‘Tis the season of spring-themed baskets filled with copious amounts of chocolates, bunny-shaped cookies and Peeps. To save you having to dig through various boxes to locate last year’s plastic chickadee and bunny buckets though, we’ve got a few practical and fun Easter basket alternatives to throw into the mix. So go ahead and put a little spring in your step with these clever twists on the traditional Easter basket.
Colander
It doesn’t get more practical than this: Instead of the usual basket or bucket, opt for a brightly coloured colander that you can easily fill with paper grass, chocolates and other assorted treats. And once the hustle and bustle of the long weekend is over, it can be put to good use in the kitchen. Enamelled Colander, $23.
Related: 15 Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Deep Clean for Spring
Rabbit Tote Bags
These reusable lightweight canvas bags make for ideal storage of Easter eggs, small toys, treats and other seasonal candy – not to mention their adorable design, complete with little carrots. It can also do double duty as a school bag once the holiday is over. Momomints Bunny Tote Bag, $25.
Related: DIY Easter Eggs That Are O-M-G Cute!
Garden Tool Belt
It’s not a basket, but it’s got plenty of pocket space. This sweet alternative to the traditional bunny baskets is perfect for blossoming green thumbs and has plenty of space to tuck away a few seasonal treats. Kid Made Modern Garden Tool Belt, $13.
Related: Weird Plant Tips for Your Home Garden That Actually Work
Apothecary Jars
These apothecary jars make for an easy way to display or dole out treats for your guests. Pop in a variety of seasonal candies or get crafty and decorate the jar with personalized ribbons, paper grass or labels. Don’t forget to provide little spoons so guests can scoop out some of their favourite treats. Once Easter is over, you can display them throughout the house. Classic Glass Apothecary Jars, $38-$73.
Watering Cans
A watering can is a whimsical alternative to the more traditional Easter basket. Fill it with paper grass and seasonal treats or pack it with gardening supplies, such as seeds and a trowel, for a hostess gift. Add an eye-catching ribbon to the handle and spout for some added flair. Modern Copper Watering Can, $99.
Salad Bowls
Whether it’s a gorgeous rustic ceramic bowl or your favourite go-to plastic option, salad bowls are a kitchen staple that can easily be transformed into stunning Easter-themed table centrepieces. Casa Cubista Rustic Salad Bowl, $26.
Rubber Boots
We all know the old adage that April showers bring May flowers, so you may as well fully embrace the weather – right down to using colourful patterned rain boots as Easter baskets filled with tulips or candies. This clever twist will help you achieve authentic springtime décor for your next family gathering. Kid Made Modern Garden Boots, $35.
Reusable Sandwich Bags
If you’re hosting a family gathering, these zippered washable and waterproof lunch bags makes for the perfect double-duty treat. Fill it with your favourite seasonal candies and you’ll also be gifting your loved ones with a versatile lunch bag they can use down the road. Sandwich Bag, $28 (for three).
Muffin Trays
Spruce up your Easter décor with this crafty little idea that lets you bring the outdoors right into your living room. Celebrate the end of winter by filling the muffin cups with seeds so your family can watch as herbs or blooms grow. Opt for the larger muffin pans with deeper pockets so there is room for the roots to blossom, or simply fill up them up with easy-to-grab chocolate eggs and tiny Peeps. Goldtouch Nonstick Muffin Pan, $47.
Diaper Caddy Organizer
Skip the whole notion of a basket entirely and opt for this kid-friendly (read: soft and durable) cotton caddy organizer. Fill each compartment with a variety of treats, stickers, markers, colouring books and other assorted trinkets to entertain the little bunnies in your life. 3 Sprouts Diaper Caddy, $13.
Pop-Up Fabric Storage Bins
These eco-friendly Easter basket options are a great idea if you’re hosting a kid-friendly gathering. If you choose to gift them to guests, parents will also appreciate the extra storage space they can take back home once the kids have gone through all the goodies. Canvas Pop-Up Storage, $25.
Herbs Gardening Kit
This compact and portable little gardening kit is ideal for the green thumb or foodie in your life – or if you simply want to get a head start on your own summer garden. Each kit contains three herbs that can make wonderful additions to sauces, roasted vegetables and pizza. So go ahead and add a dash of flavour to any meal. Herbs Gardening Kit, $10.
Chocolate Fondue Kit
For the sweet tooth in the family, a chocolate fondue kit is a delectable alternative to the traditional treat basket. This set comes with a ceramic fondue pot, two fondue forks, a recipe card and six creamy milk and dark chocolate bars. Are you hungry yet? Chocolate Fondue Kit, $25.
Rabbit Apron – With Pockets!
Little chefs will love this adorable cotton rabbit apron – especially if the charming egg basket pocket in front is lined with sweets and tiny trinkets. Rabbit Costume Apron, $60.
Andy Warhol Soup Can Crayons
No, we don’t mean actual soup cans, but this cheeky Warhol-inspired crayon tin (complete with colouring book and crayon colours like “Tomato Soup Red”) is a surefire way to keep the kids entertained as you’re busy hosting the holiday dinner. Mudpuppy Soup Can Crayons, $13.
Nut Bowls
This vibrant multi-coloured ceramic bowl set is perfect for snack spreads and finger food at your holiday dinner, or it can be filled with various treats and wrapped in tissue paper as a parting gift for guests. Fishs Eddy Nut Bowls, $20 (per set).
Three-Tiered Hanging Fruit Basket
Sure, you can spend some extra dough on a giant tulip bouquet or multi-layered desserts – or you can save your money with this clever alternative that can also spruce up your kitchen long after Easter has passed. This three-tiered nickel fruit server is a smart and stylish way to stack some Easter treats, such as cookies or cupcakes, and can also make for an eye-catching Easter table centrepiece. Hanging Silver Wire 3-Tier Fruit Basket, $100.
Makeup Cases
This travel makeup bag can equal layers of Easter fun with its multiple little nooks and crannies where you can hide a bunch of small trinkets for your closest friends and family. Travel Makeup Bag, $39.
Little Live Surprise Dragon Crystal Cage Playset
And now for something entirely different: For those who love to go the traditional gift route for Easter, simply fill this adorable cage with candies and little trinkets. With each treat that your little bunny pulls out, the dragon egg in the centre of the cage will be revealed. Little Live Surprise Dragon Crystal Cage Playset, $35.
Garden Wagon
Nothing says “spring” quite like planning a garden. So what better way to ring in the new season than by stockpiling all your family’s favourite seasonal treats, potted plants or toys onto this fire engine red garden wagon? Radio Flyer My 1st Wagon, $37.
Copper Cups
These handmade copper tumblers make for shiny, eye-catching companion pieces to your Easter dinner table decor. Fill them with little candies and chocolates for bite-sized desserts. Zebuu Turkish Copper Cups Set, $76.
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