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Affordable Boo Basket Ideas for Kids

By: Author Jessica Ashcroft

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Get in the spooky spirit with these boo basket ideas for kids! We share easy ideas to put in your baskets for all ages plus where to shop to save money!

Four boo baskets with ghost name tags on cabinet decorated with Halloween decorations.

We love the Boo Basket trend that’s gaining popularity as an exciting and spooktacular Halloween tradition! It’s a fun way to surprise your kids with a basket full of treats, toys, and Halloween-themed goodies.

You can give it early on in the season so your kids can enjoy their treats all season long, or gift it later in October.

The best part? You can easily make these at home with a personal touch.

Here’s our guide on how to create easy DIY boo baskets for kids that will add extra magic to their Halloween season!

What is a Boo Basket?

Four different corduroy baskets filled with Halloween items and decorated with ghost nametag.
Four boo baskets with ghost tags on cabinet decorated with Halloween decorations.
Four baskets colored green and orange filled with Halloween items and ghost name tags.

A Boo Basket is essentially a surprise gift basket filled with Halloween-themed treats, toys, and activities.

Traditionally, people leave them anonymously on neighbors’ doorsteps with a note saying, “You’ve been Boo’ed!” But lately, we’ve been seeing more and more parents make them to give to their kids to kick off the Halloween season. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to spread Halloween cheer. For kids, these baskets can be given as part of a countdown to Halloween or even as a spooky-season surprise.

There are several different ways to approach boo baskets from complete DIY to extra bougie. We’ll be sharing ideas today that fall somewhere in the middle (with lots of suggestions on how to make your baskets even cheaper if you want)!

What You’ll Need for Your Affordable Boo Basket

Green corduroy basket with ghost name tag filled with Halloween books, shirts, and straws.
Orange corduroy basket with ghost name tag and various Halloween items.
Orange corduroy basket with ghost name tag and various Halloween items like pennant and book.
Orange corduroy basket with ghost name tag and Halloween book, and cup.

Creating a boo basket doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Most of the items can be found at your local dollar store or craft store. Here are some essentials to include:

1. The Basket Itself

  • Halloween Pail – Choose a festive Halloween pail or small basket. Think about using a pumpkin-shaped bucket, a spooky tin, or a small tote with a Halloween print.
  • DIY Tip: Add a personal touch by decorating the basket with googly eyes, Halloween stickers, or spooky ribbons.

2. Treats and Snacks

Kids love treats, and this is a perfect excuse to load up on Halloween-themed snacks.

  • Candy – Add some classics like mini chocolate bars, gummy worms, or candy corn.
  • Healthier Options – Opt for low-sugar treats like fruit snacks, organic gummies, or even fun Halloween-shaped granola bars.
  • Homemade Goodies – If you prefer to make your own, whip up some spooky cookies, Halloween popcorn balls, or mini cupcakes.

3. Small Toys and Trinkets

To keep the fun going long after the sweets are gone, include some little toys that your kids will love.

  • Halloween Stickers – Kids can decorate notebooks or create spooky scenes.
  • Glow Sticks or Bracelets – Perfect for wearing during trick-or-treating.
  • Mini Figures – Small plastic spiders, skeletons, or ghosts that can be used for playtime or decorating.
  • DIY Craft Kits – Throw in a small Halloween craft kit, such as painting a mini pumpkin or decorating a foam mask.

4. Books or Activities

You can make your Boo Basket not just about treats but also something that encourages creativity or reading.

  • Coloring Books – Look for Halloween-themed coloring books or activity books.
  • Spooky Story Books – A short Halloween-themed story is a great addition to the basket.
  • Craft Supplies – Include supplies for making spooky crafts, such as colored paper, glitter, or glue sticks.

How to Assemble Your Boo Basket

  1. Start with the basket – Whether you’re using a pail, tote, or bucket, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the goodies. Line the bottom with tissue paper or shredded paper for some extra flair.
  2. Layer in the fun – Place the larger items, like books or craft kits, at the back. Then add the smaller items, like candies and toys, toward the front where they’re more visible.
  3. Add a final touch – Use a cute ribbon or some Halloween-themed washi tape to add the finishing touch to your Boo Basket. You could even cover it with clear cellophane for a professional look.
  4. Delivery Time – If you’re leaving a Boo Basket for your child, hide it in a place where they’ll find it as a fun surprise like on the kitchen counter, outside their bedroom door, or on the table.

Boo Basket Ideas by Age

Various Halloween items for a girl on white table including leggings, a book, and candy.
Various Halloween items for a girl on white table including a shirt, a novelty tumbler, and bows.
Various Halloween items for girl on white table including sweatshirt, a book, and candy.
Various Halloween items for a boy on white table including a book, glasses, and candy.

Here are the items I included in the boo baskets for my kids:

Aspen (age 3)

Mia (age 5)

Ella (age 8)

Hudson (age 10)

Halloween blanket with bead kit and haunted house kit laying on top.

I also chose to give some “family” gifts with the baskets including a fun Halloween blanket and craft activities (bead kit and haunted house) for the kids to do throughout the month. I think giving Halloween baking kits would also be a fun touch. Anything that will give you quality time with your kids!

Here are other age-based suggestions for your boo baskets:

For Toddlers (Ages 2-4):

  • Soft plush Halloween toys (like mini pumpkins or black cats)
  • Halloween board books
  • Bat or spider-shaped bubbles
  • Toddler-friendly snacks like fruit chews or pretzels

For Elementary Kids (Ages 5-9):

  • Slime in spooky colors
  • Mini pumpkin decorating kits
  • Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth
  • Halloween joke books

For Tweens (Ages 10-12):

  • DIY jewelry kits with spooky charms
  • Halloween-themed lip gloss or nail polish
  • A mystery chapter book
  • Mini puzzles or brain teasers

Ways To Save Money

Four ghost shapes with names on them in gold letters.

If you don’t want to go super extravagant with your boo baskets, it’s no problem. Here are some ways to save money:

  1. Don’t include shirts or books (or if you do want to get those items, opt for cheaper options like socks or activity books from the dollar store).
  2. Grab $1 Halloween pails instead of expensive baskets.
  3. Shop the dollar sections at Walmart and Target during September to get all of the fun inexpensive Halloween goodies before they sell out!
  4. Grab items in sets to save. Like a set of glasses, straws, or hair accessories.
  5. Make the name tags yourself! I saved a lot of money by making the tags with craft supplies I had lying around.

Want More?

Pinterest graphic with photo collage and text that reads "spooky babe birthday party."
Pinterest graphic with photos of Halloween decor and text that reads "halloween decorations for your entryway."
Pinterest graphic with photo collage and text that reads "boho DIY Halloween wreath."
Pinterest graphic with text and photo of woman in pink skirt holding ghost garland.
Pinterest graphic with photo collage and text that reads "feminine DIY pink pumpkin decor".

If you liked this post, be sure to check out these other Halloween themed ideas:

Your Turn

Are you doing boo baskets for your kids this year? Let us know what you’re putting in them in the comments!