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.

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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

Joyward Embroidered Leaves Pillow

CVS

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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

Joyward Pumpkin Serving Board & Spreader

CVS

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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

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