How to Prepare an Easter Basket

Create a customized Easter basket for a loved one.

Imagine surprising your child, partner or friend on Easter morning with a picture-perfect basket full of his favorite goodies. You can buy Easter baskets that are already filled with gifts, but preparing an Easter basket by hand is more personal and meaningful (and typically less expensive.) If it's your first time putting together an Easter basket, the task may seem overwhelming. However, creating an attractive Easter basket involves only a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Basket or alternate container
• Filling such as shredded paper or Easter grass
• Gifts
• Colored cellophane, if desired
• 2-foot length of wide ribbon

Instructions

1. Choose a container to use as a basket. You can use a traditional wicker basket or a container that doubles as a gift, such as an upside-down baseball cap, sand pail or large mug.

2. Fill the basket or container with shredded paper or plastic Easter "grass." If you want an eco-friendly Easter basket, skip the filling or use a practical gift as a filling, such as a soft washcloth. You can also line Easter baskets with tissue paper, cloth or paper napkins.

3. Arrange gifts and candy in the basket. For best results, arrange large items first, such as books and chocolate rabbits, and then add smaller items, such as individual pieces of candy. Arrange smaller items so they are all visible; for example, stand candy bars or pencils on their ends instead of laying them flat. If you aren't sure how to fill up the basket, consider adding stickers, food, candy, plush animals, books, art supplies, stationery or small toys.

4. Wrap the basket in colored cellophane, if desired, by placing the basket in the center of a 4-foot length of cellophane. Then lift the corners of the cellophane to the top of the basket and secure the cellophane with a ribbon just above the basket's handle. Alternately, tie a ribbon bow on the handle of the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider how many gifts you want to purchase when choosing the container. A large container requires many more gifts to look properly filled.

References

• "Creative and Thoughtful Gift Giving"; Leah Ingram, et al; 2007
• Lafayette Christian School: A Plethora of Gift Basket Ideas