Boo!

Halloween began as an ancient Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Welsh) festival called Samhain. November 1 was the start of the New Year and October 31 was the last night of the old year where spirits of the deceased were thought to roam the land.

Halloween is not usually thought of as a holiday where we exchange gifts, but rather we give treats to the trick or treaters that come to visit. But there may be someone you'd like to give a gift to, maybe a teacher, coach or as a hostess gift for a Halloween party. A homemade Halloween gift basket is the perfect gift for such an occasion.

First you'll need something to hold all the goodies in. You can use one of those plastic pumpkins that trick or treaters use as the "basket". Also a black or orange bowl will work. If you have a basket, spray paint it black or orange. Shred some orange paper and lay it on the bottom.

Now that you've got the "basket" ready, shop for Halloween candy or gifts that you'll place inside. Here are some ideas to get you started:

candy corn

Halloween make up kit

vampire teeth

orange cookies

orange scented candles

scary books

horror movies

CD of scary music

Try this Halloween version of Rice Krispy treats to add to your gift baskets!

1/2 cup butter or margarine

9 cup miniature marshmallows

10 cup chocolate Rice Krispy cereal

2 cup candy corn

3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

assorted candy pumpkins

Melt the butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour the cereal, candy corn and chocolate chips into large bowl. Pour the butter and marshmallow mixture over cereal, stirring quickly to coat. For best results, use a wooden spoon sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread mixture on large buttered cookie sheet pressing out evenly with buttered hands. While it's still warm, press on candy pumpkins spaced about 1-1/2" apart. Cool, then cut into squares. Makes about 48 squares .