7. Remember, the more filler you have on the bottom of the basket, the fuller the basket will look. Fill your basket up with candies and trinkets from the dollar store, rather than from other more expensive stores. For little ones, a new set of crayons, a coloring book, fruit snacks, and graham cracker snacks can be a great substitute for candy or junk food. Try to think of things that they can use over and over again or things that your child really needs (art supplies, beach toys for the summer, fun indoor activities that they can do during rainy days, gardening supplies). Baskets like these will go a lot farther than chocolate bunnies and marshmallow treats.
8. If you do want to fill your child’s basket with candy, freeze your leftover Halloween candy or buy the marked down bags after the Christmas season and tuck them away in your freezer. The candy will still taste great and your children will never know the difference.
9. Instead of doing Easter baskets, let the children engage in an egg hunt. With one bag of jellybeans, you can create enjoyment and keep the children occupied while they hunt for their treasures. Throw in a dollar or even a handful of change, and kids will have a little money to add to their piggy banks, as a special Easter treat. Be sure to save the plastic eggs each year so you only have to buy these once.
10. Don’t let your eggs go to waste and be sure to eat them up after all the decorating fun is done. You can make deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches, or serve the hard boiled eggs for a side with your child’s lunch. Even the eggshells can be put to good use in a compost pile or thrown out in your garden.
Egg Dye Made from Food Coloring
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring (or half a packet of brightly colored drink mix)
2 teaspoon vinegar
Put two ingredients into a cup that is deep enough for the eggs. Add boiling water to about the half way point. Gently place the eggs into the cups, using a small spoon. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. Experiment with different combinations of colors. When you remove the egg from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.
