Ever since my then-long-distance boyfriend, freshly low on funds after moving 500 miles to try a not-so-long-distance relationship, walked down the road to the Dollar Tree to build me a boo basket in honor of my favorite season and holiday, these baskets have been a tradition in our house. (That boy also became my husband.)
Of course, these days, now that we’re not broke college students, our baskets look a little different. But nothing will ever compare to the thought, effort, and love that went into that first little bundle of dollar-priced treasures.
If you’re inspired to create a similar memory with a friend, significant other, or family member, consider this your guide to a basket that impresses without breaking the bank. And if you’re hoping to be on the receiving end this year, consider this your sign to send this to your person.
The General Structure
A good boo basket starts with a good base. If the receiver in question has more of a pragmatic personality and sense of style, a nice neutral, woven, or wicker basket is always a safe bet. For someone who leans a little more into the seasonal and funky touches, you can always choose something a little more colorful and Halloween-forward.
Next, for optimal presentation, you NEVER forget the filling. Be that tissue paper or shredded paper bits, adding a little extra something into the base of your basket before assembling is key. Not to mention, these are two super affordable options to make you look like you know what you’re doing.
Now, there’s no true formula when it comes to what to put inside–you know your person best! But if they can be hard to buy for or gift-giving is not your strong suit, I think it’s best to stick with this method: something to wear, smell, eat, drink, read, and use. Picking something from each category (and filling in where you see fit) gives you a well-rounded basket.
Fillers For Her
Something to Wear
The opportunities and articles are endless when it comes to something to wear. As I’ve said already, lean into what you know she gravitates toward and keep it simple! If she loves basics, a nice set of autumnal colored ankle socks is perfect. If she enjoys wearing her hobbies proudly, a nice themed sweatshirt works. If being cozy calls to her more often than not, you can never go wrong with a pair of pajama pants. If you’re really not sure, every girl loves to have some extra claw clips on hand.
Something to Smell
A yummy, autumnal scent in any capacity is an instant yes when the weather gets chilly. Good quality candles are always an easy grab if you know her favorite scent profiles. If you’re open to a splurge, Ranger Station is a fabulous Southern brand that frequently collaborates with pop culture icons–we’re talking Noah Kahan, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, and more–so keep an eye out because they just might do something with her favorite singer or brand. If she collects body washes and gels, you’re never wrong getting a seasonal version of her favorite brand. For something she can enjoy when she’s on the go in the car, a nice car freshener goes a long way. If you’re not too sure about which way to turn or she’s a crunchy gal, get her a mini slow cooker to make her at-home simmer pots (you can help her with how to do that here). These come in lots of colors, and I assure you will be used again and again.
Something to Eat
Sweet or salty, the way to a woman’s heart is plenty of treats. Of course, you’re familiar with most of the common snacks and candies that hit the shelves, so I don’t need to help you there. But if she’s on more of a health journey or appreciates things that are a bit gourmand, I’ve got you there. YumEarth has a wonderful dye-free, organic Halloween mix that satisfies all cravings. If she likes chocolate, Unreal has a delicious variety pack of peanut butter cups, coconut bars, and caramel peanut bars. For a savory palate or for the gym lover who loves to get in her protein, a good meat stick will never steer you wrong. And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Drizzlicious–bonus points if you get these preportioned bags she can take on the go.
Something to Drink (Or Drink With)
When the mood strikes, having the option to whip up a quick beverage to fit the season is the ultimate comfort. Some flavored coffee pods or grounds from her favorite brand’s seasonal line are always a yummy surprise. Better yet, pair them with a cute mug or drinking vessel. If you’re feeling extra, run over to her favorite coffee shop and see if they sell any of their house-made syrups that she enjoys, or snag a gift card for her to use.
Something to Read
Every gal is different in her reading preferences, so for this, I always recommend checking to see if she has a Goodreads account and seeing what’s on her TBR (to be read) list. We’re also pretty proud of our favorite reads linked here.
Otherwise, a gift card to her favorite local bookstore is a great way to take her for a spin and make a date out of it–double points for you!
Something to Use
If you’re a good listener (and I hope you are), you may have heard her mention a kitchen gadget, article of clothing, or some other item she has been meaning to get. Some of the best doodads I’ve gotten were even things I didn’t know I needed. This garlic crusher is adorable and perfect to leave out during the Halloween season (but I use it year-round). You can even help her keep those spooky germs off of her water bottle straw with these ghost straw covers. And lastly, cleaning up becomes a lot easier when your sponge is on theme–just saying.
Bonus: Fillers For Him
Men may not appreciate the thought of a carefully curated basket as much as the ladies, but I assure you that the gesture with a few items will go a long way to make his soul feel happy. Seeing as they also tend to be a little more difficult to purchase for, here are a few things that I’ve bought that my husband has loved.
Something to Wear
Young men and their laundry habits leave them repeatedly out of the basics. These socks come in multiple colors in the set and give him a little more wiggle room in between washes. You can also take this opportunity to play dress-up and buy him something you know he’d look snazzy in! You’re never wrong going with a stylish quarter-zip he can wear during chilly days.
Something to Smell
Drift makes some excellent car scents for men, as does Ranger Station via their candles. But if you’re open to a little splurge, this Dime cologne for men is non-toxic and smells amazing–think amber woods, leather, and musky citrus notes.
Something to Eat and Drink
A man’s favorite treat is usually whatever you’re eating. But you’re probably safe throwing in some game-day-appropriate snacks he can whip out–beef jerky, peanut butter pretzels, and popcorn are all safe bets and cover the major male food groups.
For a man who loves his workouts, you could replenish his stash of protein shakes or energy drinks. For the amateur barista, Bones Coffee Company has some super funky and fun flavored beans to scout.
Some Things Are Just Because
It’s the little things, right? This set of chapsticks has good variety and gets frequently repurchased in my house for stockings and other gifts. Not to bring up the unmentionable moments we have in privacy, but these toilet bombs are well worth saving everyone’s nose from the wrong kind of haunting and sparing some embarrassing side eyes. If he enjoys giving free concerts in the shower, get him a shower speaker so he has some background vocals. As a final splurge-worthy pick, this miniature projector is one of the best things I’ve ever bought for him. It projects beautifully, has speaker capabilities, and will take your movie nights to the next level.
To see our full boo-basket guide all in one place, click here. But remember, at the end of the day, you know your person better than anyone, so take what you see here and turn it into something special you know they will love.
For more curated finds and Southern charm, click here.
