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Sending a kid off to college doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the little traditions that make the holidays fun. In fact, being away from home might be the perfect reason to surprise them with a Boo Basket.

Whether your college student is living in a dorm, sharing an apartment, or commuting to campus, a Boo Basket is an easy way to send a little piece of home their way. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive.

The best college Boo Baskets include a mix of things they’ll eat, things they’ll actually use, and a few things that are just plain fun.

Want to Build Your Own Boo Basket?

I put together a full list of College Boo Basket Ideas so you can mix and match and create one that’s perfect for your college student. Pick a few favorites, add their must-have snacks, and make it as simple or over-the-top as you want.

Shop My Full Boo Basket List

Or Steal One of These Boo Baskets

Don’t want to start from scratch? I put together two different baskets with fun, practical and thoughtful finds that work especially well for college life.

Pick the basket that fits your college student best, shop the individual items you want, and skip anything they won’t use.

Shop the individual items right from the photos below and create your own version.

For the college student who loves all things fall, this version leans a little cozier with pumpkin spice coffee, hot cocoa, Halloween socks and a few self-care extras.

This one mixes a few treats with things they can actually use—plus a game and Halloween lights for a little dorm-room fun.

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Start With the Snacks

Let's be realistic: this may be the part they care about most.

Add a mix of their favorite snacks and a few seasonal treats. Think about things that are easy to keep in a dorm room or toss into a backpack.

Some ideas:

• Halloween candy

• Popcorn

• Pretzels or snack mixes

• Protein bars

• Cookies

• Chips

• Hot chocolate packets

• Coffee or tea

• Gum and mints

• Their favorite hard-to-find snack from home

Tip: If you're mailing the basket, choose individually wrapped foods and skip anything that could melt or easily get crushed.

Already made box of snacks

Add Something Cozy

Fall on a college campus practically requires something cozy.

You don't need to add everything....one or two items can make the basket feel special.

Try:

• Fuzzy socks

• A small throw blanket

• Slippers

• A sleep mask

• A cozy beanie

• Hand warmers

• A microwaveable heat pack

Bonus points if it's something they can actually use long after Halloween.

Include a Few Dorm-Life Essentials

This is where Mom gets to sneak practical things into the fun stuff.

College students always seem to need something they forgot to buy or something they didn't realize they'd need until they moved out.

Consider adding:

• Lip balm

• Hand lotion

• Stain-remover pens

• Mini first-aid supplies

• Phone charging cable

• Portable charger

• Laundry supplies

• Reusable water bottle

• Shower or toiletry essentials

  
  

Not particularly spooky, but they'll probably be glad you included them.

Shop My Laundry Pick

Shop Practical Dorm-Room Additions →

Shop My Full Boo Basket List

Make It Halloween

Now add a few inexpensive things that make it feel like a Boo Basket instead of a regular care package.

You could include:

• Mini Halloween decorations

• Battery-operated string lights

• A small pumpkin

• Halloween stickers

• A funny Halloween mug

• A spooky movie-night treat

• Halloween-themed socks

• A tiny ghost, pumpkin, or skeleton decoration

Dorm rooms are small, so think little touches rather than big decorations.

A little Halloween to brighten their day

Festive Halloween Lights

Give Them Something To Do

College life isn't exactly known for an abundance of free time, but adding one fun item gives them something they can do with roommates or friends.

Ideas include:

• Card game

• Mini game

• Puzzle

• Coloring book

• Movie-night kit

• Face masks for a roommate spa night

• Microwave popcorn and candy for a Halloween movie night

It's even better if it's something they can share.

A little something to do with friends

Don't Forget the Personal Part

This might actually be the most important thing in the basket.

Add a handwritten note.

It doesn't have to be sentimental if that's not your family's style. Write something funny, include an inside joke, or simply tell them you're thinking about them.

You can even add a gift card for their favorite coffee shop, restaurant, grocery store, or food-delivery service.

Thinking of you cards-Grab a pack

You Don't Need a Traditional Basket

If you're shipping your Boo Basket, there's no reason to pay to mail a giant plastic pumpkin across the country.

Use the shipping box as the basket.

Add orange or black tissue paper, Halloween confetti, or a few inexpensive decorations and arrange everything inside.

If you're delivering it yourself, then have some fun with the container. Try a Halloween bucket, reusable tote, storage basket, or even a small laundry basket they'll actually use afterward.

If a traditional basket is more your style, I found one for you.

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Shop My Favorite College Boo Basket Ideas

I've put together some of my favorite College Boo Basket finds—from snacks and cozy additions to practical dorm-room goodies and Halloween fun.

College Boo Basket List