I don’t know about you guys, but Halloween is my favorite time of the year. I personally believe that you are never too old to enjoy holiday festivities and make it fun for you and your loved ones.
Every year, I make up a spooky basket for my mom, my older brother, and my close friends. Nothing makes me happier than watching their reactions.
Questions and comments I often get when I post about or talk about my spooky baskets are, “I wish I had someone to do this with,” or, “How do you know what to put in them?”. For starters, as I’ve said, spooky baskets are for everyone. You can make them for your pets, your family, classmates or your close friends. Additionally, they do not have a gender; you can make anyone happy with a spooky basket by providing them with awesome Halloween-related gifts.
Now, let’s dig right into how to make your basket. Your first step would be choosing your, you guessed it, basket. I have found that you can get the same effect from a basket picked out at Target, or Five Below, or even the dollar store. They don’t necessarily need to look Halloween themed, that’s what decorations are for; if you go with a simpler basket or one that is not particularly spooky looking, you can always dress it up. I personally have gone with adding spiderweb from Five Below around or on top of the basket, and it looks totally spooky!
Depending on who you’re getting your basket for, you may find you do not want to fill it up with candy. For example, since my mom doesn’t fancy chocolate or candy, I supplement her basket with other small trinkets. Pet baskets can include treats, Halloween toys, or even something fun they can add to their costume.
Gift cards never hurt! Feel free to give your loved one a gift card to somewhere they can get a fall drink or pastry from to stay on theme. I always find that for my close girl friends, getting them a gift card to Sephora or Ulta, if I’m unsure what products to get from there, also does the trick. There are allergies at times we aren’t aware of, or products that may work for us, but don’t work for them, so keep this in mind before purchasing any skincare or makeup items. These ideas carry over when thinking of your close guy friends, boyfriends, or brothers. Getting them a gift card to somewhere they can eat or buy a product they’ll enjoy this fall is just as considerate.
When in doubt, start with fall or Halloween inspired socks or slippers. It’s always a safe go, as everyone in the fall season could use a warm fuzzy sock or slipper that sport “Hocus Pocus” or “Nightmare Before Christmas”.
It is fun to get your favorite person any fall scented lip balm, lotion or hand sanitizer. I suggest a trip to Bath and Body Works for these items. You can get a handful of fall scented hand sanitizers for a decent price, or they even have a buy-one-get-one deal during certain times.
Another awesome addition to a spooky basket could be Halloween pajamas. This year, my best friend Carolyn and I have chosen to get each other pajamas we could wear this Halloween for our annual Spooky Sleepover. I was able to find her affordable Spiderman & Venom Halloween pajama pants at TJMaxx, but they can also be found at Target or Marshalls.
Now, I love to top off my baskets with a candle. Granted, fall candles can be acquired scents, so if you want to be safe, get something vanilla or linen scented. But, if you want to get a very fall scented candle for your loved one, a pumpkin, cinnamon, brown sugar or apple pie scent is absolutely perfect for the season. If you visit Bath and Body Works, you can find amazing scents you’re sure to love. These candles can run from $16 to $26, but I can say out of all of the candle brands I have ever tried, these last the longest and smell the best. If you’re looking for something cheaper, don’t hesitate to go to TJMaxx or Marshalls and visit their candle aisle; you’re bound to take one home with you.
The very last item I want to suggest today is a plushie or figurine that your loved one would enjoy. If you’re like me, you might love a “Coraline” plush, or a Jack Skellington FunkoPop. In the past, I have gotten my friends Harry Potter keychains and Hello Kitty Halloween plushies to decorate their baskets.
Of course, after mentioning all of this, it may sound like a lot. I would like to add that these are ideas simply, and not required. At times, when I have not been able to get my friends or family elaborate Halloween baskets, I opted to get them a card or draw them something from their favorite Halloween movie. Whether you’re able to get a big basket or a drawing you made for the people in your life this Halloween, know that you’re doing enough! It’s the thought counts, and your friends and family will be grateful you remembered them on this holiday above all else.
As a person whose love language is giving gifts, gift baskets make my holidays just that much more exciting, but it’s not what makes the holiday. Time well spent showcasing care and effort is what makes the holiday special. Happy Halloween hawks!
