What and Why is a Boo Basket?

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By Michael

It seems that 2024 is the year of the “boo basket”. Awesome! And if you’re wondering, no these are not the McDonald’s Boo Buckets that they have desecrated this year. This is an entirely different monster! This falls right up there with “push presents” in the world of things that make me go “Really?”**

Ah, the infamous “boo basket” trend. First, it took over TikTok and Reels; next thing you know, your friends start chatting about the surprise spooky treats they got. Naturally, this meant I had to dig into it to see what all the fuss was about—purely for research, mind you, not because I wanted to. So if you’ve somehow dodged the “boo basket” craze, allow me to bring you up to speed.

What Exactly is a Boo Basket?

Based on my hard-won research (translation: relentless scrolling), a boo basket is like Halloween’s answer to the Easter basket: a little container of seasonal goodies. And, like all things trend-based, it can mean different things to different people. Some see it as a fun gift for kids, while others insist it’s a romantic gesture between partners. Think themed candles, cozy blankets, favorite candies—“boo” in every sense. Just when you thought Halloween was safe from cutesy overload.

But here’s the kicker: people are talking about boo baskets like they’re some classic Halloween staple. And if you believe TikTok, you’d think people have been doing this for decades. Spoiler: they haven’t. A quick Google Trends search confirmed that this boo-basket bonanza has only been around for a few years. And yes, I did the Googling so you don’t have to. If you do so choose to Google boo basket, you’ll find countless results, including “25 Boo Basket Ideas” “What to put in Boo Baskets” and Reddit posts that range from looking for ideas for a boyfriend to cussing the boo baskets existence.

Do You Need to Make a Boo Basket?

I want to say “absolutely not,” but I’m also not here to get anyone in trouble with their significant other. If you’ve got a partner or a kid subtly hinting (or outright demanding) a boo basket, I wouldn’t recommend going full anti-consumerist warrior on this one. Because let’s face it, Halloween expectations are evolving, and apparently, there’s real sincerity behind wanting a gift basket for the season. And don’t even get me started on the suburban “gift-forward” phenomenon: get a boo basket, and you might just find a note insisting you “pay it forward.” Remember those chain letters from church groups? Exactly.

Now, if you’re feeling the social pressure but don’t want to go overboard, keep it simple. There’s no need to go all out with fancy mugs, high-end candles, or iPhones (yes, people are actually putting iPhones in these things). Keep it sensible: maybe a few seasonal snacks, a mini pumpkin or two, and a nice item like a cozy throw or a cute mug. Bam—festive without breaking the bank.

Or, You Know, Just Ignore It

If you’re not into the boo-basket trend, don’t stress. It’s not a “traditional” thing. Spend that energy on something else, like taking your crew to a fall fair or just enjoying Halloween for what it is—a night for fun and a lot of candy. Not everything online needs to invade real life. We’ve got enough of those as it is, right?

 

**This is written tongue-in-cheek, just like my post about push presents a few years ago. Unlike the people who comment on that post, please realize that is more satire than not and just a way to discuss a silly thing I saw on TikTok.

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