How to Build a Boo Basket

Looking for a fun way to make Halloween feel extra special? A Boo Basket is a sweet surprise filled with treats, little treasures and cosy things to enjoy together. From spooky sweets and surprise balls to magical accessories and a Halloween storybook, here’s how to create one they’ll be thrilled to discover.

Step 1: Choose a basket

First things first, you’ll need something special to fill. Choose a traditional woven basket for a classic look, or make it part of the Halloween fun with a cute cat or pumpkin basket bag.

For an extra-special touch, line the basket with a little tissue paper or a soft Halloween-themed fabric before adding your treats. And remember, there’s no need to wait until 31 October. A Boo Basket makes a lovely surprise throughout the Halloween season.

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Step 2: Add some sweet treats

No Boo Basket would be complete without a few delicious treats. Choose their favourite sweets or add something a little more magical, such as ghost-shaped chocolate lollipops or other Halloween treats.

You can also turn baking into part of the surprise. Bake a batch of pumpkin-shaped biscuits, spooky cupcakes or little chocolate brownies and decorate them with Halloween cake toppers. Ghosts, bats, pumpkins and plenty of sprinkles all work well with fun Halloween cake toppers.

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Step 3: Add some little surprises

Once the sweet treats are sorted, add a few small surprises they can discover as they explore the basket.

Halloween nail stickers, temporary tattoos and other fun accessories are perfect for this. They’re easy to tuck between the bigger gifts and make those little moments of discovery even more fun.

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Step 4: Add a Halloween surprise ball

For an extra element of surprise, pop in a Halloween surprise ball. These playful little treats are filled with Halloween-themed goodies to discover, including stickers, jokes and friendship bracelets.

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Step 5: Choose a spooky story

Every good Halloween needs a story. Add a favourite spooky picture book or choose a classic Halloween tale to read together after dark.

For a classic Halloween read, try The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Worst Witch or Room on the Broom – choosing the one that best suits your child’s age. For younger children, Room on the Broom is a lovely choice, while The Worst Witch and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are better suited to older children who enjoy a little more mystery.

Tuck the book towards the back of the basket so it becomes part of the evening’s plans. Then settle down somewhere cosy, turn down the lights and make story time the final chapter of your Halloween surprise.

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Step 6: Add something magical to wear

Now for the really fun part. Add a Halloween costume or accessory that lets them step into their own spooky story.

Meri Meri’s bat wings are perfect for little creatures of the night, while crowns, wands and other fantastical accessories can turn an ordinary afternoon into an enchanted adventure.

If dressing up isn’t their thing, a special pair of Halloween pyjamas makes a lovely alternative. There’s something particularly magical about getting ready for a Halloween film or story in a brand-new pair of PJs.

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Step 7: Make it cosy

Finish your Boo Basket with something that invites them to slow down and enjoy the moment.

A steaming mug of hot chocolate is the perfect Halloween companion. Try topping it with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon and a few chocolate sprinkles for an extra-special treat. For older children, a warm spiced apple drink or cinnamon tea is perfect.

For an extra touch of magic, dim the lights, light a few battery-operated candles and put on a spooky playlist before settling down for your Halloween story or favourite family film.

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Step 8: Add a little note

The loveliest Boo Baskets have one final personal touch. Write a little Halloween note and tuck it into the basket for them to find.

It could be as simple as “A little Halloween magic just for you!” or a note inviting them to choose a spooky story, bake some Halloween treats or have a cosy movie night together.

It’s a tiny detail, but it turns a basket of lovely things into a thoughtful gift they’ll remember.

For even more ideas, take a peek at our guides to How to Decorate for Halloween and The Ultimate Kids’ Halloween Party for inspiration.

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