This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
If you’re short on cash and need some cute Easter baskets, you can make your own homemade DIY Easter baskets using upcycled egg cartons, tissue boxes, and paint. I love this easy spring Easter craft because it costs next to nothing and most people can afford to make them. You probably already have paint, paint brushes, and ribbon and can easily and quickly make these with the younger kids.
Tap into your toddler’s or young child’s fine motor skills by handing them paint brushes, cut sponge strips—even chopped vegetables such as potatoes and celery will suffice. We have painted with celery and potatoes and both are fun ways to show your children that you don’t have to stick with paint brushes while painting. If you’re a stay-at-home mom with young toddlers and preschoolers, you’re likely always pursuing easy and fun kid’s activities.
We opted for paintbrushes for this activity. Three-year-old Keira loved every moment of painting. It’s such a beneficial fine motor skill for toddlers too.
Think outside the box and get creative, using things us wasteful humans would typically recycle or throw away in the trash, to create your own spring Easter baskets. It’s such a wonderful and inexpensive preschool, kindergarten, daycare, and homeschool activity that all children enjoy. If you like spring crafts, you’ll love my Easy Paper Shamrock Craft which is a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
Importance of Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are important as they help young kids develop precision and dexterity as they move the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Toddlers should be practicing fine motor skills daily to enable them to get dressed on their own, helps with brain development including speech, and helps them to explore and create.
Toys and Games Best SellersMy Cleveland Clinic’s article states that fine motor skills involve the complex coordination of muscles, joints, and nerves. Further, fine motor control is a process that involves awareness, coordination, muscle strength, and precision. Examples of fine motor activities include drawing or writing, using scissors, folding clothes, typing, fastening a button, tying shoes, and zipping up a zipper. All of these critical skills are imperative to support independence later in life.
Items Needed to Make an Upcycled Easter Basket
Empty egg cartons or tissue boxes. Upcycle used egg cartons and tissue boxes.
Paint. You can use acrylic or washable paint. We like these Apple Barrel paints.
Paint brushes. You’ll need paint brushes of different sizes to paint your Easter baskets.
Palette. A paint palette or a plastic lid works great.
Craft mat or newspaper. We use old newspaper ads to paint on. You can also use a craft mat.
Ribbon. Pick any color or type of ribbon to hold the baskets with.
Scissors. You’ll need adult and or toddler scissors to cut the ribbon.
How to Make the Best Upcycled Easter Baskets
STEP 1: Lay out newspaper or a craft mat and use the paint brushes to paint the empty egg cartons or tissue boxes.
STEP 2: Allow them to dry. Hole punch or poke holes in two opposite sides of the tissue box and push ribbon through them. Tie the ribbon.
More Spring and Easter crafts you’ll love!
Easy Brown Bag Easter Bunny Craft
Easy Toddler and Kid Easter Crafts
Rainbow Pot O’ Gold – Easy St. Patrick’s Day Kid’s Craft
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Upcycled Easter Baskets crafts, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Upcycled Easter Baskets
Equipment
Materials
Instructions
- Lay out newspaper or a craft mat and use the paint brushes to paint the empty egg cartons or tissue boxes.
- Allow them to dry. Punch holes in two opposite sides of the tissue box and push ribbon through them. Tie the ribbon.
Share this craft!
Elise’s Kitchen Favorites
