Every year, my children receive at least one Easter basket and likely two or three. The baskets vary and might be plastic and already filled or wood/wicker filled with items that have been hand-selected. The problem with receiving even one basket a year is that they add up…and then retire to their storage place never to be looked at again.
This year I endeavored to do something different. I’ve been researching and exploring the concept of upcycling, which in essence means taking something you’d typically throw out and making something new (and better) with that item. After a bit of brainstorming, I decided to take a 1/2 gallon Almond milk carton and convert it into an Easter basket. A stretch?
After I cut off the top third of the carton, my son and I covered it with construction paper. Together we decorated it with felt stickers and markers. I used Walmart‘s Easter grass made from recycled paper and included an Easter book (Pooh’s Easter Basket), an Easter Sock Monkey, some felt bookmarks we made with Creative Hands SmART Kit, GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce, and Justin’s Maple Almond Butter. The entire basket cost me $18.06 plus tax (and I could make another basket without having to buy much more than another Sock Monkey and book).
The Easter aisles are lined with candy and toys, and this year I was looking for something different…something lasting. I wanted to give each of my children something unique and festive that would still benefit them. My son loved the fact that we turned his milk carton into an Easter basket. He enjoyed decorating it and it gave us something creative to work on. The book is one we’ll read in future years and the Sock Monkey can tag along on trips or be snuggled with at bedtime. Since it’s difficult to come up with candy-alternatives, I thought that individual, on-the-go applesauce packets and maple almond butter packets would still satisfy their sweet cravings while packing in a bit of nutrition.
Have you ever tried upcycling? I’m curious to see what you’ve created…
Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
Photos: Rockin’ Mama
All items can be purchased at your local Walmart.
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I love upcycling! Though I’ve always called it “reusing.” This is such a creative idea, and I’m excited to try something similar. How many made-in-china baskets and plastic eggs can we buy and throw out every year anyway?! – gross.
What a great idea! I hate spending a bunch of money on something that will only be used once a year, if that. This is a much better alternative!
I always save my daughter’s holiday decorations and gifts and use them the next year. She’s used the same Easter basket that last two years and it looks as though it will make for another one. You did a great job on the basket! Kudos to you!!
you are more creative then me- i just use the same baskets 🙂
Fantastic idea! We have used the same wooden Easter baskets for 3 generations. I look forward to using them with my grandchildren next!
upcycling! I love it!!!!
“Un”cycling, what a great idea. 🙂
Right now I’m using the boxes from macaroni, muffins, etc and using them so my son can ‘cook’ with my mixing bowls while I make dinner.
Such a great idea! I just use the same Easter Baskets every year.
Super cute!! I have upcycled a lot of my daughters clothes into different things. I have sewn blankets, make hair stuff…
I always upcycle things…. I’ve taken old sweaters and sewn buttons on them and made them fashionable again…. or taken left over and made them into new fancy meals. 🙂