Eco-Friendly Easter Baskets and Gifts

Weren't opening Easter baskets fun as a kid?  All wrapped in cellophane with plastic Easter grass.  Okay, the treats were the best part, but most Easter baskets are wrapped in all of that plastic.  I remember my Mom reused the baskets and wrappings each year, and since I am going "green", I figure I might as well reuse Easter grass too.  So I don't recommend going out and buying new plastic Easter grass, but if you are going to buy some for the bottom of your Easter basket try the paper version.

For my dog's Easter basket, I used the paper Easter grass I found in my gift-wrapping storage box, which you can't see in the photo.  Then added a few stuffed rabbits, squeaky balls and a few other chew toys.  If you have little dogs, choose a smaller basket to put their toys or treats in.  My dogs seem to know these are meant for them and I have to keep it out of their reach, otherwise they just take the toys out of the basket.

Since I don't have kids, I'm not worried about making fun Easter baskets for little ones to enjoy.  Though I think the baskets from Pottery Barn Kids are adorable.  Click here and here for the photos I posted on Pinterest.  I also like regular baskets with basket liners for Easter.  If you don't have Easter basket supplies, I recommend getting a good quality basket or fabric/felt basket that can be reused.  You could knit or crochet one as well.  Then the fun part is picking out (or making) the gifts to include in the basket.  Chocolate is always a good choice, at least I think so. Stickers, coloring books, craft supplies and stuffed toys are always great choices too.  For other eco-friendly choices, I found a great post on Eco Child's Play, click here.  Whatever you choose for you Easter basket, have fun!  Easter is about sharing love and joy.

Naturally Dye Easter Eggs

Last year my Aunt turned me onto an article about naturally dying Easter eggs.  Though I haven't tried this yet, I think it would be fun and it's a great idea for those with kids.  When I was a kid I remember dying eggs for Easter, and my Mom knew that we shouldn't eat those eggs we dyed.  Have you really looked at the ingredients in food coloring recently?  If you did you might be as grossed out as I am.  I am glad my Mom knew then that it wasn't good to eat foods with these chemical food coloring. 

This is why I don't understand the obsession with Red Velvet Cake (or cupcakes), I mean there's red food coloring and just a touch of cocoa powder.  Why is it liked by so many over a chocolate cake (where you can put a cream cheese frosting on)??

Thoughts to consider as you start preparing for your Easter holiday.  And if you want to try naturally dying eggs for your holiday try this recipe from Whole Foods.  In reading it, I realized that naturally dying eggs is the same as the traditional version, all that is being replaced is the food coloring.  Give this a try and have some fun this Easter!