Halloween is here! Grabbing those bags of candy for trick or treaters can be a lot of fun. It is all about the costumes and going from door to door trick or treating. There are those favorite adults on the list that we would also like to treat (and maybe trick, too!) That bestie at work, the babysitter, teachers, and that one friend that seems to know just when to call or check in. Those individuals who likely enjoy the spooky season as much as you do. For those wondering how to get everything done with the growing price of necessities, the challenge can be real. Here is a simple way to enjoy the gifting (and maybe receiving) one of the most recent popular additions to the Halloween season

The gathering of a collection of items in a gift bag or gift basket has taken on several names, with the most popular being ‘Boo basket’. Items to add can be simple or more elaborate depending upon the amount of money to spend, and the time to put it together. Let’s guess, for the sake of discussion, that this is last minute, and your budget isn’t much.

Find a basket, gift bag, small box to use for the gift. You can recycle something from the bin, such as a milk jug, a cardboard or plastic container. The theme can be Halloween, or just color-themed, such as orange and black; black and white stripes (such as Beetlejuice or Jack Skellington); bright Halloween colors in lime green and purple; or autumn colors. Fillers can include tissue paper, party streamers, bubble wrap, curling ribbon, or the comic section of the newspaper.

What to add depends upon the person receiving the ‘Boo basket’ or the one gifting it. It can vary from person to person. Lets start off simple. Compliments go a long way, and everyone deserves to hear them. Grab a note card, index card, or post-it note. ‘Treat’ that person to the top three things that you like about them. Put a cute doodle or a sticker near your signature if you wish to sign it. Personalize it as you wish.

Candy is a top gift during Halloween. It doesn’t have to be a large random bag of fun-sized candy, unless you have a large basket, bag or box to fill. You could select a favorite full sized candy bar, or other favorite snack of their choice, such as an individual bag of chips. Beef jerky is another food item that keeps well in a gift basket. A small bottle of honey and a package of crackers also works well for a snack. Homemade items add a personal touch, and don’t have to cost much to make. Favorite fall snacks during the autumn months include fresh baked pumpkin seeds, caramel apples, and popcorn balls.

Vintage items added into the basket are a unique way to add charm to any gift. A cute trinket dish for their dresser, or a ring holder, that can be used near the kitchen or bathroom sink, is a nice item that doesn’t cost a lot or take up much space. They can come in handy when needing a place to put jewelry and other small random items. Perhaps adding an item to the dish would also be a welcome gift.

Fuzzy socks, a crochet or lace doily, table runner, or embroidered handkerchief are personal items that lend to the comforts of home. Individual coffee servings, a small box of tea, or individual flavor add-ins, can be added. A gift certificate to the favorite coffee shop tucked inside a coffee mug, or a gift card to the local nutrition beverage hang-out tucked inside a water bottle, is a kind gesture. The gift certificate doesn’t have to cost a lot to get the message across. A bottle of wine or miniature of any favorite beverage is a nice addition to any basket.

A personal favorite ‘trick’ of mine is to wrap a two-dollar bill (or a hundred-dollar bill if you wish) in an empty jello box. Everyone appreciates receiving the gift of money. You could also put stickers or other light-weight items inside. Wrap it as a miniature gift, using wrapping paper, a fancy printed napkin, a colorful magazine page, tissue paper, or construction paper. A bow, ribbon, charm, or a sticker added to the package can dress things up a bit. The mini gift will leave them stumped, because it will be completely silent when they shake it. If you have a spider ring, toss it inside the box before wrapping so you have your ‘trick’ complete.

Buying a bunch of items can be fun, but spending a lot isn’t necessary. Be creative. If you have a talent, or a special craft, go ahead and make something special just for them. It will add a personal touch, and remind them of your kindness. Most people will appreciate the gesture. Happy Halloween.

— Tammy Kilby is a correspondent for Morris Media of Wisconsin. She can be reached at tkilby@morrismultimedia.com.