ICYMI, one of the most popular trends on social media last October was the famous "Boo Basket." Haven't heard of it? Let me fill you in: On the first day of October, surprise your little ones with an autumnal basket full of goodies to officially kick off spooky season!
The idea is darling, and it's tons of fun to do, but here's the thing: parents don't want to buy their kids a bunch of cheap plastic spider rings, or vampire fangs, or other knick-knacks, knowing that they'll end up in the bottom of the toy chest (or in the trash) after just a few weeks. It's a tough challenge!
So, how do you put together the perfect Boo Basket? I'm so glad you asked! Wrightsville Ave. Boutique has perfected the Boo Basket prep routine, and we're here to share it with you! Read ahead to learn the formula for a Boo Basket that you'll adore, and that your kids will absolutely love!
Our Secret Formula:
It's not hard to put together a Boo Basket once you have an outline. Our secret formula is surprisingly simple yet effective; something to wear, something to read, and something to play with!
Something to Wear:
Get your little one some fresh threads for the season! The weather is turning, so take this as an opportunity to pad out their wardrobe with some season-appropriate attire like coats, sweaters, and denim. Quincy Mae pajamas are a fabulous option for your littlest ones. They're temperature regulating, so your little one isn't freezing once the sun goes down, and they have the sweetest autumnal and Halloween prints you've ever seen!
Long chore coats, quilted jackets, cardigans, and other outerwear for girls are all phenomenal choices for your older daughter. How about a sweater, hoodie, or oversized sweatshirt for the little man in your life?
Top it off with a bow or headband for girls, or a cool hat for boys, and you have the perfect pieces to anchor your basket, make it look high-end and as boutique-beautiful as possible!
Something to Read:
Once you find the perfect outfit, you've created the perfect foundation for the Boo Basket. Now it's time to fill the basket up! Our recommendation is to get a book for your little one to read with you. Pick an age-appropriate, beautiful, not-too-spooky book to set in their Boo Basket. It will become their favorite bedtime story, which helps the two of you make magical memories together.
For older kids, find a fun book that they have to work through as the month progresses. No, I'm not saying you need to get them a textbook or assign them homework, but something like a "How to Draw" book, a book of puzzles, or even a chapter book (if you have a little bookworm) that will last all spooky season long!
Not only is this a good way to get your kiddo to read more, but it's also great for generating excitement and building up anticipation for Halloween night!
Something to Play With:
The final piece of your Boo Basket is something fun and exciting!
You can never go wrong with a Halloween-themed plushie or doll, a new trick-or-treating bag, or even costume pieces for the big night, but for the Boo Basket, we recommend "consumable" playthings. Don't put one "big" item in the basket, rather pad it out with a few separate tiny goodies!
One great example: bath bombs! Our favorites come from Two Sisters Spa, because they use clean ingredients, are totally kid-safe, and (here's the best part) they don't stain your tub! Halloween-themed temporary tattoos or spooky stickers are also a great option for short-term seasonal fun that your little one will love! For a little extra sweetness in the Boo Basket, toss a couple of pieces of candy in there, too! And I guess maybe one pair of plastic vampire fangs is fine, too... but just one!
Once you have something to wear, something to read, and something to play with, congratulations: you did it!
Remember, parents, the Halloween holiday magic is all about the feeling and making sweet memories--not accumulating plastic accessories and cheap playthings that you'll just have to clean up and throw out later!
Feel free to shop our Halloween collection online for more inspo, and add all of your Boo Basket items to your cart. We'll have it sent out in no time!
You can also come in-store to experience the Halloween magic yourself! We'd be happy to help you curate the perfect, aesthetic, junk-free Boo Basket to make your little one's spooky season as magical as possible!