Braids to Beards: 25 Last-Minute Gifts for Hair Lovers

What Are Boo Baskets?

Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!

What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?

Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!

First, The Basket

Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.

Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.

This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?

As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.

If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.

Drink Mixes

Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?

And Of Course, A Mug To Match

You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!

Plushies Make Everything Better

Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.

Don’t Forget the Candy

No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.

How do you know when to straighten your hair at home or go to the salon?

Desperate times call for desperate measures when you're due for a hair appointment and can't book one. I'm sure all of us have turned into an armchair hairstylist by giving ourselves a trim, quick haircut, or dye job. You've probably even watched a few tutorials about how to give yourself a homemade silk press or blowout. I know I've recently purchased a few things to help me maintain my hair at home, but should we be straightening our hair at home?

Lamorena says, "While it’s possible to straighten hair at home, I’d recommend going to a professional for the best results. Stylists know how to work with different hair types, adjust heat settings accordingly, and use high-quality products that protect your hair." If we decide to forego a stylist's expertise, she says we can "accidentally cause damage with uneven heat or over-processing."

Sturdivant-Drew agrees that it's best to see a stylist "for the first few silk presses," but it's not impossible to safely straighten your own hair. "If you have the right tools and products, along with research, you can achieve this hairstyle at home," she says.

How should different hair types approach a silk press?

Just like everyone doesn't have the same skin complexion or undertones, hair types can differ too. This means someone with a fine hair isn't always going to have the same routine as someone with thicker strands — which is why all silk presses aren't the same. "There's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. The technique used depends on the client’s hair type and texture," Lamorena confirms. This isn't to scare you, however!

Sturdivant-Drew says, "The process of getting a silk press is pretty standard — prepping the hair with shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant, followed by straightening with a blow dryer and flat iron, and finishing with a lightweight oil or serum."

She and Lamorena do agree that some hair textures require a little more than others though. Lamorena says you could only need "a simple blowout and flat iron" while someone may need "more intensive treatments like keratin or a Brazilian blowout for longer-lasting results." If your hair is very curly or textured — and you're ultimately not seeing the results you want — she says chemically straightening your hair is another option. However, Sturdivant-Drew reminds me, "Stylists usually adjust heat settings based on their client's hair health and texture."

Either way, we always recommend you check with your stylist before making any permanent or lasting decisions!

What should you avoid doing before getting a silk press?

Getting a silk press doesn't always involve chemicals, but there are still things you need to avoid before your appointment. Unlike the steps you may follow at home, Lamorena wants you to "avoid loading your hair with a bunch of heavy products " because this can "make the straightening process less effective and lead to more heat being used" than you need. Also, she doesn't want you to wash your hair because "natural oils protect your hair from the heat."

It probably goes without saying, but you also shouldn't book a silk press appointment if you've already straightened your hair. "...that can make it harder for the stylist to work with and could increase the risk of damage," says Lamorena. Besides that, Sturdivant-Drew advises against "using color or relaxers should be avoided before getting a silk press" because "this could lead to a lot of breakage."

What increases a risk of heat damage with this style?

As gorgeous as silk presses are, it's possible to use "too much heat," according to Lamorena. She says, "People tend to crank up the heat on their flat irons and blow dryers, but that can seriously damage the hair cuticle, especially if your hair is fine or already fragile." Something I've learned over time is that a licensed and experienced hair stylist has better knowledge of what's really going on with our hair. They're able to have a clearer view of your scalp, roots, split ends, and more.

The other thing that contribute to damage is not protecting your hair. Lamorena implores that heat protectant products are "are crucial for minimizing damage." Even if you use the right products, you could be straightening your hair way too often. It's normal to want to have straighter hairstyles for a little while, but you should keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it.

"Not prepping or using a heat protectant on your hair will cause a lot of damage. Silk presses require a lot of heat, so it's best to use good heat protectant," adds Sturdivant-Drew. She personally prefers to use Smooth Moisture's Thermal Hair Strengthener because "their system is built for silk presses specifically." She loves that it truly upholds against heat and "adds a nice shine to the hair" once you apply it.

