Easter is on its way

Keeping costs down at Easter time can be frustrating. Those big, beautiful and pricey Easter baskets and popular retailers seem to make fun of smaller efforts, but you can create an Easter basket that looks just as good (or better!) for much less.

The Basket

Start at your local dollar store or low cost outlet. I have seem some intricately designed wire woven baskets for a dollar bill that would thrill a girl of any age. The baskets could be used later to hold things on a dresser or in the bathroom.

Traditional woven baskets are cheap at dollar stores, too, but the ones I have seen are not sturdy enough for a day's worth of egg hunts. Try thrift stores, and go now before the Easter rush is on. Check thrift store baskets for stains or worn areas that could mean a candy and egg disaster.



If you're the least bit crafty, you can make your own. Braided, crocheted or knitted baskets can be made quickly with thick materials. Look at containers you have on hand and repurpose them. Be sure to provide a sturdy handle.

The Candy

Dollar stores to the rescue again, but include places like Big Lots. You can sometimes find large bags of mixed types of candy for a good price.

Make your own by using some simple, tried and true recipes. Don't make mashed potato and powdered sugar "eggs" dipped in chocolate unless you're prepared for a drippy, sloppy mess as the day warms up. Try peanut butter balls, homemade lollipops or popcakes.

The Other Goodies

If you sew, whip up a batch of bunnies and chicks. If you knit or crochet, you can do the same. Look for free patterns on the internet and you will be amazed at what's out there. Choose small projects that can be made with scrap material or leftover yarn. A half dozen baby bunnies will entice any child.

The Grass

If you didn't save last year's Easter "grass," gather white and/or pastel colors or other colorful pages from catalogs or magazines and run them through a paper shredder. If you don't have a paper shredder, it really isn't too tedious to cut a few sheets while watching TV or talking on the phone.

Crumple the pieces in your hands until they make a fluffy bed for the candy and other goodies you've created.

Decorate the whole thing with a big bow (or a length of yarn or a piece of material).

No other child will have an Easter basket like yours!

More about Easter:
Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail
Are You Ready for Easter? 
Hunting for a Frugal Easter