Candles, mini pumpkins and Halloween-themed sweets are frequently added to boo baskets. Getty Images
Candles, mini pumpkins and Halloween-themed sweets are frequently added to boo baskets. Getty Images
Candles, mini pumpkins and Halloween-themed sweets are frequently added to boo baskets. Getty Images
Candles, mini pumpkins and Halloween-themed sweets are frequently added to boo baskets. Getty Images

Boo baskets: TikTok's latest trend for autumn and how to make one


Faisal Salah
  • English
  • Arabic

October is here and that means two things: the seasons are changing and Halloween is around the corner.

And, if you're on TikTok, a new trend to mark autumn's arrival is probably on your radar: boo baskets.

What is a boo basket?

Considered the Halloween equivalent of Easter baskets, boo baskets are gift hampers people give to each other filled with items designed to spread joy for autumn.

Given at the start of the season, the baskets are meant to signal the end of summer and the beginning of cooler months.

They aren't only for significant others though, as they can also be put together for friends, children, pets or even neighbours.

What goes in is up to the person assembling it, but some broad ground rules exist.

Contents should be adjusted to fit the needs of the person who's receiving the basket. For example, if it is for a partner, personalise the basket with items they might want or need. Various videos on TikTok show people assembling baskets for their significant other and, while some have specific objects, the vast majority of them include the items in the gallery below.

  • Nothing says autumn like a bespoke cup or tumbler. Photo: Valeriia Miller / Pexels
    Nothing says autumn like a bespoke cup or tumbler. Photo: Valeriia Miller / Pexels
  • Plush toys dial up the cosy factor. Photo: Teresa Howes / Pexels
    Plush toys dial up the cosy factor. Photo: Teresa Howes / Pexels
  • Colouring books are a great way to while away the season. Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels
    Colouring books are a great way to while away the season. Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels
  • Ugg boots are added to premium boo baskets. Photo: Thibault Penin / Unsplash
    Ugg boots are added to premium boo baskets. Photo: Thibault Penin / Unsplash
  • Set the atmosphere with some scented candles. Photo: Stories / Unsplash
    Set the atmosphere with some scented candles. Photo: Stories / Unsplash
  • Halloween isn't complete without sweets. Photo: Alexandra / Unsplash
    Halloween isn't complete without sweets. Photo: Alexandra / Unsplash
  • Soft throws are perfect for movie night. Photo: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
    Soft throws are perfect for movie night. Photo: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
  • Halloween cards add a personal touch. Getty Images
    Halloween cards add a personal touch. Getty Images
  • Comfy pyjamas are a must. Photo: Paval Danilyuk / Pexels
    Comfy pyjamas are a must. Photo: Paval Danilyuk / Pexels

Once the foundation has been laid, variations can be made from there.

Themes and styles of the items chosen are also important to consider. Many TikTok users suggest finding out whether the recipient prefers autumn or Halloween.

How to enhance the autumn experience at home

There's more to the season than just assembling a basket though; you can go the extra mile and create a seasonal and/or spooky atmosphere.

Picking the right playlist

The right choice depends on the mood required, which depends on the basket's autumn or Halloween theme.

Here is an example of an autumnal playlist on Spotify that could fit the mood of the season.

Decorating your space

Go all out and fill your home with bright orange pumpkins – carved or uncarved. Fairy lights with orange colours could also accent the space nicely.

Schedule movie nights

Supplement the atmosphere with a varied film selection; cosy rom-coms like When Harry met Sally during the day and horror flicks like The Exorcist at night.

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The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

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7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

Napoleon
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The Details

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  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
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Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos

Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha

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Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
  2. It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
  3. Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
  4. Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Updated: October 07, 2023, 4:07 AM