we’ve been boo’ed :: one of my favorite holiday traditions

Each October, our family starts up a fun little neighborhood tradition–the Boo Basket! The Boo Basket is meant to be a fun way to spread cheer and excitement in the neighborhood by anonymously giving fun toys and goodies to neighbors.

Sometime near the beginning of October, we put together our “Boo Baskets”. We use plastic pumpkins and fill them with candy, glow sticks and other inexpensive items like Halloween pencils and erasers, pumpkin light sticks and other party favor type trinkets. You can totally go all Pinterest-y if you want–quick and easy works best for us! If you don’t celebrate Halloween and would rather keep it fall themed instead, that works, too!

Then we choose two neighbors, head to their houses at night (generally we try to go before bed time but when it has started getting dark), leave the buckets on the porch, ring the doorbell and run. This is the most fun part–trying to get away before you get caught! We always include a poem that explains that once you are boo’ed, you should spread the cheer by boo-ing two other neighbors. There is also a sign to hang in your front window or on your door that says “We’ve been boo’ed” so you don’t continually get boo’ed over the next few weeks.  It’s so fun to see the “We’ve Been Boo’ed” signs pop up all over the neighborhood (and you can also keep an eye out for anyone who may have been missed and head over there for an extra “boo” one evening).

Do you “boo” in your neighborhood? What are some fun things you’ve gotten or sent along? If you don’t already “boo” and want to, it’s so easy to start! I just put together a few boo baskets, print off a poem and door sign (I made these ones up quickly) and let the kids choose a few neighbors to start it off. It’s not too late to get started! After Halloween is a great time to pick up a few pumpkin buckets and Halloween toys and trinkets for the next year. Then you’re ready to boo right away!

Do you have any favorite Halloween traditions?