When would it be recommended that a client avoid getting a silk press?

Here comes the not so fun part. As much as you don't want to hear this, your hair may not be able to handle getting a silk press right now. "If your hair is already damaged, it's best to hold off on straightening. Hair that's brittle, dry, or over-processed can be further damaged by heat styling," says Lamorena. What you can do in the meantime is help strengthen your hair by giving yourself "deep conditioning treatments," according to Lamorena.

This is completely up to you and your stylish, but Lamorena suggests staying away from having your hair straightened "during really humid months...if you're prone to frizz" because "the style may not last as long."

Is there a limit to how often clients should receive a silk press?

I'm not an expert, but even I know too much of something can become a bad thing. In the case of using excess heat, I can imagine the implications of that over time. Lamorena says, "There's definitely a limit. You don't want to be straightening your hair too often," and shares her rule of thumb for textures:

• Naturally Curly or Textured Hair — Limit silk presses to once or twice a month to avoid weakening the hair or losing your curl pattern.
• Other Hair Types — Keep it to no more than once a week.

All hair types are capable of experiencing "long-term damage," but giving "your hair a break between sessions helps maintain its health," Lamorena says.

Sturdivant-Drew stresses, "Taking a break between silk presses is important in allowing your hair to recover and maintain the health of your hair. I recommend limiting your silk presses to every 6-8 weeks."

How can clients maintain this style at home during the fall?

Even though cooler temperatures means you won't have to fight against possible frizz, you still have to take care of your silk press. "Maintaining a straight style during the fall can be tricky with cooler weather, wind, and dryness in the air, but it’s doable," says Lamorena. She suggests that you use:

• Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings to avoid unnecessary damage. Tools like the Dyson Corrale or GHD Platinum+ are solid options
• A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling without pulling or breaking the hair

"Keeping up with a regular routine and using the right tools and products can really help your style last, even through the challenges that fall weather brings," she says.

No matter what your hair type is, Sturdivant-Drew suggests "wrapping your hair correctly and using a bonnet" as they're "key to maintaining" a silk press. Similar to what Lamorena said earlier, Sturdivant-Drew believes "humidity is your worst enemy...so try to avoid humid environments as best as possible!"

Shop Other Expert Silk Press Recommendations

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

"Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Some favorites include Oribe Royal Blowout and Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer," she says.

Moroccanoil Treatment

"For taming frizz, try an anti-frizz serum like Moroccanoil Treatment," suggests Lamorena. or John Frieda Frizz Ease.

John Frieda Frizz Ease

Another option you can use to beat the frizz is John Frieda's Frizz Ease. It's another one of Lamorena's recommendations that will "help seal in moisture and keep your style sleek even in windy fall weather."

Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime

Lamorena says, "A good leave-in conditioner is key to keeping hair smooth and hydrated; Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime works wonders."

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

"To extend your style without washing, use dry shampoo. This is a great option to absorb oil without having to restyle with heat," she says.

Our Silk Press Recommendations

Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum

This anti-frizz serum will not only keep humidity from messing up your silk press, but it'll help improve your hair's elasticity over time and will even add an extra boost of shine to it.

Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser

If you decide to straighten your hair at home, you need a good blow dryer that'll work with your texture. Wavytalk has an inexpensive option that comes with a comb attachment, diffuser, and nozzle to help you dry your hair no matter what style you're wearing. It also has the right amount of heat settings that'll lessen the chance you cause any damage.

CHI 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant

Not only do I personally love this heat protectant, so does our Affiliate Writer Meredith Holser! It's been our go-to product whenever we straighten our hair because it truly does a great job of protecting our hair from heat and has a slightly fragrant smell we can't get enough of. In my experience, a little goes a long way so you'll get plenty of uses out of it.

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'