Even though I will not be playing the Easter bunny this year I will still be making my nieces Easter baskets. While looking at the prices of pre-made Easter basket I suddenly had a slight taste of puke in my mouth.

As many of you know those high priced baskets are filled with grass that the family dog (or cat) will try to eat, toys that break in 5 minutes and a plethora of refined sugar that will keep the kids bouncing off the walls all day long.

Now that I've done some research I have a much better idea how I'm going to get the biggest bang for my buck. Here are some of my favorite ideas for Easter baskets.

Containers Instead of Baskets

• Easter bonnets. If you decide to buy your little lady an Easter bonnet turn it upside down and fill with treats
• Plastic pail and shovel sets
• Wagons
• Purses for older girls
• Toy truck
• Bike helmets
• Plastic storage containers
• Flower pot with gardening type items in there
• Baseball cap
• Decorated paint can
• Backpack
• Jewelry box
• Tackle box

Filler Ideas

• Crayons
• Reusable plastic eggs filled with candy or small toys
• Homemade play-dough
• Yo-yos
• DIY bubbles and bubble wand
• Jump rope
• Hair ribbons and barrettes
• Sidewalk chalk eggs
• Stickers
• Nail polish
• Rice crispy treats or popcorn balls shaped in eggs
• Deck of cards
• Change purse
• Glitter
• Markers
• Slinkies
• Books
• Homemade trail mix
• Coloring books
• Sunglasses

Do you have any Easter basket ideas you'd like to share? Any gifts you like to give apart of family traditions?

Image thanks to AlishaV