Boo Baskets 2021
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I never thought this day would come, but I made Boo Baskets (and loved it!).
I know, I know.
Like many of you, I used to think—what the heck is a Boo Basket?! Halloween is not Easter and these kids have enough stuff scattered around the house as it is.
But then there was the cute Halloween stuff every time I walked into the Dollar Tree. I seriously just discovered that place in the last year (for Henry’s first birthday party, to be exact).
I thought it was the same as Dollar General, so when I went in looking for something and noticed there were no price tags I had to stop and ask for help.
“How much are these bug catchers?” – I asked.
“Honey, everything’s a dollar…” – the employee answered with a concerned stare as if didn’t realize I was in THE DOLLAR TREE.
I had no idea! And so naturally now I go there once a week, thank you very much.
They have the absolute best selection of bows and gift bags as well as seasonal kids crafts and seasonal candy items. Perfect for stockings, Easter Baskets, Valentines, and yes Boo Baskets!
I’ll admit I’ve seen the idea of Boo Baskets floating around Instagram for a few years. I thought they were just too much. Too “extra” if you will Not to mention, some were packed full of what must easily be over $100 in Halloween fun/clutter.
I considered them pretty but not necessary at all, especially when I would need to make three of them. I don’t really want three new blankets that can only be used one month out of the year. And I dread seasonal toys to add to the ever-overflowing play room, you know?
However, once I realized I could put together a magical morning to kick off October and “spooky season” for more like $6-8 a basket and I focus on items they will “use up”, I decided to have fun with it.
Technically I included pajamas as well which would make our baskets more expensive. But, I buy my kids Halloween pajamas every year anyway and already had these stashed in a closet ready for October. So the $6-$8 price point is not counting the jammies, of course.
Here is all you need for a budget Boo Basket! Perfect for kicking off October 1st, the 13th Nights of Halloween, Halloween weekend, or any time you feel like surprising your kids or neighbors this month.
Supplies:
- A basket – I’d recommend just using your kids Halloween candy bucket. If you don’t have one, Dollar Tree has plenty of options for, you guessed it, a dollar.
- One or two festive candies – I chose “ghoul-aid” popping candy and a cute candy corn tube with a pumpkin on it, both from the Dollar Tree.
- Two or three activities – Depending on their age, my kids got anything from a Halloween sticker book, ghost/pumpkin modeling foam, green Play-Doh, etc. I went with limited use items, so these things aren’t junk headed straight for the bottom of the toy box but, rather, things to be used and enjoyed this month before they need to be tossed.
- Ribbon/bow/sign – I got cute ribbons in orange, green, purple, etc. at the Dollar Tree and then used multicolored tissue paper I already had on hand. I also had small dowel rods and hot glue on hand so I made the “boo” signs with plain printer paper and good old Microsoft Word.
- Extras – If you’re like me, you could have extras from last year Halloween (which is where I got the spider rings), birthday party favors (which is where I got the play bugs), or just things you have for who knows what reason (I found glow sticks) that are perfect to add to this budget Boo Basket. Also, my niece got a Halloween infinity scarf because one dollar(!) and because as a boy mom I was so sad I had to pass those us for my kids’ baskets!
- Bonus: Thrift – My niece’s basket included a copy of our favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom, which I happened to spy at Goodwill this summer for $1. We already own it but I knew I’d find a good home for it so I couldn’t pass it up.
Now that I realize how affordable and easy they can be, I’m fully on board with being a tad “extra” and caving into Boo Baskets during these short magical years.
I set mine out for a Friday morning breakfast with themed plates and cups and we listened to Halloween music before school. Hopefully it’s a new tradition my kids will look back fondly on.
Happy Spooky Season!!
This post was not sponsored by the Dollar Tree, but that would be nice! Goals!
2 Comments
Julie
I just love your ideas! I have2 boys myself (34 & 39 now) these r such great things for kids to do. Ur a great inspiration to parents & grandparents out there looking for traditions. I especially love the 24 Christmas ideas. Kudos to u & ur husband for striving to raise 3 beautiful boys to grow into caring & thoughtful human beings! ❤
Taylor
Thank you so much for your nice comment! We are looking forward to Christmas season again, my kids’ very favorite is to go add quarters to the Aldi carts ha!