Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones. But if you’re just starting to transition to a more simple and natural lifestyle, the holiday can feel overwhelming with all the plastic, artificial dyes, and commercialized traditions. The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once! This beginner’s guide will show you how to make Easter more simple, natural, and eco-friendly—without breaking the bank.
1. Thrift a Basket Instead of Buying New
One of the easiest ways to start a simple and natural Easter is by skipping the store-bought baskets. Thrift stores often have a variety of beautiful, gently used baskets that you can repurpose year after year. A quick rinse or a fresh coat of paint can give them new life! Consider these thrift-friendly basket alternatives:
- Decorative bowls – Unique and stylish for a non-traditional basket.
- Woven baskets – Classic, sturdy, and easy to find secondhand.
- Wooden crates – A rustic option that can double as storage later.
- Fabric tote bags – Reusable and great for carrying Easter goodies.
- Metal pails – Durable and perfect for an outdoor Easter egg hunt.
2. DIY Easter Grass for a Natural Touch
Instead of using plastic Easter grass, try shredding old newspapers, repurposing tissue paper, or using natural materials like straw or dried grass. You can also use colorful fabric scraps for a reusable option that adds a personal touch.
- Shredded paper from old newspapers, junk mail, or paper bags is an excellent, eco-friendly option.
- Fabric scraps from old t-shirts or linens can be cut into strips for a colorful, reusable alternative.
- Real grass is perfect if you want to add a fresh, natural look. Plant some wheatgrass in a shallow container a couple of weeks before Easter, and you’ll have living grass to line your baskets.
- Hay or moss are also great natural options to consider.
Choosing to make your own grass not only reduces waste but also adds a charming, nature-inspired element to your natural Easter basket.
3. Thrifted & Reusable Easter Eggs: Eco-Friendly Finds
Skip the brand-new plastic eggs and opt for thrifted or reusable alternatives instead. Look for wooden, fabric, or glass eggs at thrift stores—they’re durable, beautiful, and can be used for years. If you already have plastic eggs or find them secondhand, reusing them is a great sustainable option. Give them a fresh look with stickers, fabric, or washi tape.
And if you’re feeling extra brave, you might even consider hiding real eggs—especially if you have your own chickens! A real egg hunt brings back tradition and adds a farm-fresh touch. You may want to keep it outside, though… just in case a few get left behind!
- Real eggs make a natural alternative—just keep track of them!
- Wooden eggs can be decorated with natural dyes for a fun, eco-friendly craft.
- Fabric eggs from vintage decorations add a soft, reusable touch.
- Thrifted plastic eggs reduce waste by reusing what’s already out there.
4. Thrift for Basket Fillers: Budget-Friendly, Simple & Natural Ideas
Filling an Easter basket doesn’t have to mean buying plastic toys or sugar-filled treats. Instead, try these budget-friendly and natural ideas:
- Wooden toys like animal figurines or puzzles—timeless and sustainable.
- Books from thrift stores—look for stories about nature, animals, or gardening.
- Homemade treats—consider a special item your child would love from the farmers market, like their own jar of homemade jam or honey.
- A fun Easter craft—include a DIY project like a decorate-your-own wooden egg kit, a felt bunny sewing project, or a pressed flower bookmark.
5. Celebrate with Natural Egg Dyeing
Ditch artificial food coloring and try natural egg dyes using ingredients from your kitchen. Boil eggs with onion skins for a golden hue, use red cabbage for blue tones, or try turmeric for a vibrant yellow. It’s a fun experiment and a safer alternative for little hands!
6. Keep It Simple & Enjoy the Moment
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. You don’t have to go completely plastic-free overnight. Just by making small changes, like thrifting a basket or switching to homemade treats, you’re already creating a more simple, natural, and eco-friendly Easter for your family. Celebrate the little wins and enjoy the holiday stress-free!
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