Lorraine   &     Friends

Staff Writer, September 30 2025

The Boo Collection


Ah, the boo bag. A modern fixture of the Autumn holiday season. Give them to your parents, your neighbors, and most importantly, your friends. But what can be done when your friends happen to be allergic to cheap plastic pumpkins and candles filled to the brim with unknown substances, or worse—UNINSPIRED SCENTS? What can be done when your chic friends have all of the sudden become too chic, too discerning?  

These friends are difficult to impress and require more thought than just a bunch of orange themed snacks and whatever catches your eye at the checkout isle. These friends deserve better. Good thing we have a curator to help you out. Oh, and don't forget, nothing here is sponsored, this is just a collection of genuine vibes you could send to your friends to make their Falliday season. Stay cozy.



1. The Bag 

First things first, we need to start out with something pretty to put all of our boo stuff inside. Why give your friend something way too Halloween specific to be used outside of October, when you could give them something actually useful? Give them a cute tote bag! This one from Rifle Paper Co. can be used all year round, and is durable and large enough for even our busiest friends. The color is versatile and subtle enough to fit any lifestyle. Gifts that are both practical and darling are ALWAYS appreciated!


Rifle Paper Co.

Ditsy Dahlia Canvas Carry All, $79

https://riflepaperco.com/products/canvas-carry-all-ditsy-dahlia?_pos=1&_psq=canvas+tote&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.


2. The Book

Autumn is the time for some serious cozy reading, and it simply must fit the seasonal mood, so let's get a little dark for a second. Do you know what's better than watching true crime on the television? Reading true crime. Set in a small city located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, this book caused quite a bit of stir when it first came out. 

Thoroughly researching some of the most shocking and gruesome murder cases spanning between the years 1895-1975,  Judge Daniel Brabender weaves history and artful storytelling into one mentally stimulating work. The pacing will draw your friends in, while the unexpected details will remind them that it in fact is all reality. And the best part? Judge Brabender even includes archival photos that will send a chill down their spines.  


Erie's Sensational Murder Trials Vol. 1

By Judge Dan Brabender, $19.90

https://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-brabender/eries-sensational-murder-trials/paperback/product-zqmn9n.html?q=erie%27s+sensational+murder+trials&page=1&pageSize=4


3. The Cozy Drink

Autumn is nothing without a cozy warm drink filled with harvest flavors. Even if your friends aren't ones to dive head first into the Fall season, at the very least, they need to enjoy a seasonal drink. We know what they'll say. "Nooooo! Pumpkin spice is so overrated and unimaginative!" To this, we'd say...there is a chance they could be right. But have no fear, we've found the perfect solution from pink House Alchemy. A hidden gem that continues to serve up inventive syrups that can transform your warm lattes into the stuff of Autumn dreams, they hit directly at the essence of the season. For your sophisticated friends, try their Cardamom syrup. It's unusual and will show off your refined palette. Also check out their Pumpkin Butternut Spice syrup or their pH Delight syrup that features notes of honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Good luck choosing!


pink House Alchemy

Cardamom Syrup, $15

https://www.pinkhousealchemy.com/syrups/cardamom-syrup

Photo courtesy of pink House Alchemy


3. The Snack


Our boo collection is missing a snack. That's just a fact at this point. Every boo collection simply must include a fun snack, and nothing screams Autumn quite like small batch popcorn. A great pick for snuggling up, watching movies, reading creepy stories, or just chilling on a rainy Autumn night, Easy Peasy Caramel Cheesy from Double Good is really going to bring all of the cozy feels to your friend's evening. Caramel and cheese has been reimagined. Each piece gives you the best of both worlds so you never have to make that stressful choice of which one to put in your mouth, ever again. You probably should buy a bag for yourself while you're at it. You know, as a reward to your future self for putting this whole boo collection together. 


Double Good

Easy Peasy Caramel Cheesy, $14

https://www.doublegood.com/shop/easy-peasy-caramel-cheesy

Photo courtesy of Double Good


4.The Candle

We would be remiss if we didn't mention adding a scented candle to your boo collection. The Fall people would completely oust us from the community, and our membership would be revoked for life. The horror! But don't worry, dear friends, we've come prepared with some of the coolest Fall home decor that we've seen in a while. We believe that Fall and Halloween decorations should be multifunctional and imaginative, and when it comes to scented candles, our standards are high. Milkhouse Candle Co.'s 100% soy wax candles take us back to what scented candles should be giving us—a clean burn and a thoughtful scent. These skull candles from their Halloween collection will bring a bit of edgy sleek to any living room, and will have your friend keeping it out long after spooky season. Want a woody, smoky scent? Go with Phantom Spirit. Want something a little more gourmand with smooth pumpkin and warming spices? Try Haunted Hallows. 


Milkhouse Candle Co.

Haunted Hallows , $24

https://milkhousecandles.com/collections/fall-favorites/products/haunted-hallows-soy-skull-candle

Photo courtesy of Milkhouse Candle Co. 





Milkhouse Candle Co.

Phantom Spirit , $24

https://milkhousecandles.com/collections/fall-favorites/products/phantom-spirit-soy-skull-candle

Photo courtesy of Milkhouse Candle Co.





5. Something Cute


Cute stationary is always a necessity, and no one can resist some seasonal stationary. This sticky note pad from Rifle Paper Co. has me experiencing so much cuteness aggression that I'm not sure what to do with my hands right now. All I can say is, these are about to be all over my house. I think your friend might also agree.


Rifle Paper Co.

Ghost Sticky Notes, $10

https://riflepaperco.com/products/ghost-sticky-notes?_pos=1&_psq=ghost&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.


6. The Finishing Touch


Now before you finish arranging and packing up your boo collection, you're going to need a nice Halloween card to wish your friend a happy Autumn season. Don't worry, we have that covered too, and it's a little nostalgic. Hand designed in a classic Halloween style, this card from Rifle Paper Co. will definitely bring a smile to your friend's face. Just write what you like and seal it, then punch a hole in the corner and attach it to the bag with a pretty piece of Halloween ribbon. What a lovely gift!


Rifle Paper Co.

Black Cat Greeting Card, $6.50

https://riflepaperco.com/products/black-cat

Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.


There you have it, friends. The boo basket you used to know just got a sleek new makeover. It's got good quality items, while still never losing sight of all the fun that the season can bring. We wanted to make sure that everything we chose for you was something that creates a great experience, showcases thoughtful craftsmanship, and avoids just being tossed in the bin at the end of October. These are things your discerning friend is going to enjoy again and again, all while thinking of you fondly. Happy Halloween!









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