A Tisket A Tasket, Thrift Your Easter Basket

A Tisket A Tasket, Thrift Your Easter Basket
By Mimi Novak

Did you know that we Americans spend close to two billion dollars on Easter each year?  And, why should we, when we can find amazing Easter goodies at our local thrift store?

Just follow these 5 easy steps to creating a truly unique (and affordable) Easter basket from your local thrift store.

Step 1:  Find a colorful basket

Look for gently-used, interesting Easter baskets that will be not only good for your budget, but better for the environment.  You will likely find an assortment of different baskets at your thrift store.  I found a perfectly fine basket for less than one dollar!

Step 2:  Find A Pretty Linen to Cover the Bottom

You can still add the plastic green grass if you like, but consider finding a unique, vintage or colorful hand towel or napkin in the linen section of the store and drape it over the bottom of the basket to add a little whimsy.  (You’ll want to wash it first, of course).  I scored a beautiful vintage, hand-embroidered runner for $2.99.

Step 3: Find An Interesting Knick Knack or Two

Have a look around your local thrift store and you’re likely to find something fun and kitschy that will make your basket stand out from the crowd.  I found a vintage cow piece that was once part of a kitchen timer.  It had the cutest little face that said, ‘take me home’ so I did. It was under one dollar, and I think it adds a little vintage creativity to the basket.   I also scored a pair of bunny ears.

Step 4: Add a Book

There are literally hundreds of books to choose from at your local thrift store – many of them in near-new condition.   Find something relating to Easter or that matches up with the interests of the person getting the basket.   I found a colorful book about Easter that adds a lot of flair, and it was only 50 cents!

Step 5:  Just Add Jelly Beans

Now you’ve got a lovely, hand-made, unique Easter basket to regale your loved ones with.  It’s not going to look like every other Easter basket at the grocery store because it will contain fun and interesting items that you picked out yourself.  Just use your imagination and don’t be afraid to think a little bit outside of the box (or basket).  Now, all you need is to top off your hand-made treasure with some jelly beans and a chocolate bunny or two.

Why pay retail this Easter?  Just head over to your local thrift store and thrift your Easter basket!  You can probably put it all together for around $10 (including candy).   The candy, however, you will still have to buy retail!

Mimi Novak is a writer and founder of Thrift Store Junkies, a blog about thrifting around the San Francisco Bay Area.  She is currently having fun while documenting every single thrift store in her area.  You can read more about her thrifting adventures at http://www.thriftstorejunkies.com

This post participates in the fabulous Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Mondays.  Please check her out!

Mmm. Mondays!