20 Quick, Easy, Cheap and Even Free Easter Basket Ideas for Parents

Holidays can be tough for parents. There are all the extra holiday activities, presents, and of course candy as well as the extra holiday expenses. It seems like it doesn't matter if it is Easter or Christmas there are still an awful lot of sweet treats available for your children to eat and checks written to pay for everything from a holiday dress to presents, baskets and gifts. One of the more expensive holidays for parents is Easter (Christmas ranking at No. 1 on the expense scale) but never fear your Easter basket money saving tips for parents are here!

Free Easter Basket or Egg gift ideas
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money on Easter egg gifts. Consider these unique gift ideas that are free or only cost pennies to come up with.

Coloring sheets make a great Easter Basket gift idea. While bunnies are cute, consider looking for spring coloring pages that include sports, outdoor activities, or baby animals. After all spring time is when many of these things will be making their appearance after the cold of winter. You can print many free coloring pages from online sites like Disney's Family Fun.com or DLTK.com. Add variety while you are at these sites by printing out coloring spring stickers or favorite cartoon characters. You have spent nothing more than some sheets of paper, labels and ink cartridge.

You can also print out free Easter, spring or other favorite characters dominos. Using cardstock paper (it's heavier and will hold up better), print the Domino's and then using a cutting device cut them out and insert into Easter Eggs. You can also wrap them up with Easter colored ribbon, tie it together and place in an Easter Basket. At ToolsforEducators.com you can create your own dominos game with several different choices for any event. You may want to bookmark this site.

Don't under estimate the value of the "Dollar Store"
The Dollar Store is a treasure trove of inexpensive gifts perfect for your child's Easter basket. Be sure to visit my favorite aisles; crafts and toys. In the craft aisle I often even find name brand items like Crayola for only a $1.00. Use your imagination and look for glitters, glues, markers, poms to set in your craft creatures Easter basket. You can also find puzzles, coloring books, stickers, tattoos, and cars (yes even Matchbox). Include gift ideas like hair bows, barrettes, animals, dinosaurs, "army" men and cars. The important thing to remember when visiting the "dollar store" is that not all dollar stores are created equal (Dollar General doesn't offer everything for a dollar) and you need to take your time walking up and down the aisles to find exactly the right things.

Do it yourself Easter basket or egg gifts
Whether it was a school party or a play date with these recipes for either "Edible Play Dough" or "Fairy Play Dough;" you can get everyone in the family involved. To make and take your edible play dough simply mix together 1/2 C peanut butter, 1/2 C honey, and 1 C powdered milk. Just throw it all together and mush it up with your hands until it is fairly smooth. The oils from the peanut butter will keep it from sticking to the table and the kids' hands. It's important to check for allergies first before providing this to a group, but it can be perfect for your own child's or one you know Easter basket.

To create "Fairy Play Dough" you will need 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup salt, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar and food coloring gel (to make the colors more vibrant) and glitter.

Mix all ingredients with the exception of the glitter in a sauce pan well heat stirring the mix constantly until it forms a ball remove at once. Add the glitter and knead until smooth and uniform. Store play dough in a tightly sealed container. This mix stores at room temperature. When you are ready to place it in your plastic eggs simply place some in snack size sandwich bags by Ziploc and send it on its way.

Last by not least save your eggs from all your hunts this year for next year. This can save you all kinds of money. Or if you children have outgrown egg hunts consider donating them to a local church for their community event.

It's not how much you spend, but what you put in your child's Easter basket that will make their day. It doesn't have to be expensive, but thinking about their specific interest like arts, crafts or toys will make there day a special one and family time that much more memorable every holiday.

Sources:

Personal Experience

DLTK.com

Family Fun.com