Easter Basket Money-Saving Tips

It's that time of year again, time to figure out what to put in those Easter baskets! Here are my money-saving tips:

  1. Reuse baskets. Year to year, I use the same baskets for each family member.
  2. Fill with non-Easter packaged candy. I've noticed that Easter candy has a mark-up on it. Pick up a few of those Easter-themed treat bags and fill with silver Hershey kisses or colorful Skittles.
  3. Toys. If you don't like stocking the basket with candy, stop by your local dollar store or the $1 section at Target and pick up toys. Also check the party aisle at Target. They sell bags of party favors for $3, but this can be a good deal too if you need to make a lot of baskets.
  4. Use those coupons! Target and Walmart start marking down their Easter clearance as the holiday gets closer. Match up with coupons for more savings!
  5. Skip buying Easter grass. You could also shred up colorful tissue or wrapping paper and that would make a great filler for Easter baskets.
  6. Stock up for next year. I try and stock up at the end of each Easter season for the following year. Items like basket grass, baskets, toys, are good to stock up on.

Here are some non-candy ideas:

  • dollar store beaded jewelry
  • nail polish
  • dollar store perfume
  • homemade trail mix
  • frisbees
  • flashlights
  • yo-yos
  • seed packets
  • gift cards
  • gel pens
  • construction paper
  • Money – coins inside plastic eggs are fun
  • Gift Cards
  • Cheerios
  •  Stickers
  • Socks
  • Raisins, craisins
  • Finger Puppets
  • Party size play doh
  • Play-doh
  • Fish crackers
  • Tattoos
  • Erasers
  • Bouncy Balls
  • Gum
  • Race cars – Matchbox or Hot Wheels fit inside eggs.
  • Clips/rubber bands for girls
  • Marbles
  • Chapsticks/lip gloss
  • Nail Polish
  • Pencil toppers
  • glitter
  • card decks
  • mini photo albums
  • pocket calendars
  • change purse
  • sunglasses
  •  book of magic tricks
  •  travel games

 

Do you have any favorite tips for saving on Easter baskets?