To some the idea of making their kids and children’s Easter baskets can be overwhelming and seems impossible. Buying a pre-made basket seems like the only answer. The truth however, is you can make a bigger and better one for a lot less money than you think. With a few tips and a little creativity your child can enjoy more customized Easter baskets than you can get in any store.

First, hit the dollar store closest to you. They usually have a great selection of baskets and grasses for really cheap. You may also be able to find a few more dollar items that you might want to add to your child’s basket like candy or trinkets. Make sure you stock up on lollipops and individually wrapped candies as these make good fillers and rest easily within the Easter grass.

Next, think of a theme for your basket. For example, the Game On Easter Gift Basket has an awesome theme.  This will make shopping a whole lot easier because you will be focused on the items you need to buy accordingly. For example, if you were to choose a sports theme, you can put sports stickers, figurines, collectors cards, a baseball mitt and or a foam football. For a younger girls basket you can choose something like a princess theme and go with the ever popular dress-up items you can find in the toys section of any discount store.

Don’t forget a chocolate bunny because this is the staple for every child’s basket. You can find them in all different sizes and at all different prices. Just remember the more chocolate you give them, the more bouncing off the wall you’ll have to endure.

Now you’ll have to arrange everything you’ve bought in the basket. Place the larger items in the basket first towards the back of the basket facing outward. Next arrange the smaller items and medium sized candy next. If it sinks into the grass, tape a Popsicle stick to the back of it and place it back in the basket. This will help it stay in place. Finally, sprinkle the smaller items and candies towards the front of the basket and in the bare areas throughout.

The last part can be the trickiest; the wrapping. It is hard to find plastic that is long enough to cover a basket easily. You can hit a fabric store/department for this. Buy what is called tulle. It’s a lightweight netting that brides use for favors. It looks really beautiful and it’s REALLY easy to work with. Once you have placed your basket in the center of a large enough square of tulle, all you have to do is gather the sides and pull them upwards. Tie them off with a rubber band to start and then cover the band with ribbon.

Easter morning will be so much more enjoyable when you see your child open your work of art. True, they won’t know it was you that stayed up late to put it together, but someday you can share your secrets when they are making their own kids’ food baskets.