Every year around this time, I receive email notes from people asking for free and low-cost items that they can add to their Easter baskets.  This topic was also one of the most popular ones on the old Creative Gift Giver website.  Although most of us have tight budgets, we still want to surprise our children and grandchildren with nice Easter baskets.  Consider some of these ideas for this year's baskets.

1) Beadie animals 
One of my favorite crafting websites, MakingFriends.com, has patterns to make a variety of different animals from pony beads. You could create a pony bead Easter bunny or chick, or select your child's favorite animal, like a dog, monkey or cat.  These pony bead characters make cute accessories for your child's backpack or suitcase.  If the recipient is a young child, you could make the beadie animal yourself. If the child is older, create a craft kit with directions and necessary supplies so she can make the beadie animal herself. Pony beads can be purchased inexpensively from dollar stores and craft stores.

2) Personalized Books on Cd or cassette 
In her SimpleMom blog, writer and mom Deborah Taylor-Hough suggests recording yourself on audio tape or CD while reading your child's favorite book.  I did this for my son when he was three years old; he still plays the cassette books from time to time even though he is 11 years old.  What makes this gift special is that you can add your own funny voices and commentary to the books.  I secretly think my son likes the "good night, I love you!" comment at the end of the audio recording. (But don't tell his friends that!)  My daughter giggles when she hears some of the silly voices I use when telling Curious George stories.

3) Coloring Pages and new crayons, markers or pencils
It's easy to find free downloadable Easter-themed coloring pages on the internet. Try websites like Free Coloring Pages or DLTK Holidays, or use keywords like "Easter coloring pages" on a search engine.

To make this extra special, include pastel crayons, metallic pencils or markers that change color like Crayola's Color Changeables.

If you can sew, why not whip up one of these Easter Egg crayon holders? What a cute way to give crayons!


4) Paper models
There are some amazing downloadable paper models available on the internet. For example, Canon Creative Park has a printable Netherland dwarf bunny, a Jaquar car model, a puppet stage and puppets to put on plays like the Emperor's New Clothes, and landmarks like an Egyptian sphinx and the Statue of Liberty. PaperModelz has a canary in a cage, a firetruck, a bear with an ice cream cone, Hello Kitty, a Lego Man and much more.

You simply download the files, print them out, then tuck them in your kid's Easter basket.  They can then cut, fold and paste to create some wonderful paper toys!  Some of these are quite challenging, making them a perfect basket filler for that tween or teen who thinks he's too old for Easter baskets.