Here comes Halloween! It’s time to enjoy plenty of tricks and treats, spooky fun, kooky costumes, and scary movies. A popular way people have started celebrating is with a boo basket filled with Halloween goodies, and yes, you can even make one for your pet.
But first, what is a boo basket anyway?
Boo Basket 101
In case you missed it, a boo basket is simply a basket (or any container) that’s filled with Halloween surprises. It started, like so many things do, with a viral social media trend where people filled a basket with festive treats and placed it on a neighbor’s, friend’s, or family member’s front porch.
The catchphrase for these surprise deliveries was “You’ve Been Boo’d!” Get it?
Sometimes the drop-offs were anonymous; other times they weren’t. Eventually, the idea evolved a bit to where people gave boo baskets directly to recipients instead of dropping them off in stealth mode. Kids would even wake up on Halloween morning to a basket of fun, almost as if it were Easter.
And, of course, it was only a matter of time before furry friends got a piece of the Halloween action. But if you want to make a pet-friendly boo basket, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the animal recipient enjoys their gift.
What Do You Put in a Pet’s Boo Basket?
The most important thing to know before making a boo basket for your dog or cat is to include things your pet can actually enjoy. Therefore, avoid anything toxic to pets, like chocolate. Really, there shouldn’t be any people food in your pet’s gift, so steer clear of it.
Instead, choose pet-friendly options, such as tasty treats, toys, and even new supplies like a reflective leash, food dish, or a fun Halloween bandana.
To get into the spirit of the season, opt for items that pair well with the holiday. You can look for a Halloween costume for your pet, themed toys, or items that will come in handy for trick-or-treating with your pet. Think things like poop bags, a reflective harness, or an LED collar.
Here are a few fun toy options that are all about Halloween:
- Spooky Mice Trio — Your cat will love chasing and swatting these adorable little mice dressed up like a witch, candy corn, and Frankenstein’s monster.
- Halloween Monster Toy — Not only is this a cute one-eyed monster, but it also has wiggly legs that are perfect for a game of tug-of-war.
- Halloween Cauldron Hide-and-Seek Squeaky Toy — If your dog loves interactive toys and could use some extra distraction on Halloween night, this plush puzzle is a win.
You can find all sorts of cute, spooky, puzzling, and squishy Halloween-themed toys that are perfect for pets. Think about what your dog or cat enjoys most, and let that guide you in narrowing down your options to two or three favorites.
The Basket Can Be a Gift, Too
Just because it’s called a “Boo Basket” doesn’t mean you need to put everything in an actual basket. When people give boo baskets to kids, they usually put them in a container they can use for trick-or-treating.
Well, your fur baby isn’t likely to go knocking door-to-door on Halloween night. Your pet may not have much use for a traditional basket. But you can still make the container something useful and fun for your pet. For example, it could be a new toy bin, a brand-new pet bed, or a large water bowl.
Honestly, depending on your pet, even a simple cardboard box could be a treat. Many cats love squeezing into small boxes. Even a few pups might be intrigued by the idea of hopping in and out of one.
Extra Tips to Make Your Pet’s Boo Basket Just Right
Here are the main things to keep in mind when creating the perfect boo basket for your pet.
Make It Festive Without Going Overboard
Don’t overwhelm your pet with a basket stuffed to the brim with trinkets, toys, treats, and fun. A few simple surprises are enough to make a special gift for your pal without going over the top.
To add a little festive flair, decorate the basket with some Halloween pictures or even black and orange tissue paper. Just make sure to remove any decor before your pet gets a chance to grab it.
What Does Your Pet Like?
It’s easy to get swept up in the Halloween madness once you're in the store and see all the fun goodies. But you need to remember that you’re making a basket for your cat or dog. So you need to think about what they actually like and what they’ll play with, eat, or use.
For example, it doesn’t matter how adorable you think a plush vampire is if your dog despises soft toys. If your pup prefers tennis balls, then that’s the best toy for their basket. (Here are some Halloween tennis balls so you can still stick with your holiday theme.)
Think about what your pet likes and what they usually do when you’re choosing items, and resist buying things just because they’re cute. Check toy labels for size recommendations. Skip toys with small parts that your pet could swallow.
Do the same thing with treats. During different holidays, it’s typical for vendors to market all sorts of cute themed goodies. However, not everything is safe or a good fit for your pet. Check the label and avoid anything that doesn’t clearly list the ingredients.
If your pet doesn’t care that much for dressing up, don’t buy them a costume or a Halloween shirt. Does your cat prefer to scratch and climb instead of play with toys? You don’t have to put toys in their boo basket. Instead, how about adding a small scratching pad?
Add a Few Practical Items
A boo basket doesn’t have to be all Halloween toys and extras. You can use the opportunity to replace a few things that your pet needs, which helps out your budget while reducing pet clutter.
A new food or water bowl, a cozy blanket, a grooming brush, or even a couple of cans of dog food can all make great additions. Other practical items could be a new collar or updated ID tags.
Prioritize Safety
Choose a container without sharp or rough edges, and make sure everything in the basket is pet-safe. When you give your pet their boo basket, let them explore at their own pace. However, supervise your dog or cat as they unpack all of their goodies.
A Little Halloween Magic for Your Best Friend
Making a pet-friendly boo basket is a spooktacular way to include your dog or cat in the Halloween festivities. But you don’t have to create some elaborate gift with tons of items.
Whether you fill it with spooky toys, tasty treats, practical supplies, or a combination of all three, the best basket is one that reflects your pet's personality. Stick with choices that you know your pet enjoys, and you can’t go wrong.
So grab a basket (or a pet bed), gather a few goodies, and get ready for some furtastic Halloween fun! Looking for more ways to spend Halloween with your pet? You’ll find all sorts of treats in the Neater Pets blog.