Boo Baskets: Cute or Kinda Extra? 👻
Let’s talk about the Halloween “boo basket.” You’ve probably seen it on social media; it’s a little basket filled with Halloween goodies, left out for your kids or neighbors to find. Some moms love it, some roll their eyes at it. Some call it adorable, others call it consumerism in a pumpkin bucket.
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t make you a “better” or “worse” mom either way.
Do What Actually Makes You Happy
If boo baskets feel fun, easy, and not like a financial or mental burden, then go for it. If they feel like just one more thing to add to your already overflowing to-do list, then skip it. The ultimate flex isn’t whether you do them or not. It’s about choosing what actually makes your family happy.
No guilt. No gold stars. No invisible scoreboard where you’re racking up “good mom” points.
Keep It Intentional, Not Social Media-Only
Here’s where my early childhood education and modern parenting background kicks in: if you’re going to do boo baskets, make them meaningful, not manipulative.
DON’T make it a bribe: Don’t turn a boo basket into “if you behave, you’ll get this.” That just ties the tradition to control and compliance instead of joy.
DO make it practical + fun: Instead of filling it with random sugar bombs or plastic clutter, think about small things that actually add value. Maybe it’s Halloween socks, a new bedtime book, glow sticks for trick-or-treating, or even a little seasonal snack they’ll use in their school lunch.
DO make it theirs: Let your kids contribute ideas, or create a quirky family spin; maybe they “boo” each other with silly notes, or the family pet gets one too.
Kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect basket. What they need is connection. If boo baskets help you create that? Amazing.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about whether boo baskets are “necessary.” Spoiler: nothing about Halloween is actually necessary. I mean … it’s all extra. The trick-or-treating, the pumpkin patches, the costumes. We do them because they’re fun, not because they’re required.
So let’s stop side-eyeing each other over who does or doesn’t put together a plastic cauldron of goodies. Whether you boo or don’t boo, you’re still a great mom.
The only wrong way to do Halloween? Stressing yourself out trying to keep up with everyone else.
