Everyone knows Aldi can cause a full-blown shopping frenzy when its seasonal decor hits the shelves. One minute, you’re browsing for groceries and the next, you’re fighting the urge to buy a pumpkin-shaped something you absolutely do not need. But while everyone’s busy making a beeline for Aldi’s affordable Halloween finds, can I take a moment to appreciate CVS? Yes, that CVS. The neighborhood drugstore that’s quietly stocking some seriously cute autumn goodies without asking you to spend a small fortune.
CVS deserves a spot on your fall shopping radar, especially if you love a seasonal bargain that doesn’t require setting an alarm for a special shopping day. Sometimes the best finds are hiding in plain sight, right between the greeting cards and the cough drops.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
This got me thinking about putting together a little something for a friend who loves hosting: a Halloween party hosting book basket filled with fun, festive goodies that’ll make entertaining a little more spirited. Because showing up with a thoughtful gift is always nice, but showing up with one that looks this cute and stays on budget? That’s a treat.
@kbkamz22 We all have that friend who hosts Halloween at her place every year. I’m dropping off this hosting Boo Basket made entirely of @CVS Pharmacy finds ahead of time to make party prep a little easier.
♬ original sound – crowescauldrons
As the “boo basket” itself I used CVS’ Joyward Large Cauldron, which measures 12.5-by-7-inches. It’s really the perfect size because it’s big enough to add a nice amount of items without being too big and feeling as though it will never look full enough to gift.
To give the boo basket’s contents a plush start, I included this Joyward Embroidered Leaves Pillow that my friend can use all the way through Thanksgiving, as it’s more autumnal than Halloween.
Joyward Embroidered Leaves Pillow, $14.99 at CVS
CVS
Because nothing sets the scene for Halloween like a spooky little glow, I dropped in a Joyward Skull Candle in a sweet Midnight Marshmallow scent. Next up: A set of Joyward Pumpkin Coasters (they come in a four-count) and the matching Pumpkin Serving Board & Spreader.
Joyward Pumpkin Serving Board & Spreader, $19.99 at CVS

CVS
Fortunately, my local CVS has a well-stocked wine aisle, so to finish things off I included a bottle of Campo Viejo Tempranillo, which is one of my favorite easy-drinking reds.
Related: Don’t Put Your White Wine Away Yet—These 2 Bottles Are Perfect for Early Fall
How Much Did The Boo Basket Cost to Make?
The grand total came to $76.44, but of course you could make this a little cheaper by filling in with bags of Halloween candy and leaving out one of the bigger ticket items. Here’s how the whole thing breaks down cost-wise:
- Large Cauldron, $9.99
- Embroidered Leaves Pillow, $14.99
- Skull Candle, $9.99
- Joyward Pumpkin Coasters, $9.99
- Pumpkin Serving Board & Spreader, $19.99
- Campo Viejo Tempranillo, $11.49
Cheers to happy haunting, hosting and gifting this Halloween.
Related: A 2009 Box Office Hit Just Inspired an Ethereal New Fragrance

![3rd Oct: Ranma1/2 (2026), 3 Seasons [TV-MA] – New Episodes (6.95/10) 3rd Oct: Ranma1/2 (2026), 3 Seasons [TV-MA] – New Episodes (6.95/10)](https://occ-0-748-1001.1.nflxso.net/dnm/api/v6/0Qzqdxw-HG1AiOKLWWPsFOUDA2E/AAAABRH5dFBdrPdpt-FNRBuhgHNFbJ_F1_FeXTmH0HpeOciCbQKfxK6s1ar8jgXyQc_CyBei2IK0SvrkO_iSPNWeXZk7u4eLu5dT-rdNGYosqmzUM22VKUxoFOMiLDjpt_t9ET3GawEoDSbdfjNxeCgt9VU2K9AEiSinU0kX1YZH.jpg?r=376)





![2nd Oct: Golmaal 3 (2010), 2hr 19m [TV-14] (5.8/10) 2nd Oct: Golmaal 3 (2010), 2hr 19m [TV-14] (5.8/10)](https://occ-0-1522-1001.1.nflxso.net/dnm/api/v6/0Qzqdxw-HG1AiOKLWWPsFOUDA2E/AAAABex7lKOu9dgaWOWaYWP3cezZjr2aEJq2LKKyKITUkObzorij8O0Ogyhcwb18QkVWcvIZ55Ds7dbM6MiYjFyVnxDrTrXq_KxM9rs3N__mrU4RQVKIIDwFt8qzQZoS4qRzH2a7SPwAF8vEx06H4RoQoqIVNZOmPSv3uKOlDom5gDO_Cw.jpg?r=643)

