Teen POV: The Haultok Trend – What is a Boo Basket?

Inside the Social Media Scaries: A Teen’s POV

Hi, I’m Nora! I’m 17 years old and part of the PTAC Teen Committee. Yep, I’m a teen who’s here to share my perspective because, let’s be real, at the PTA we know there’s no real action without a teen POV.

Part of my job is to help you understand what’s really happening online. It can be a wild place—not to scare you, but I’m here to help you get it so you can meet your teens where they are. Things change faster than the feed, and it’s not easy for parents to keep up. My goal is to walk you through the “social scaries” and make sense of this fast-moving digital world.

We’re at that time of year when the festive spirit is in full swing, and with that comes the gift-giving frenzy that’s plastered all over social media. You might have seen your own kids glued to their screens watching endless hauls and unboxings, but there’s more to it than just looking at pretty gifts.

Let’s dig into something that’s been gaining popularity recently: Boo-Baskets.

Boo-Baskets: What’s the Hype?

I've been scrolling, and while it's normal to see friends getting asked to high school proms or dances, this whole Boo-Basket thing is on a different level. 🎃👻

We’re at that time of year when social media is packed with gift-giving posts, and Halloween’s no longer just about costumes. Now, Boo-Baskets are trending, and they’re taking things to a whole new level.

Basically, Boo-Baskets are Halloween-themed gift baskets people give to friends or significant others, loaded with treats and sometimes seriously high-end stuff. I’ve seen ones with designer items, luxury candles, and even the latest gadgets. It’s not just a cute basket—it’s a full-on flex.

For us teens, seeing these on our feeds is cool, but it also brings a lot of pressure. These aren’t just fun gifts; they’re status symbols. And, let’s be real, not everyone can drop hundreds (or even thousands!) on Halloween gifts.

The Comparison Game is Real

As much as we try not to, it’s hard not to compare. Boo-Baskets turn into a competition on who got the most extravagant gift, and with Christmas coming, the gift-giving frenzy only gets bigger. For those of us who don’t receive all those fancy gifts, it can feel like we’re missing out.

How Parents Can Help Us Through It

So, what can you do as a parent to help us navigate these feelings? Honestly, just talking to us about it goes a long way. Remind us that social media isn’t real life and that the best gifts can’t always be measured in dollar signs. Emphasize that the holidays are about experiences, not things. And maybe share some of your own stories about meaningful gifts you’ve received that didn’t cost a fortune.

Encouraging us to focus on what really matters—like making memories, being with loved ones, and finding joy in little moments—can make a big difference. Plus, it helps to know that we’re not alone in feeling this way. It’s okay to be bummed out by the flashy posts we see, but it’s also important to find gratitude in what we have, no matter how small.

How to Start the Conversation

• What’s something on social media that’s made you feel stressed or left out lately?Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the screen.

• If you didn’t have to post about the holidays, what would your ideal holiday look like?Thinking about what actually matters can be pretty eye-opening.

• What’s one thing you’re thankful for this season that isn’t a gift?Shifting focus to the little things can go a long way.

Wrapping It Up

So, as the holiday season kicks off and Boo-Baskets and Christmas hauls start taking over our feeds, know that we’re feeling the pressure. It’s not just about wanting more stuff—it’s about wanting to feel like we fit in. Your support and understanding mean the world to us, and a little reminder that we’re enough just the way we are can go a long way during this time of year. Thanks for listening and for always being there to help us through the ups and downs of growing up in a social media world.