5 Steps To Making A Sustainable Easter Basket For Kids

Easter need not be wasteful. Here’s a fun and resourceful list of great tips for making a totally thrifted and sustainable Easter basket for kids—because going green doesn’t mean skipping out on the cute or creative! —Vita Daily

Start with a Secondhand Basket

Hit up your local thrift store to find a wicker basket, fabric tote, or even a small storage bin you can repurpose. Don’t worry about the color—if it needs a glow-up, give it a quick coat of non-toxic paint or wrap the handle in some scrap ribbon or yarn for a fresh look.

Shred the Scraps

Skip the plastic Easter grass! Instead, shred old magazines, newspaper, or colorful tissue paper from past gifts. Want to get extra crafty? Use a hole punch on paint chips or scrap construction paper for homemade confetti.

Fill It with Pre-loved Treasures

Thrift stores are gold mines for small toys, books, and games. Look for gently used:

• Board books
• Stuffed animals; such as an elephant stuffed animal that allows you to track a real elephant
• Mini puzzles
• Wooden toys
• Costume jewelry Wash and sanitize as needed, and you’ve got eco-friendly fun that kids will actually use.

DIY (or Buy Local) Treats

Instead of mass-packaged candy, try:

• Baking Easter-themed cookies together and wrapping them in beeswax wraps or parchment paper
• Shopping bulk candy at your local refillery or co-op
• Including a cute little mason jar of trail mix, mini muffins, or dried fruit

Get Crafty with the Eggs

Dye wooden or ceramic eggs from a craft store (or thrifted, of course) with natural dyes—think beet juice, turmeric, and red cabbage. You can even tuck in an egg-painting kit using homemade or eco paints. If you’re using plastic eggs, reuse them year after year or grab them secondhand!

Bonus: Add a Grow-Your-Own Touch

Slip in a small packet of wildflower seeds, herbs, or an egg carton DIY planting kit (just some soil, seeds, and instructions). It’s fun, educational, and encourages little ones to get their hands in the dirt.

Final Tip: Personalize it! Add a name tag made from recycled cardboard or a mini chalkboard sign. Kids love seeing their name—and it makes the basket extra special.