Boo baskets, the little Halloween gift buckets many families hand out in October, can add up fast. One mom shows a budget-friendly version that starts with something most homes already have: a pile of old, broken crayons.
The tutorial from @katiedreamcatcher is titled “Boo baskets on a budget.” There is no talking, just music, and the steps are easy to follow.
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Step one: recycle the crayons
She pours broken crayons into a colander in the sink and runs warm water over them to loosen the paper wrappers, then peels the wrappers off on a paper towel. She breaks the crayons into small pieces and sorts them by color into orange silicone Halloween molds shaped like pumpkins, witch hats, ghosts, skulls and bats.
The filled molds go on a baking sheet into a preheated toaster oven so the wax melts. After they cool on a wire rack, she pops out solid, brand-new Halloween crayons.
Step two: fill the buckets
While the crayons melt, she fills two orange jack-o’-lantern buckets with shredded crinkle paper. In go Halloween coloring books and sticker activity books, then small party-favor toys, including a Frankenstein figure with stretchy arms and legs and a pink ghost toy.
Step three: finish and display
The new crayons go into small clear treat bags and are set at the front of each bucket. A small snack, in this case a container of pumpkin and cinnamon puffs, rounds out the baskets.
Budget tips for your own boo baskets
- Reuse what you have. Old crayons become a brand-new gift for the price of a mold.
- Shop the dollar aisle. Coloring and sticker books and small party toys keep costs low.
- Pick non-candy items. Crayons, stickers and activity books are a hit with families avoiding sugar.
- Check ages. Choose toys and snacks that are safe for the youngest child in the house.
- Use an oven you can supervise. Melting wax needs care, so keep little ones away from the hot tray.
Why non-candy treats are having a moment
Many families like to mix in treats that are not food. Some do it to cut down on sugar, and others do it to make sure every child can join in, including those with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project, run by Food Allergy Research and Education, encourages households to offer non-food items for exactly that reason.
Items like crayons, stickers and small books can be just as exciting as candy, and they last longer. They also fit easily into baskets and buckets of any size.
Common questions about crafting with crayons
Can any crayons be melted down? Standard wax crayons are the usual choice for this kind of project. Peel off the paper first, break them into small pieces, and sort by color for the best results.
Is it safe to melt crayons in the oven? It can be done with care. Melted wax and hot trays get very warm, so keep children well back, use oven mitts, and let everything cool fully before anyone touches the finished crayons. Use molds that are rated for oven use, and never leave the oven unattended.
What about toddlers? Small crayon shapes can be a choking risk for children under three. For little ones, look for larger shapes or chunky crayons, and always supervise coloring time.
More budget-friendly boo basket ideas
- A Halloween-themed book from the library or a thrift shop.
- A small set of washable markers or stamps.
- Glow sticks for trick-or-treat night.
- A pair of festive socks or a pumpkin-shaped cup.
- Homemade play dough in orange or purple, packed in a small container.
- A handwritten note about a family plan, like pumpkin carving on Saturday.
Try this at home: make a boo basket in an afternoon
- Gather every broken or leftover crayon from around the house.
- Decide on a budget, then set aside a few items from your own shelves, such as old coloring books or unused stickers.
- Shop for two or three new items that suit each child’s age.
- Make your crayon shapes while the kids are busy, and let them cool fully.
- Fill the baskets, set them in a surprise spot and enjoy the reaction.
It also helps to involve the kids in the crafting. Little ones can sort crayons by color, choose which molds to fill and help assemble the baskets. Taking part makes the surprise something they feel proud of, not just something they receive.
Seasonal traditions do not need a big budget to feel special. A little creativity and a handful of everyday supplies can make October feel magical.
Credit for the original post goes to @katiedreamcatcher on Instagram.
