I’ll admit it. I am that mother. Shortly after delivering my daughter, I exclaimed to my husband, “Halloween just got even better!” I’m really enthusiastic about the holiday, and I like to include our neighbors and friends in on the fun! Come November, we’ll all be holed up from the cold, so Halloween is one of the last chances we get to organically socialize with the neighbors.
The “you’ve been boo’d” Halloween tradition is one that’s been around for a while, but is picking up steam (especially due to everyone’s obsession with Pinterest). In its simplest form, you anonymously give someone a card with the note “you’ve been boo’d!” or “you’ve been ghosted!” and, of course, include a delicious treat. Within the card, encourage your friend or neighbor to keep the tradition going, anonymously leaving a “you’ve been boo’d!” treat on a neighbor’s doorstep. It’s kind of like chain mail, but more delicious than annoying.
Whether you’ve just moved to the neighborhood or you’re looking for new ways to surprise and delight your neighbors, these are my favorite simple and fun ideas for “boo”ing your neighbors. After all, surprising people with treats is never a bad idea. Soon, your whole neighborhood will be wondering who boo’d whom!
Check out the ideas in the slideshow.
More DIY Halloween Ideas:
You've Been Boo'd
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Boo basket
This is a great way to get to know the neighbors you might not see that often. Simply wrap colorful treats in plastic storage bags and staple these printable labels on top! Throw everything in a basket and walk it over to the neighbor's house!
See the project on Love from the Oven
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Boo cone
This cute cone idea looks great hanging on the stairs or a doorknob. Bonus points if you add pom pom trim to the top!
See the project on Uncommon Designs
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We've been boo'd sign
Once a home on the street has been "booed," that house displays a tag or paper in the window stating so. Then, the family in that house is invited to "boo" another family in the neighborhood. Isn't this sign a cute one?
See the project on Anders Ruff
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You've Been Boo'd printable
Print out this cute poem with the instructions. Attach to some patterned paper and a basket of goodies! These really don't take a lot of effort, but it's a great way to get the neighborhood together.
See the project on Blue Sky Confections
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Boo muffin toppers
This version might be my favorite. Who doesn't love a good muffin topper?
See the project on Catch My Party
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Deck out their porch
I wouldn't mind if someone decked out my porch like this! I would save this idea for those really good friends of yours that wouldn't mind a masking tape monster on their door!
See the project on Modern Day Moms
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Boo mason jars
Give some mason jars a candy corn makeover. Nothing spooky about these sugary treats!
See the project on Ginger Snap Crafts
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Dollar Store boo
You can totally spoil the neighbors with a bunch of goodies from the dollar store. They'll think you're the best.
See the project on Tatertots & Jello
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Printable boo masks
The kids in your neighborhood will love getting these eerily fun wooden masks! They're easy to color and will hold up to a play date or two. Just before Halloween, do your best to make sure every house on the street has been "BOO"ed!
See the project on The Party Teacher