Once the autumn equinox passes, we are full on in spooky season. Boo Baskets are a fun way to welcome October’s spookiness. My kids are delighted to receive Easter baskets and so I decided to weave it into each major holiday we celebrate.

Despite my urge to fight consumerism around every turn, the truth is that I love creating magical memories for my kids, and receiving gifts is magical for them. I’ve made my peace with that. This year, we will be weaving our boo basket into our traditional decorating day to make both the decorating and the baskets to add a layer of meaning.

A boo basket can be done on a frugal budget, and it does not need to be filled with tchotchkes that will be in the landfill before the last leaf has fallen.

Interestingly, we save money because I’m encouraged to be proactive with our holiday budget line. With purchase decisions made ahead of the season, I won’t be tempted by the consumer vibe and advertisement influx. We’ll have our baskets and that is sufficient. One decision makes 1000.

There are so many options for what to put into a boo basket, it can get out of control. I’ve found that paring gift gifting down to an intentional system has helped me to sort through the consumerism noise, and simplify the decision process.

Interactive activity

This is priority number one. The majority of my childhood holiday memories are those in which we are doing an interactive creative project around the table. We’d gather and color felt posters, make bracelets, make decorations, or create a scrapbook page and the like. These are the moments that matter and that leave the greatest impression on our children’s hearts and memories.

Something to wear

Clothing makes a great gift in advance. My kids love special occasion pajamas. It warms my heart to cuddle with them in festive seasonal pj’s. I am who I am. We’re transported back to the holiday seasons when we look at photos of the family in seasonal pj’s. This year we’ll all wear our holiday pajamas while we decorate. We’ll be well dressed to settle cozily in the living room together, enjoy our decorations and the ambiance it creates once we’re finished.

A treat

There is memory-making power associated with our 5 senses, and so I try to incorporate it into our traditions as much as possible. Inevitably I’m often on the hunt for seasonal family favorite treats that we can put on repeat. Chocolate covered pretzels are a family favorite, and on the list for boo baskets this year. It’s my hope that in the future my kids will eat these sweet treats and feel right at home.

A gift that continues to give

I love a good gift that keeps on giving- it’s a sweet spot for me. Last Christmas we did personalized name mugs for hot chocolate. So for spooky season this year we are doing the same for warmed spiced apple cider.

Decorations

Since our baskets are a whole thing on decorating day, we’ll include a decoration to tie them into the decorating experience. It’s a great way to add to your decorations each year. We went with witch hats to hang from a tree in our front yard. This bulk pack came with plenty for the tree as well as a few extras to add to our dress up basket. They’re affordable, adorable, and the kids love to play with them.

I invite you to use these ideas in order to create magic for your family this spooky season. Perhaps these categories can be your north star to guide you as you create a boo basket with purpose. A basket that builds family identity, strengthens bonds or solidifies traditions are always winners if you want to create a boo basket that your children will remember for a lifetime. So settle in with a pen and paper, light a candle, and plan your best spooky season yet. What will you do with this one wild and precious opportunity?