbor or friend, it's common to leave the basket on their doorstep anonymously with a cute note encouraging them to pass on the fun. Whether it's early in the month or right before Halloween, the goal is to spread a little seasonal joy!
What to Put in a Boo Basket for Kids? 🎃
- A personalized note or “You’ve Been Boo’d” tag
- Halloween-themed candy (mini chocolate bars, gummies, lollipops)
- Stickers or temporary tattoos with spooky designs
- Mini toys like bouncy balls, slime, or Halloween figurines
- Glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark accessories
- Festive socks or pajamas
- Halloween books or coloring books
- Crayons, markers, or spooky-themed craft supplies
- Pumpkin-decorating kits or small pumpkins to paint
- Reusable cups, straws, or water bottles with Halloween prints
- Bubble wands or mini play-dough containers
- Hair accessories like Halloween bows or headbands
- Non-candy treats like granola bars, fruit snacks, or trail mix
- Cute Halloween face masks or mini hand sanitizers
- Flashlights or mini lanterns for nighttime fun
Easy and Creative Boo Basket Ideas for Kids:
Whimsical Llama-Themed Boo Basket
This adorable boo basket is perfect for younger kids who love cozy vibes and cuddly friends. With plush llama dolls dressed in witch hats, Halloween pajamas, ghost-shaped treat bags, and spooky accessories, it strikes the perfect balance between festive and fun without being too spooky. A great option for toddlers and preschoolers!
Personalized Ghost Boo Baskets
These cute ghost-shaped baskets are a perfect personalized Halloween surprise! Each one is filled with fun goodies like books, stickers, plush toys, and treats—all labeled with the child’s name for an extra special touch. A simple yet thoughtful boo basket idea that kids will absolutely love!
Spooky Storytime Boo Baskets
These charming boo baskets are perfect for little book lovers! Each one features a Halloween-themed picture book, plush ghost toys, festive blankets, and cute name tags for a personalized touch. It's a cozy and creative way to encourage reading while getting kids excited for Halloween night.
Classic Pumpkin-Themed Boo Baskets
These classic pumpkin-themed boo baskets are festive, fun, and packed with Halloween cheer! From glow sticks and books to playful toys and a “You’ve Been Booed” sign, they’re perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, or your own kiddos. The reusable fabric bins add an extra cozy and sustainable touch!
Custom Glam Boo Baskets for Kids
These boo baskets are bursting with personality and Halloween sparkle! With glittery bat headbands, disco balls, ghost plushies, and vibrant accessories, they’re the perfect pick for kids who love all things fun and fabulous. Personalized name tags add a sweet touch that makes each basket feel extra special.
Hocus Pocus Pink Boo Basket
This playful pink jack-o’-lantern basket is full of Halloween charm and sparkle! With plush ghosts, disco balls, glittery wands, and a fun “Hocus Pocus” flag, it’s perfect for kids who love cute over creepy. A sweet and stylish twist on the traditional boo basket!
Pumpkin Pie Baby Boo Basket
This cozy, fall-inspired boo basket is perfect for babies or toddlers! It includes the adorable You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie book, a matching onesie, and handmade crochet toys like a pumpkin slice, scarecrow, and bow. A sweet and gentle way to celebrate Halloween with the tiniest trick-or-treater.
Spooky Sweets Boo Basket
This adorable “Spooky Sweets” themed boo basket keeps things simple yet festive! Packed with orange-and-white candies, Halloween napkins, sparkling drinks, and paper straws, it’s perfect for a low-key treat or party favor. A great idea for older kids or even a family movie night surprise!
Deluxe Personalized Boo Basket
This extra-fun boo basket pulls out all the spooky stops! With black sequin cats, ghost balloons, Halloween books, and treats galore, it’s a deluxe surprise that’s sure to wow. Personalized name tags for Bristol and Sterling make it feel extra special and custom-crafted.
Minimalist Boo Basket with Countdown Book
This clean and simple boo basket is perfect for kids who love Halloween without too much fuss. It includes a spooky skull tumbler, pumpkin treat jar, and a fun “Countdown to Halloween” book to build excitement all month long. Personalized with a name tag, it’s festive, functional, and super cute!
