Boo Baskets

The Charm of Boo Baskets: From American Doorsteps to Grown-Up Gifting

As the air turns crisp and the evenings draw in, Halloween brings more than costumes and pumpkins. Over the past two decades, a playful American tradition has quietly taken root and is now making its way into homes across the UK: the boo basket.

What began as a surprise doorstep gesture between neighbours has evolved into a charming and thoughtful way to share seasonal cheer—with adults now giving the trend a delicious twist.

A Peek Into the Tradition

The concept of boo baskets started in suburban America in the early 2000s. Families would secretly leave a bundle of Halloween treats on a neighbour’s doorstep—a mix of sweets, trinkets, and a little note that read, “You’ve been booed!” The idea was simple: enjoy the surprise, then pass the fun along by ‘booing’ someone else.

But as with many trends, it didn’t stay small for long. Social media embraced it, turning boo baskets into personalised, seasonal gifts for friends, family, and coworkers. And over time, the childlike treats made room for more… grown-up delights.

The Rise of the Adult Boo Basket

Today's boo baskets go beyond gummy sweets and plastic spiders. For adults, they’ve become a cosy celebration of autumn—filled with candles, artisan chocolates, seasonal treats, and, of course, a well-chosen bottle of wine.

This version of the tradition has become especially popular for dinner hosts, neighbours, workplace surprises, and thoughtful doorstep gestures to kick off the season.

Rather than focusing on novelty, it leans into warmth, indulgence, and a little mystery.

Wine as the Heart of a Thoughtful Basket

A bottle instantly elevates a boo basket from playful to memorable. Here are two wines that lend themselves beautifully to the idea—each offering a different mood for the season:

Mercredi 12H30 Rosé

With its pale pink hue and delicate notes of banana, grapefruit, and tangerine, this rosé brings a soft, sunny brightness to an autumn evening. Floral and fruit-driven, it pairs effortlessly with light bites, making it ideal for a “seasonal pick-me-up” style basket. Think cosy socks, spiced nuts, and a scented candle alongside the bottle.

LLLL by Ricardelle (4L Red)

For those who prefer something richer, this smooth and fruity red blend—deep garnet in colour—adds warmth and generosity. With notes of red berries and a supple mouthfeel, it suits the kind of basket that leans into comfort: dark chocolate, artisanal crisps, perhaps even a mini cheese selection. It’s the kind of wine that encourages sharing—or keeping to oneself until the next Netflix night.

Ideas for Assembling an Adult Boo Basket

Here are inspiration bundles that reflect the spirit of the tradition:

✨ Cosy Night-In Basket

• Mercredi 12H30 Rosé

• Spiced biscuits or macarons

• A soft throw or autumnal candle

• A handwritten “You’ve been booed!” tag

🔥 Fireside Treat Basket

• LLLL by Ricardelle Red

• Dark chocolate bark or truffles

• Charcuterie snacks or gourmet crisps

• A bottle opener and a note left at the door

🎃 Seasonal Surprise Basket

• Blanc by Ricardelle Wine

• Mini pumpkins or autumn foliage

• A little jar of chutney or jam

• Festive glassware or coasters

Why the Tradition Endures

Boo baskets work because they combine three things people love at this time of year:

• Generosity without pressure – There’s no expectation of return, only a gentle nudge to keep the magic going.

• Seasonal excitement – They capture the best of autumn without relying on trick-or-treat nostalgia.

• Surprise and connection – Whether anonymous or signed, they create a moment of unexpected delight.

And when a bottle of wine is at the centre, it becomes less of a novelty and more of a thoughtful gesture—something to open, savour, and share.

Spreading a Little Seasonal Mystery

Whether left on a friend’s porch, brought to a dinner party, or tucked into a colleague’s office chair, boo baskets offer a small but meaningful way to mark the season.

From pastel rosé to generous red, the right bottle doesn’t just fill the basket—it sets the tone. And perhaps, as the tradition continues to travel, more of us will find a bottle on our doorstep one October evening, accompanied by a note and a smile between the lines:

You’ve been booed.