You can always count on Chicagoland temps to drop into the 30s on Halloween, because of course it does. 

Today is no exception, and if you looked out the window this morning or were outside, you saw/felt a brief snow flurry. Once again Mother Nature is being difficult. Do we just toss out the trick or treating plans and mope? NO! We adapt and ensure our little ghouls and goblins are both warm and in high spirits.

So, let’s talk about some spooktacular ways to handle trick or treating when it’s freezing outside. 

1. Layer Up

Second only to your child’s disappointment at having to donate some of their candy, is having to wear a jacket over their costumes. We have good news for them and you: they can lose the jacket and wear thermal or cotton layers beneath their Elsa, Grogu, Super Mario, or Scream costume instead.

If they get itchy, well, that’s on them. 

2. Blend Coziness with Costume Design

You know what they say? When Halloween gives you a wintry mix, uh…make wintry mixade, or something like that. 

Why not make the cold part of the look? If your child is dressing up as a ghost, a white hoodie underneath can look seamless. A princess? Long-sleeved dresses or even velvet capes can add warmth. Pirates with scarves, zombies with torn flannel shirts—the cold-weather options are endless!

3. The Power of Accessories

Gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves can all be added to a costume without ruining the look. 

A funky colored scarf or hat might just add that extra flair. And don’t get me started on the adorable beanies out there that can easily be part of an animal costume.

The things we do for love, right?

4. Warm-Up Breaks

Instead of doing a marathon trick or treating session, consider breaking it up. 

Do a few houses, then hop into the car or head back home for a quick warm-up break. Maybe have a spooky warm drink ready—a hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick or hot chocolate. 

And of course an adult beverage or three…if you’re not the driver. 

5. The Shoe Matters

It’s not just about the outfit. 

Your child’s feet can get cold quickly, especially when walking from house to house. Opt for warm, comfy footwear and two pair of socks. If your little mermaid wears sneakers instead of flimsy sandals, I promise she’ll still look fantastic.

6. Hand Warmers

Those little packets you shake and stuff in your pockets? Gold. 

Pop a pair in your child’s pockets, or even in their treat bag. They last for hours and can be a game-changer in keeping fingers toasty. Drop them in their shoes, too. 

7. Opt for Indoor Activities

Some communities offer indoor trick or treating events. 

Malls, community centers, or schools might have activities where kids can gather treats without braving the cold. Keep an eye out for local events.

8. Remember the Real Fun

Is it about the candy? Well, partly (okay, mostly). 

But it’s also about the experience. Emphasize the fun of dressing up, the joy of spending time together, and the stories you’ll share. “Remember that Halloween when it was SO cold, and we did XYZ?!” I’m not guaranteeing that will work, but it’s worth a shot. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of Halloween, check out our Trick or Treat Gift Basket that causes people to shriek with joy with what’s inside: an assortment of chocolate candy, including Hershey’s kisses; sweet potato chips; Haribo gummies; Jelly Bellies; Vosges Marshies; and more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

Keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, hunger-striking—there are many ways to eat these days. 

Then there’s the traditional, good ‘ol fashion snacking. We’re all familiar with this scenario: three o’clock hits, your energy is plummeting faster than a cell phone battery running 30 apps, and you’re eyeing that vending machine in the corner, thinking of all the crispy, crunchy, sugary delights inside.

There’s a better way to snack, and done right, snacking can be your trusty sidekick, always there to give you the right energy push and keep you on track.

The Perks of Picking Proper Snacks

First off, let’s debunk a myth: snacking isn’t the villain some make it out to be. It’s not about eating less, but eating smarter. 

Strategically timed snacks can keep your blood sugar levels steady, preventing those roller coaster highs and lows that leave you feeling like a deflated balloon by mid-afternoon.

Moreover, smart snacking can rev up your metabolism. Think of your body like a car–if you never give it fuel or plug it into a charging station, it’s not going to run very smoothly. 

Consistent, small bits of nourishment can keep your engine purring along.

Quality Over Quantity

Not all snacks are created equal. 

While that triple-chocolate-mega-cookie from the office cafeteria might look tempting, it’s not going to do you any favors in the energy department.

Aim for snacks that have a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This combo is the Holy Trinity of snacking. It will fill you up, keep you satisfied, and provide sustained energy. 

You can’t go wrong (barring allergies) with almonds and fruit, Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola, or hummus and veggies.

Plan Ahead and Pack It Up

Alright, it’s storytime.

Imagine you’re stranded on a snack-less island. It’s desolate, with nothing but your rumbling stomach for company. Now, replace that island with a never-ending work meeting, and you’ll understand why planning is key.

Having a stash of wholesome, tasty snacks at your disposal can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re storing them in your desk drawer, handbag, car glove compartment, or socks, being prepared means you won’t be caught off guard when hunger strikes.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Okay, technically not a “snack,” but did you know sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger? 

Before reaching for a snack, take a sip of water. If your tummy stops grumbling, it might’ve just been a bit parched.

Know Yourself

Lastly, listen to your body. 

Everyone’s different. Some folks might thrive on three square meals, while others (like me) need a nibble every couple of hours to keep the grumpiness at bay. Find what works best for you, and don’t let snacking be a source of stress.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Did you know that we create snack baskets? What a coincidence!

Our Fall Snacker Gift Basket is brimming with sweet and savory treats, including Magnolia Bakery banana pudding cookies, Unbound seasoned walnuts, peanut butter bites, smoked cashews, Gary Poppins popcorn, almonds, and more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

To clarify: we are not over social media in the sense that it’s beneath us, and nor we are done with it. 

Au contraire. BasketWorks is very active on social media, because we have a lot of cool products and creations to show and tell. Our emails containing our blog posts and newsletters are but one way of reaching you. 

Today’s blog post provides your guide to where you can find us on social media and the type of content we’re putting out there. 

Facebook or Meta. Whatever

Remember Facebook? The kids may not be active there, but 1) youth is wasted on the young and 2) Facebook remains the largest social media networking platform to the tune of 3 billion users, which, if you made a country out of them, would be the most populated country in the world. 

When you check out our Facebook page, you’ll mostly find videos of new inventory that I reveal. Some refer to these as “unboxing”, but at the end of the day, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at the latest and greatest products to be featured in our gift baskets. 

Instagram

You’ll find our videos on Instagram, as well, plus lots of pictures of our finished baskets and testimonials. 

The testimonials aren’t there to inflate my head–I’m not going to lie; they do feel good–but rather to demonstrate our credibility, quality of service, customer satisfaction, and value proposition so that you can feel confident that you’re doing business with the right folks. 

Threads

There’s a Russian nesting doll theme happening: Facebook owns Instagram, and Threads is the offspring of Instagram. 

Threads has Twitter vibes with a sprinkle of Instagram aesthetics. With a 500-character post cap, it lets you jazz up your feed with photos and videos. 

But compared to our posts on Facebook and Instagram, I pull back the curtain and share more candid messaging on Threads. I find that there are more similarities than differences with my business and “personal” branding. I like to get real, and I’m glad that people can relate. 

Also, Mark Zuckerberg has waited a long time to land a punch on Twitter, and so far this is his best shot. 

🚨SHAMELESS, NON SEQUITUR PLUG ALERT🚨

We’re attempting fall here in Chicagoland, given the warm temperatures and all. 

But it’s still fall, and if you want to make someone’s season extra special, surprise them with our 

Flavors of Fall Gift Basket, bursting with an abundance of flavors, like mulling spices, Anna’s ginger cookies, Nibbles chocolate chunks, RayZyns wine raisins, smoked cashews, and more! 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.