Speaking of Easter baskets - I need a last minute idea

[Doran]

I don't HAVE baskets this year. I have the contents for what to put IN them, but I never found what I wanted in the way of a container. I stopped doing baskets years ago, opting instead for more "useful" vessels. One year it was a metal pail which now serves as my office trash can. One year it was wooden boxes which the girls could paint. Last year, it was a giant terra cotta flower pot (which is now planted w/ herbs). I just never found anything suitable this year, and here it is the night before.

Anyone got a rabbit they can pull out of a hat for me? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/think001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)




Doran

[abbeyej]

What about a pretty scarf tied up like a hobo's bundle? Or even just a pretty piece of cloth (to be used for other wrapping through the year, or a nice table cloth, or)...?

[Soph the vet]

How about shoeboxes or tissue boxes that the kids can decorate?

[mcconnellboys]

How about a hat? I like the suggestion for a scarf/material that Abbey made, too. Any sort of basket filled with sheet moss? or Spanish moss? A large mug or a tea pot? A jewelry box of some sort? A hat box?

I found the cutest wicker egg-shaped baskets one year at my nearby drug store. They are almost two feet high, they are hinged with an elastic and wooden toggle fastener at the mid-point so the lid opens up. They are sort of pastel, Easter colors in a plaid pattern. I've used them ever since and still love them (and so do the boys)......

Good luck finding something,

Regena

[Janet in WA]

A big hit with our sons one year was those plastic basket-like totes (typically sold as bathroom totes). They use them at college now.

[Jenny in Atl]

Like the shoe box idea... any box that you could decorate/paint/draw on. We have also used wire baskets, wooden boxes, even a stiff paper cones (with spring flowers drown on the side) in years past.

[jmgconner]

Tote bags - depending on how much stuff you have, they can be used for the beach/pool this summer.

[KristineIN]

Do you have craft foam? check out my blog, ours are pretty small but if you have craft foam you could do something similar.

Kristine

[Doran]

Great ideas, gals. But, except for abbeyej's, they won't work. Sorry I wasn't clear on my request, but the deal is, I am NOT (was not, will not, shall not and never more plan to) go out shopping tonight. I was hoping for Frugal Fanny ideas, you know...use the mop bucket and put little construction paper tulips all over it.

I can probably figure out a way to use scarf material. Or, perhaps just a couple of big mixing bowls? :001_smile:

Doran

[amy g.]

We make Easter "nests". It's a tradition from my German great grandmother.

The kids make a wreath of vines and flowers on the floor, and the next morning they are filled with goodies!

[j.griff]

Do you have brown paper bags?

[Doran]

We make Easter "nests". It's a tradition from my German great grandmother.

The kids make a wreath of vines and flowers on the floor, and the next morning they are filled with goodies!


That's a keeper for next year. Sadly, it's now 9:00 pm here, and the vines and flowers are all asleep for the night (not to mention the almost sleepy kids). I love it for future celebrations!

Doran

[j.griff]

Oh heck, I'm popping on and off so much today, I'll go ahead with my idea anyhoo, just in case.
What you can do is just roll the sides of the paper bag down, until it is kinda short (fold down on the outside, and roll down like rolling up shirt sleeves or pants). You could get fancy and paint them if ya want to, and you could use strips of another bag twisted together for a handle if ya want (with those brass brads, or staples, or whatever other way you'd wish to apply them). You could use plastic bags for the lining too, LOL- are you seeing a "recycle" theme here? :D

[Doran]

Do you have brown paper bags?


Why NO...I *never* use brown paper bags because I am so incredibly environmentally conscious that I always, always remember to bring along my own reusable tote.


::Choke, splutter::





Yes. I have brown paper bags.


:blushing:


Doran

[j.griff]

I posted the "how-to" above your last post. :D

[6packofun]

have one per child? Filled with plastic eggs, their stuff and a nest of some kind of material or Easter grass?

Lunchbox or bag?

One of their old t-shirts with the bottom and arm holes sewn (or even stapled) shut? And a stuffed animal's head peeking out the top...hehe

Big pots or even a colander?

If you sew, there are lots of options!

[6packofun]

Papier mache made around half of a balloon or ball? ('Cause I know you've got time for that!! LOL)

Flower pots??

Cookie jars?

[6packofun]

(and, of course, assuming you have a shredder. ;) )

[j.griff]

So, whatcha gonna do Doran? You've GOTTA tell us now, LOL.

[Beth in OH]

I used mixing bowls! We're getting ready to move, and I wanted something easy--I'm not adding any decorative anything to my house right now. Showing it tomorrow am.

Beth

[gardenschooler]

I thought of this *this morning*. Too late, but I'm going to do it next year. For girls, especially older ones (mine are 15, 13, and 9, and the older two really are too old for Easter baskets). None of them even want candy. The older ones want make-up and doodads, and the younger one likes stickers and all kinds of office supplies (ROFL - little strangeling, that one).

Purses! Filled with what goes in purses! That's what they need! And it's not 'babyish'.

Too bad all my lightbulbs come on too late. Maybe I'll remember it for next year.

[Doran]

Now I'll be set for the next half dozen Easters, if I can remember things that long!

Since inquiring minds wanted to know...

I tried using a mixing bowl, but ended up switching to a big basket that we had laying about. I would have thought it too big, but one of the gifts was new beach towels, so they took up lots of room.

Really, the most interesting thing is that I let go of trying to make everything seem "new". For the first time in any holiday, I think we have crossed a bridge into reality. There was no pretending that the Easter Bunny brought the stuff. It was just me talking honestly about the various things in the basket and why they were chosen. Odd, but refreshing at the same time. I had no doubt that my youngest knew "the truth", but I have not yet experienced a holiday where she was so willing to let go of all the pretending.

She really is so big now. (big sigh)


Doran