Those little plastic eggs, that fake plastic grass, unethical chocolate and a basket that will inevitably tear the moment a precocious toddler steps in it– these are all parts of most modern Easter baskets. But it doesn’t have to be that way, here are some creative ideas to make an eco-friendly Easter basket:

An Eco-Friendly Easter Basket: The Basket

The most sustainable basket is the one you already have. If you’ve saved baskets from year’s past, use that. If you don’t already have a basket on hand, you can find secondhand baskets at your local thrift store or charity shop. I’ve even got a how-to on how to wash and protect baskets:

An Eco-Friendly Easter Basket: The “Grass” Filler

Opt for natural fillers like shredded paper, dried moss, or even real straw. Not only are these options biodegradable, but they also add a rustic charm to your kid’s baskets.

An Eco-Friendly Easter Basket: The Ingredients

Edible Treats

Skip the individually wrapped candies and opt for homemade treats instead. Bake cookies or make up some sweet and salty trail mix. Package the treats in reusable jars or cloth bags for an extra eco-friendly touch.

If you don’t want to bake or your kid isn’t into sweets, including carrots with the stems still on is a cute added treat. It’s what bunnies eat, afterall!

Eco-Friendly Chocolate

When selecting treats and gifts for your Easter baskets, look for fair trade and organic options. Choose chocolates made from sustainably sourced cocoa, organic candies, and snacks that support ethical farming practices. I personally like the Tony’s Chocolate brand! Their packaging is cute too.

Eco-Friendly Toys

Plastic toys aren’t the most eco-friendly. If you want to go that route, maybe your little one loves Barbies or action figures, there are plenty of second-hand options at the thrift stores, flea markets and even online marketplaces like Ebay.

If you want to buy new, consider wooden toys, handmade dolls, or eco-friendly puzzles purchased from a local shop. These options are not only better for the environment but also promote imaginative play.

Other Eco-Friendly Basket Fillers

Experience Gifts

Instead of physical gifts, consider giving experience-based gifts such as tickets to a local zoo, museum, the movie theatre or roller skating rink. These experiences create lasting memories that you can make with your little one without adding to clutter.

Seeds & Plants

Foster a love for nature by including packets of flower or vegetable seeds in your eco-friendly Easter baskets. Plant the seeds in your garden together as an activity for later. The flowers will have a positive environmental impact too.

Low Waste Gifts

Crafts

Other low-waste gifts to put into your baskets include crayons, chalk or home made play dough. All you have to do is mix flour, salt, water, and optional food coloring. The crayons and chalk can be used until they are completely gone! The play dough after it’s been well-loved can go in the composter.

I’d also consider buying the highest quality crayons or chalk available. I like the Crayola brand crayons because they’re more durable than other options.

Books

Secondhand or even new books are a good option for Easter baskets too. There’s so many secondhand books available in thrift stores, used book stores and even online through shops like Thrift Books. I also love being able to support authors by buying books straight from their websites.

Easter doesn’t have to be a holiday filled with tiny plastic trinkets. You can choose more environmentally friendly options that your kids and the environment will enjoy.

Do you have any other ideas for eco-friendly Easter basket gifts or fillers?