Homemade Easter baskets for girls: Budget, candy-free Easter basket fillers

I'm the original minimalist mama, always looking to do natural, sustainable, frugal, recycled. But I also love to party, especially with kids! You don't have to spend a lot to have a fun with children. You can make homemade gifts that are just as nice as store-bought. Here's are candy-free homemade Easter baskets for girls. Give these Easter basket fillers minus Easter candy and delight your daughters! Because holidays don't have to center around candy to be fun!  Homemade Easter baskets for girls: Budget, candy-free Easter basket fillers

Unique Gift Basket Containers--Make Gift Wrap Part of the Present

Why do we we buy gift wrap? We're only going to throw it out. How about wrapping gifts in something reusable? Here are gift basket ideas that make the container or wrapper part of the gift. Below is a list of alternative gift containers. No waste wrapping paper!

Decorative cardboard storage box: Round boxes with a corded lid were originally used as hat boxes. Family Dollar and Dollar General sell sturdy decorative varieties of these hat boxes. Fill boxes with beauty products, cosmetics, bath soaps, lotion. Nestle items in washcloth and towel.

Magazine rack: Fill with personalized gift items for readers and writers: books, a quality pen, journal, paper clips, magazines, puzzle books, coffee mug and specialty coffee or tea.


Cooler or portable lunch sized beverage holder: Fill with items for fishermen, campers, hunters, sports fans, motocross, bikers, golfers, boaters and outdoor activity enthusiasts. Include beverages, snacks, warmers, equipment.

Backpack: Perfect gift container for students, hikers, kayak and canoe enthusiasts, bike riders and climbers.

Craft tote or caddy: Walmart sells several sizes of pocketed craft caddies, from purse size for $6 to large ones for about $20. These are perfect gift containers for craft and sewing supplies, knitting, embroidery, crochet, quilting, painting, pottery, beading, sculpture, drawing and art. Fill small craft totes for children with scissors, glue stick, crayons, construction paper, tape, sequins, colored pencils, stickers.


Briefcase or portfolio: Computer and photography enthusiasts, musicians, collectors and electronics buffs will like locking briefcase with compartments, pockets and drawers. Handy for transporting small delicate parts. Padded pockets are useful for power cords, mp3 player, USB drive, iPod, smartphone, software, small tools, batteries, bulbs, tuning equipment and extra supplies.


Tool box: car, truck, motorcycle and boat enthusiasts will appreciate a tool box filled with emergency supplies.


Large mixing bowl: Great for cooks, bakers, cake decorators. Fill this with oven mitts, bamboo spoons, spatula, apron, cook's knife or other useful cooking supplies.


For more creative gift giving ideas, visit me at

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Design a Disney Pixar Cars Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod Birthday

Disney Pixar's CARS movie came out when our two boys were older. Had it come out 10 years earlier, we would have been up to our ears in Lightning McQueen! Does your little hot rod eat and breathe CARS? Then why not design a CARS bedroom so he can live it too? Here's a guide to turn your child's bedroom into Radiator Springs. Buy the accessories as birthday gifts. Wrap them up with a note saying you'll create Route 66 together! Tips are cheap and homemade using free printable CARS stencils and templates. The entire room shouldn't cost more than $100 if you have the furniture and $350-$400 if you don't. How to Design a Disney Pixar 'Cars' Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod

At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area. Easy at-home ideas, plus shopping tips for your budding thespian's play area. Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Inexpensive Childrens' Baking Set Gift Basket

Inexpensive, DIY Holiday Baker's Gift Basket for Children When I was five years old, I received my own little baking set for Christmas. I've seen store baking sets for children, but as nice as they are, I like my DIY baker's set best. Here's an inexpensive baking kit to make your child's Christmas merry. Read More

Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts, Crafts for Kids

Easy Holiday Gifts to Make 25+ quick,easy,cheap gift crafts you can make with anyone of any age! Great holiday gifts! Make with students, scout troop, senior care center, Sunday school, grandkids, day care! We've been doing this for 16 years with our family! View more »

Cheap, Homemade Personalized Gift Baskets

Top 10 Gift Baskets: Design Your Own Personalized Gift Baskets!
Recipe for inexpensive baskets of treats! Personalize. Create baskets especially for loved ones. Give it your own special touch! View more »