You have been boo d 2362

“BOOing” friends and neighbors in October is a fun way to spread Halloween cheer and lift everyone’s spirits! Use our free Halloween printables to start (or continue) the trend of secretly dropping off treats on the doorsteps of unsuspecting neighbors. 

What does it mean BOO a neighbor?

BOOing is a kind-hearted activity that involves spreading Halloween cheer (in the form of surprise treats) to friends or families in your neighborhood. The game continues as recipients follow instructions and pay it forward. The kids delight in this perfectly acceptable and totally awesome version of doorbell ditching, should you choose to “ring and run” (optional). Even if you don’t ring the bell, it should absolutely be done anonymously. That’s half the fun!

How do you BOO someone? 

If you’re starting the “chain”:

  1. Print two copies of our free “You’ve been BOO’d” and “We’ve been BOO’d” pages below. 

  2. Collect, make or buy Halloween treats (or a themed gift), put them in a cute box, bag or basket and do a “doorbell ditch” (optional) to two neighbors. Whichever way you chose to deliver it, do it secretly!

  3. Be sure to include one copy of both pages below with the gift (one tells them they’ve been BOO’d and explains the directions to keep it going; the other goes on their door to let others know they’ve already been BOO’d). 

  4. Have fun and don’t get caught!

If you’ve been BOO’d by someone else, simply follow the instructions on the paper that was delivered to you (see “You’ve been BOO’d below).

Free Boo a Neighbor Printables for Halloween

Make sure you deliver ONE OF EACH of these pages to each person you BOO!

You have been boo ed 01     You have been boo ed 02

Poem written by Lisa Gipson, managing editor of San Diego Family Magazine. Do not remove SDFM’s name from these pages; or copy, share, reproduce, distribute or publish the poem or printables elsewhere without giving credit to San Diego Family Magazine. All right reserved.

–––––––––––––––

Father's Day in San Diego: events, gifts, tips and more

Father's Day in San Diego: events, gifts, tips and more

   Wondering how to celebrate Father's Day in San Diego this year? Find events, recipes, crafty handmade presents, and Dad-approved gift ideas to show the dads in your life how much they ar . . .

Read more

119 Dad-Approved Gifts

119 Dad-Approved Gifts

Every Dad is unique, so have the kids spend time thinking about what they can do, make or give him that will speak to his soul and make him feel special, whether it's Father’s Day, Christmas or an . . .

Read more

San Diego County Fair 2025: Tips, Deals & Discounts

San Diego County Fair 2025: Tips, Deals & Discounts

  Great news! San Diego’s favorite fair opens at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 11–July 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Below are the best 2025 San Diego County Fair tips, deals and disc . . .

Read more

9 Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice

9 Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice

In San Diego, June 20 marks the longest day of the year and heralds the start of the beloved summer season: summer solstice. The summer solstice presents another opportunity for families to celebrat . . .

Read more

Free Summer Concerts 2025

Free Summer Concerts 2025

San Diego’s Free Summer Concerts 2025 Start the summer on a high note! Here are outdoor gigs and free summer concerts happening throughout San Diego County in 2025.   CARLSBADTGIF Con . . .

Read more

Happy Father’s Day! 10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad

Happy Father’s Day! 10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad

Every dad needs reminders of how much he is loved and valued. While you don’t want to forgo handmade cards and the kids’ sweet ideas for Father’s Day or a birthday, these creative ways to cele . . .

Read more

San Diego Family's Ultimate Summer Sand-Bucket List

San Diego Family's Ultimate Summer Sand-Bucket List

San Diegans have it really rough—living in a top travel destination that many people dream of visiting. One thing is sure--there is no shortage of fun things to do, especially when the kids are ou . . .

Read more

How to Have a Retro Summer

How to Have a Retro Summer

The kids are out of school—it’s time to simplify the schedule and encourage as much outdoor play as possible. Have an old-school, retro summer!   What is a Retro Summer? What does it mean . . .

Read more

31 Days of Summer Fun!

31 Days of Summer Fun!

Who’s ready to get out and have some fun in San Diego this summer? Here are 31 awesome ideas—one for every day in July. Plan a late-night date with the kids. We recommend going out for chocol . . .

Read more

Celebrate July 4: Activities, Recipes & Crafts

Celebrate July 4: Activities, Recipes & Crafts

Spark up your July 4 celebration with our round-up of patriotic-inspired crafts and decorations, festive recipes and San Diego's Fourth of July festivities!   SAN DIEGO FIREWORKS & FES . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe