Clever Easter Basket ideas from our readers

We invited readers to share their suggestions for making unusual Easter Baskets. We learned that there’s a lot more than chocolate bunnies you can tuck into an Easter basket. In keeping with the theme of spring renewal, Diane Cutaia suggested a gardener’s basket. “Instead of candy how about making a seed and garden Easter basket? Fill the basket with seed packets, potting soil, garden tools and gloves.” Here’s a gift that offers activity and the promise of fresh produce. Diane adds that it’s not just for adults, but “great for little gardeners, too.” Look for child-size garden tools and gloves in craft and toy shops, hardware stores and even the local grocery. ”Create a Man Basket,” wrote Teddy Jucha. Fill it with magazines like ‘Field and Stream,’ some aftershave and a manly lotion.” If you want to carry this theme a little bit further, consider adding any of the following: A “manly” power bar, a pair of driving gloves, tickets to a local movie theater, home-made coupons for a special dinner at home, a set of golf or tennis balls or a football for tossing around the yard. ”Make a miniature basket just like the one we take to the church for the blessing of food,” wrote Cindy Peck. Inside you can place, “a tiny piece of ham, kielbasa, a lamb made of butter, colorful eggs, babka (a twisty dinner roll will do). Cover with a pretty Easter napkin.” ”Don’t forget your pets,” reminded Jennifer Carr. “A basket full of treats and toys is sure to brighten an animal’s day.” She’s right. What dog or cat doesn’t deserve a treat? Holidays aren’t just for people, after all. Maybe it’s time for Zuzu to wear a new collar or Fido has worn out his brush and comb. A frame to shows off Sweetie-pie’s fuzzy face or one that includes the kids along with their favorite pets, make great grandparent gifts. Made by hand. Do you enjoy a good do-it-yourself project? Make your own bread-dough Easter basket. There are two types, edible and decorative. You can find rather simple recipes for each kind online. All are good parent-child projects. If you love working with the salt-dough recipes — those are the decorative doughs — you can make miniature fruits, animals and food to stuff your basket with. Use food coloring to color the dough. Glaze it with clear nail polish. Theme baskets make great Easter treats for people who have a special interest. Here’s just one idea. Make a “green” basket for the environmentally conscious. Start with grass made from shredding your own junk mail or try out the new edible Easter grass. Then, fill a clay pot or rattan basket with fresh fruit, a small house plant or one that can be put in the garden. Next move on to items that can be used in the home or eaten— a loofah sponge, a lapel pin made from recycled soda can tops or a bag of mini carrots. Visit your local health food store for ideas.