Easter is such a fun holiday, but those baskets can get expensive fast, especially if you have multiple kiddos! If you’re looking for ways to fill up an Easter basket without overspending (and without the kids noticing a difference this year), we’ve got you covered. These 30 budget Easter basket ideas will help you create a fun, full basket without breaking the bank. And, it won’t look like you’re giving considerably less.
Make it Easier to Spend LESS!
Mom guilt is REAL, y’all! Every year, I swear I’m going to reign it in with the Easter baskets, but this year is indeed THE YEAR!! So, even though I want to spend less, I don’t want my kids to notice there’s visibly less (not that it matters, but the guilt is real, ya know?), and that’s where these ideas come in!
Budget Easter Basket Ideas to Spend Less
These are the best of the best space-saving, cost-saving ideas for budget Easter basket ideas that you won’t find anywhere else!
1. Skip the Traditional Basket
Instead of a classic basket, use something practical like a beach towel, tote bag, or sand bucket that your child can actually use.
2. DIY Easter Grass
Also, you can save money on plastic Easter grass by shredding colored tissue paper, wrapping paper, or even fabric scraps.
3. Buy Candy in Bulk
Furthermore, why not grab a large bag of candy and divide it into smaller treat bags; it’s much cheaper than buying individual Easter-themed packs.
4. Make Homemade Treats
Bake Easter cookies, rice krispie treats, or popcorn mix for a fun, low-cost alternative to store-bought sweets. My middle son LOVES this Frito Bark for example, and asks for it every holiday.
5. Add Everyday Snacks
Fill the basket with granola bars, fruit snacks, or crackers; things you’d buy anyway! The key is to truly ONLY buy things you’d buy anyway, not overspend on things that you could buy or might buy.
6. Use Multi-Pack Toys
Or, buy small toys in bulk (like mini cars, figurines, or hair accessories) and split them across multiple baskets for multiple kiddos.
7. Give a Beach or Pool Item
A beach towel, goggles, or sun hat makes the basket look full while being something they’ll use this summer.
8. Include a Shower Pouf or Bath Item
A fun bath sponge or bath bomb adds color and bulk without costing much. I give a bath pouff every year in both the Easter basket and the Christmas stocking. So far, I don’t think my kids know it’s because it takes up space! Ha! (Definitely one of my favorite budget Easter basket ideas.)
9. Grab Small Outdoor Toys
Also, bubbles, chalk, frisbees, and jump ropes are fun, affordable fillers.
10. Print Free Easter Activities
Find free printable coloring pages, word searches, and activity sheets online. Your younger kiddos won’t know the difference at all! These Easter Bunny Printable Puppets are a BLAST!!
11. Add a Toothbrush & Toothpaste
A fun character toothbrush or flavored toothpaste makes for a practical (but still exciting) basket addition. Fun band-aids are also a popular item at our house.
12. Give a Movie Ticket or Family Fun Gift Card
If you’re planning a family movie night anyway, include a movie theater ticket or streaming rental gift card.
13. DIY Easter Coupons
Make coupons for fun experiences like “Extra Storytime,” “Choose Dinner,” or “Movie Night.”
14. Shop Clearance Racks
Check after-holiday clearance sales for discounted toys, books, and accessories.
15. Use Socks or Undies as Filler
Cute socks or a pack of underwear takes up space while being useful!
16. Include a Spring or Summer Outfit
A T-shirt, swimsuit, or baseball cap makes a great non-candy filler.
17. Check the Dollar Store
You’ll find stickers, temporary tattoos, small toys, and more for just a dollar.
18. Add a Book
Look for gently used books at thrift stores or library sales.
19. Swap Candy for Non-Food Treats
Think playdough, stickers, or small art supplies instead of all candy that will be gone quickly.
20. Set a Budget & Stick to It
Decide how much you want to spend and choose a mix of affordable items to make the basket feel full without overspending.
21. Use a Hat Instead of a Basket
A baseball cap, sun hat, or beanie doubles as a container and a useful gift. Or, check out SO many of our fave ideas here.
22. Include Personalized Items
Print out custom labels, name tags, or stickers for a personalized touch that costs next to nothing.
23. Add DIY Jewelry
Gifting a pack of diy beads and string is often much more inexpensive than purchasing jewelry, especially for multiple kiddos. Plus, they have the bonus of it being a fun activity, too!
24. Repurpose Leftover Holiday Items
Re-use stocking stuffers or small holiday gifts that weren’t given out. Have you ever had one of those moments when you find a bag you meant to gift weeks after the holiday? Been there! Save it and hand it out anyway at a different holiday.
25. DIY a Puzzle or Game
Print and laminate a custom memory game, scavenger hunt, or tic-tac-toe board. Use photos from family vacations!
26. Include a School Supply Surprise
A new set of colored pencils, erasers, or a cool notebook is both practical and fun.
27. Add an Old Favorite Toy
If your younger child has forgotten about a toy, clean it up and reintroduce it in the basket. I promise your toddlers will not know the difference!
28. Throw in a Homemade Coupon for an Activity
Write out a “Yes Day” pass, a “Stay Up Late” ticket, or a “Pick What’s for Dinner” coupon.
29. Sneak in Something You’d Buy Anyway
A new pair of pajamas, rain boots, or a fun water bottle is something they need, but it still feels like a treat.
30. Wrap Small Gifts to Add Excitement
Wrap individual items in tissue paper or mini gift bags to make opening the basket more fun.
With these clever budget-friendly Easter basket ideas, you can make your child’s basket feel just as magical- without them ever knowing you saved a bundle!
More Easter Basket Ideas
- Fun Unconventional Easter Basket Ideas – Jewelry box, watering can, and more!
- Easter Basket Ideas for Men
- Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Teen Girls
