Easter Basket Ideas for Crafty Kids

The Easter Bunny may favor jelly beans and Peeps when filling Easter baskets, but we think that's a little boring. Why not skip the plastic grass and chocolate bunnies this year and go for something a little more creative? An Easter basket filled with fun craft supplies will not only help your kids avoid the dreaded sugar rush, but will also provide hours of entertainment long after the Easter Bunny has hopped away.

Here are some ideas for crafty Easter baskets for kids of all ages.

Scrapbooking Basket: An Easter basket filled with scrapbooking supplies will provide hours of fun and a permanent memento of the holiday. Include an assortment of colorful scrapbook paper, stickers, pens, scissors and glue. Other helpful scrapbooking items include paper punches, photo corners, trims and stamps. For the novice, include a how-to book for young scrapbookers.

Knitting Basket: For older kids and teens, here's a chance to get them started on what could turn out to be a life-long hobby: Knitting. Pack Easter baskets with a how-to book, an assortment of colorful yarns, needles, and, of course, some fun patterns they can use to make cool accessories for themselves and their friends.

Sculpture Basket: Inspire your little Michelangelo with an Easter basket packed with everything a budding sculptor needs. Start with a beginner's book to introduce them to the art of clay sculpture and teach them basics. Include an assortment of polymer clay, molds, and sculpting tools and sit back and watch the magic happen.

Paint Basket: From finger painters to more advanced artists, a fully-stocked paint basket is a great way to spark some creativity. For the little ones, load up on washable, non-toxic finger paints and lots of paper. Older kids can try their hand at watercolors with the help of a book for beginners, brushes, paints and paper. Or introduce them to the art of pastels with a kit that includes everything they need to get started.