Top 10 Tuesday: Frugal Easter Baskets

With Easter coming up in less than a week I wanted to share ways to make Easter baskets on a budget.

1) Buy reusable “baskets”. Whether it’s a basket they use every year, a pail that they can then build a sand castle with, or a tote that can be used to organize their toys; buy something that won’t just get put on a shelf to gather dust. Last year I used large fabric bins that I could later use to organize toys. This year I bought planters on clearance for less than $4 each and we will use them to plant flowers in next month.

2) Buy cheap candy if you have young children. My toddler doesn’t know the difference between a piece of chocolate that costs a dime and one that costs a dollar. All he knows is he can have 10 pieces of candy or 1. I’m sure you can guess which he would pick…

3) On the flip side, buy the good chocolate if you have older kids. Just buy them less. When I was a teenager I much preferred a package of Reese’s cups over a whole bag full of those tiny little chocolate eggs.

4) Buy items your children need. Whether it be pajamas, sandals for the summer, or goggles for the swim lessons they will be taking, if you are going to buy it anyways you might as well stick it in their basket.

5) Homemade gift certificates. What things does your child LOVE that they don’t get to do often? How about 1 night out with mommy to see a movie, 1 cone at their favorite ice cream shop, or 1 bike ride with daddy?

6) If they are a little older how about giving them “get out of chores” certificates. Give them a week off from their least favorite chore!

7) Look under your couch cushions…and any where else that coins may be hiding. A dollar in coins will make any young child feel rich.

8) Check the dollar spot at Target and dollar stores for cheap “filler” items. Books, games, socks, toys, and pretty much anything else you can think of can be found for only a dollar.

9) Make a basket to give to a family who might not be able to afford one. This may not necessarily be “frugal” but teaching your children to give to others is one of the best things you can give to them.

10) Think ahead! After Easter everything goes on clearance so why not buy now for next year? You get it at a discount and your children probably won’t be able to guess that the Easter book you give them next year is a year old. {Obviously I’d avoid buying candy for next year’s baskets…}

There you go. Ten different ideas to play Easter Bunny on a budget. What other ideas do you have?

(This post is linked up to OhAmanda’s Top Ten Tuesday)