Toddler Boo Basket with Cozy Halloween Vibes
This adorable toddler-friendly boo basket is packed with cozy fall fun! Featuring pumpkin slippers, Halloween books, a soft panda plush, and a personalized wooden crate, it’s a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate the spooky season with little ones. Ideal for babies and toddlers who love soft textures and gentle Halloween fun!
Classic Orange & Black Boo Baskets
These personalized orange and black boo baskets are packed with Halloween fun! Filled with themed toys, stickers, tattoos, glow-in-the-dark fangs, and spider rings, they’re perfect for a classroom party or sibling surprise. Simple, festive, and bursting with spooky spirit!
Glam Hocus Pocus Boo Basket
This pink-and-black glam boo basket is perfect for little witches who love sparkle and style! Featuring a “Hocus Pocus Darling” sign, mini wands, Halloween goodies, and glittery accents, it’s both magical and chic. A standout option for girls who want Halloween with a hint of sparkle and charm.
Sugar Rush Boo Basket with Crafty Fun
This pastel-perfect boo basket is bursting with girly fun! From sparkly stickers and pom-pom creatures to Highlights books, crafts, and a “Sugar Rush” flag, it’s ideal for creative kids who love color and candy. A playful, non-spooky take on the Halloween tradition!
Neutral Halloween Boo Basket for Littles
This beautifully styled neutral-toned boo basket is ideal for toddlers or younger kids who prefer calm over creepy. Featuring Halloween books, plush ghosts, mini treat bags, and “Let’s Get Spooky” signage, it strikes the perfect balance of festive and cozy. A great choice for a stylish, low-key Halloween surprise!
Boo Basket Tips for Parents 🧡
- Keep it simple – You don’t have to go overboard; even a few thoughtful items can make a big impact.
- Use reusable containers – Try using Halloween buckets, fabric bins, or small tote bags that can be reused year after year.
- Shop early – Stores start stocking Halloween goodies in September, so grab your items before things sell out.
- Mix candy with non-candy items – Balance treats with fun toys, crafts, or books to avoid sugar overload.
- Tailor to your child’s age and interests – Choose items that match their personality and developmental stage.
- Include a “You’ve Been Boo’d” tag – Especially if you’re delivering the basket to friends or neighbors.
- Involve older siblings – Let big kids help make boo baskets for younger ones or friends—it’s a fun activity for them too.
- Stick to a budget – Dollar stores, Target Bullseye’s Playground, and Amazon have great affordable options.
- Think outside the box – Consider themed baskets (like glow-in-the-dark, cozy night-in, or craft kits) to add a creative twist.
- Have fun with it! – It’s all about spreading Halloween cheer and creating sweet memories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boo Baskets for Kids
Do boo baskets have to include candy?
Not at all! Many parents opt for non-candy alternatives like snacks, mini games, crafts, and Halloween-themed toys, especially for younger kids or those with allergies.
Can I make a boo basket on a budget?
Yes! You can easily create a cute and thoughtful boo basket using dollar store finds, printables, and homemade goodies. It’s all about the surprise, not the price tag.
What does “You’ve Been Boo’d” mean?
It’s part of a fun Halloween tradition where you secretly leave a boo basket on someone’s doorstep along with a note that says “You’ve Been Boo’d.” The note encourages them to pass on the fun by boo-ing someone else.
Want to add the perfect finishing touch to your boo baskets? 👉 Grab these free printable Boo Basket tags to make your Halloween surprise extra special! Check them out here 🎃
Final Thoughts on Boo Basket Ideas for Kids
Boo baskets are such a fun and simple way to make Halloween extra special for kids. Whether you go all out with themed goodies or keep it budget-friendly with a few thoughtful treats, it’s all about creating a little seasonal magic. These baskets are perfect for surprising your own kids, dropping off on a friend’s porch, or even starting a new neighborhood tradition.
I hope these creative boo basket ideas for kids gave you some inspiration to put together your own! Don’t forget to add a cute note or tag to make it feel even more festive. No matter how you build it, your little ghouls and goblins are sure to love the surprise. Happy Halloween and happy boo-ing!
Until next time,
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