Easter Basket Basics

In less than three weeks, the Easter bunny will be hopping down the Bunny Trail and doling out goodies.  Your kids will most likely have outgrown last year's dresses, sandals, shorts and bathing suits.  For some, Easter has become what Christmas was when I was a kid!  What's a mom (or dad) to do to prevent overspending?  Tips today are for filling those baskets without going broke.

1. Start off Right!  There's no need to buy basket, use those you already have on-hand or improvise (wash out sand buckets, make baskets from milk jugs or shoe boxes, etc.).  Reuse baskets each year, rather than buying new ones.  As for Easter grass, purchase once then place in plastic bags for the next year, or shred colored paper to place in the bottom of your baskets.
2. Keep it simple!  Forget the high-dollar electronics and stick to the basics.  Start when your kids are little, so they won't expect an iPod or 3DS when they are older.  If your children are used to getting a little candy and a few little toys, they will become excited as they look forward to these each year.  (If your pre-teen or teen has grown accustomed to getting big-ticket items, begin to talk to him/her about this year's plans to avoid disappointment on Easter Sunday.)
3. Give needed items.  If you want to give bigger items, consider items you may need to buy your children.  Have they outgrown last years bathing suits or summer pajamas?  Why not include these in the items they'll receive Easter morning.
4. Include items you had already planned to buy.  Did  you budget for Kings Dominion Season Passes?  Are you joining the pool this year or buying a pool for the backyard?  These items (or notes explaining them) could be included in this years Easter Baskets, however this may lead to higher expectations in the future.
5. Give a "Family Gift".  For exapmle:  Hasbro has offered several $3 coupons for specific board games and has an offer for a FREE Tombstone Pizza MIR.  (See Toys R Us and Target April 10 Ads for details.)  For just a few dollars, you can snag a game and get a free frozen pizza.  Pick up a sale priced game and hide clues in each child's basket to find the "big" gift.
6. Snag as many FREE candy items as possible.   Look at the shopping lists each week for candy or gum that may be free after coupons, ECBs, RR or other.  Chances are you already have plastic eggs at your house.  Gather these, wash them up and let them dry completely.  Plain Skittles, Starburst, Jelly Beans, M and M Candies and more can be divided into eggs and suddenly become "Easter" Candy!  (For toddlers, cereal or raisins can be used to fill eggs as well.)
7. Bake a Bunny.  Does anyone really like those so-called hollow "chocolate" bunnies?  Make the center piece for each basket by mixing sugar cookie dough (or using slice and bake).  Roll out dough, and cut out two large circles for each rabbit.  Transfer one circle onto a cookie sheet (this will become the bunny's face).   Using the edge of the cookie cutter, cut "ears" from each side of the remaining cookie dough circle.  Transfer ears to first circle and press pieces together where they meet.  Complete your bunny shape by transferring scrap (middle) section to cookie sheet, placing under the bunny's face to create a bow-tie (press the bow tie to the face).  Decorate with sprinkles or candy before baking, or with icing after.  Bake according to recipe or package directions.  When cooled, cover in plastic wrap and save for baskets.
8. Check Out Your Stash!  Have you collected clearance items in the past year?  Do you have any left-over party favors?  Did you get free samples of shampoo or free after drug store rewards pony tail holders?  Small items can be placed in plastic eggs.  Larger items can be placed directly in baskets.
9. Look for Clearance items.  Check end-caps and idles for brightly colored clearance tags.  Inexpensive items can add a little fun to any basket.  In the future, aim to pick up Easter clearance items at 50%, 75% or even 90% off.  Save for next year.
10. Head to the Dollar Tree.  If you feel those baskets are hopelessly empty, set a budget and stop by the Dollar Tree to snag an item for two for each kid.   Get a 3-pack of bubbles or multi-pack of sidewalk chalk to be dived up for younger kids.   Pick up items they can use as warmer weather gets here.  Chances are, you'd end up buying these later anyway.
11. Include a Special Item.  If you child LOVES Reese's eggs, include one in his/her basket.  Chances are, most older kids look forward to one type of Easter candy or another.  Give a small amount on Easter morning, then snag a larger bag a day later at 50% off (or more).