One of the most beloved of Easter traditions is that of giving the Easter basket. Typically left for children by their parents or the “Easter Bunny,” a basket may have any number of sweet candy treats or small surprises inside. However, you don’t have to have kids to enjoy this custom. Incorporate an Easter basket exchange in your women’s group, or decorate Easter baskets for charity.

This year, make your Easter basket a work of art! Go beyond the pink plastic basket filled with green cellophane grass (although I will always have fond memories of green cellophane grass…) Here are some ideas that will make your baskets unique and a delight to all who receive them.

1. Find suitable baskets at the craft store, discount store, or flea market. They do not have to be of uniform shape or size (unless you are doing this for multiple children who will argue over who has the biggest basket.)

2. Choose two different pretty grosgrain or satin ribbons in a size that will fit your basket, and weave them in a simple stripe or crisscross pattern into the outside of the basket. Finish with a bow!

3. Think of the recipient’s favorite hobby or sport and incorporate that into the design—if you wanted to go all out, you could even use acrylic craft paint to turn some wooden eggs into soccer balls, basketballs, or footballs.

4. For a more grown-up look, use specialty dried grass for “stuffing,” and make a corsage of silk flowers and ribbon to festoon the handle of the basket. Add some potpourri for a special touch, and fill the basket with gourmet treats.

5. Wrap the entire basket in pink, blue, or yellow tulle and tie with a contrasting satin bow. Tulle is an inexpensive fabric and adds an interesting texture.

6. Basket ideas for kids: A children’s book of the resurrection story, candies in unusual and interesting shapes, small plush bunnies, chicks, or ducks, inexpensive play jewelry, rubber balls, baseball cards…anything that you might put in a Christmas stocking could go in an Easter basket.

7. Basket ideas for grown-ups: fine chocolates, pretty painted eggs, golf balls, pantyhose that comes in an egg, travel games, pocket devotionals

8. Add the fun and mess of confetti eggs! In some areas, these are available in stores; however, they are easy to make at home. See my article “Easter Party Ideas For Kids” for instructions.

9. Leave a note from the Easter Bunny inviting the recipient to a special Easter egg hunt; for adults, this could be a special Easter brunch.

You see, with an open mind and creative spirit, you can make your Easter basket exchange exciting and fun for all. The one thing you shouldn’t forget, for recipients big and small: A chocolate bunny! For many, Easter morning doesn’t begin until those juicy chocolate ears have been bitten right off. Whatever your tradition, have a joyous Easter!

Article by Meredith Mooney
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