Fall is one of the best times of the year. With apple and pumpkin picking, the changing leaves, and all of the Halloween fun, what’s not to love? But, one of our favorite fall traditions is potentially less well known.
Have you heard of booing your neighbors? Whether this is a time honored tradition in your community or you are just hearing about it for the first time, keep reading to learn more and get a free, downloadable boo note and sign template!
What is booing?
Booing is a tradition that you may or may not have heard of. It is a fun game that can be played with neighbors, family members, coworkers, classmates, or friends. To play, secretly leave a boo bag filled with candy, treats, adult beverages, and more with a note for a neighbor, coworker, or friend. Then, they have 2 days to “boo” someone else! Once boo’ed, they should put up a sign (on their front lawn, in their window, on their desk, etc) so people know not to boo them again.
The act of booing neighbors started in the 1980s, according to ABC. It is most frequently done in neighborhoods, but you can start the game in your office, classroom, apartment building, or house. Generally, people begin booing people at the end of September and finish the day before Halloween.
Boo bags: What are they?
Booing is a fun way to spread joy throughout your community. Because it causes a chain reaction, it’s a wonderful way to welcome new neighbors, classmates, and friends into the fold.
But, in order to properly boo someone, you need to create a really great boo bag. What is a boo bag? A boo bag is the actual package that you drop off to boo someone! A boo bag does not need to be an actual bag. It can be a box, pumpkin, flower pot, or anything. In fact, some neighborhoods get very into booing and end up filling up the whole driveway or front porch with treats! But, most people just choose a vessel, though, and fill it with all sorts of treats, small Halloween toys and decorations, and of course, the all important note and sign.
How to make a boo bag
Now that you know more about the history of booing and what boo bags are, you can start making your own boo bag to get the tradition going in your neighborhood, office, class, house, and anywhere you want! Invite your child to help you make the boo bag together so you can have fun together!
Step 1: Choose your boo bag
Options can include a bag (plastic or canvas), box, pumpkin (either plastic or a hollowed out real one), cauldron, flower pot, shoebox, anything! Just make sure it’s big enough to fill with all of your treats.
Step 2: Pick your fillings
What will you put in your special boo bag? You don’t need to spend a fortune, but it is fun to put a variety of different items into your bag. We recommend checking out the dollar store or making treats yourself! Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Candy
- Homemade treats
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Small Halloween decorations
- Dollar store/aisle toys
- Festive socks, headbands, etc
- Pencils, sticky notes, etc
- Nips
- Starbucks/Dunkin gift cards
- Other fun small items
Step 3: Add your note
You have to include a short note explaining what booing is (in case your target has never heard of it!) and encouraging them to spread the joy by booing someone else. It can be a little poem or include some jokes, just make sure it is clear so the chain doesn’t break!
Some people include a time limit of 24-48 hours to boo the next person and others leave that out. You know your “target” the best: If they can get it done quickly, include the timing to make sure the chain moves quickly. If it will add stress and make it less likely that they pass the fun along, don’t include it.
Boo bag note example
You’ve been booed!!
Halloween is almost here,
But that isn’t something to fear!
Trick or treat? This trick is also a treat!
We brought you a bag full of fun and sweets
Just remember to pass it on,
And make a bag for someone else’s lawn!
And don’t forget to hang your ghost sign,
So someone else will be next in line!
Step 4: Include a sign
It is also important to print out a sign to include in your boo bag. Most boo bag signs have a ghost on them (for obvious reasons). In your note, ask your target to hang the sign in their window or on their door, front lawn, desk, etc so people know not to boo them again.
How to boo someone
Once you have your boo bag set up, it is time for fun! Booing someone is kind of like reverse trick or treating. When the sun goes down, sneak up to their house, leave the treats on their doorstep, ring the bell, then run and hide. You will get to see their expression and excitement, but they should not be able to see you! Now, the game has begun!
If you are planning to start booing your coworkers or family members within your house, you can follow the same steps, but leave the boo bag on their desk or in their bedroom at a time when they are not around. Then, let them discover it and start the game.
We hope this guide has helped you get ready to start, or continue, a wonderful tradition in your neighborhood, with your family, and friends. Make sure you include your children when you plan and make your boo bags. Plus, they will love coming with you to deliver the goods and run away!
Happy Halloween, everyone!
