Spring is the season of fresh starts, blooming flowers, and gathering with the people we love. It’s also the perfect time to rethink some of our traditions in small, thoughtful ways.

Easter baskets are a sweet tradition, but many of the colorful goodies inside are made from single-use plastic and forgotten before summer even arrives. With a little creativity, you can build a basket that feels just as festive while being kinder to the planet.

At Nellie’s Free Range, we believe kindness shows up in the small choices we make every day, from how our hens are cared for to how we celebrate with our families. This year, try creating an eco-friendly Easter basket filled with treats, hands-on activities, and nature-inspired surprises the whole family can enjoy together.

Start with a Thrifted Basket

Instead of buying a brand-new basket, visit your local thrift store or secondhand shop. You’ll often find beautiful baskets in all shapes and sizes, each with a little character of its own.

Almost anything can work as an Easter basket. A woven basket, a wooden crate, or even a reusable tote bag can hold springtime treasures.

If your basket is deep, place an upside-down bowl or crumpled paper inside before adding your Easter grass. This helps lift the goodies so everything stays visible and festive.

Make Your Own Easter “Grass”

Skip the neon plastic filler this year. Instead, make your own Easter grass using a brown paper bag.

Paint the bag with soft spring colors or let kids decorate it with crayons and stamps. Once dry, cut it into thin strips (a shredder works perfectly if you have one). Scrunch the strips into fluffy paper “grass” to line your basket.

It’s simple, creative, and a great way to bring the family together for a quick craft before the big day.

Sweet Treats (Thoughtfully Chosen)

A few chocolates can still be part of the celebration. Choosing brands that focus on ethical sourcing and better ingredients helps make the tradition more meaningful.

We love:

Tony’s Chocolonely Easter Chocolates
Tony’s is a Certified Fair-Trade B-Corp company creating some of the most ethical and delicious chocolates around.

Yum Earth Treats
Their organic and allergy-friendly candies are colorful, fun, and made with simpler ingredients.

A couple additional eco-friendly ideas:

• Dark chocolate bars in paper packaging
• Chocolate-covered almonds or raisins packaged in reusable jars

Activities, Toys & Springtime Surprises

Easter baskets don’t have to be all sugar. A few small activities or nature-inspired gifts can spark creativity and outdoor exploration long after the holiday.

We recommend:

• Natural Earth Paint Natural Egg Dye Kit
• Lego sets (they even have a Springy line with bunnies and eggs)
• Mini magnifying glass for backyard exploring
• A small sketchbook for drawing nature discoveries
• Egg and bunny shaped cookie cutters for spring baking
• Naturally dyed sprinkles for decorating treats
• Mini puzzles
• Seed packets for planting together
• Small potted flowers for a touch of spring
  

Additional eco-friendly options:

• A reusable snack container for future adventures
• Wildflower seed bombs to toss in the garden
  

A Kinder Easter Tradition

Building an eco-friendly Easter basket is about more than reducing waste. It’s about slowing down, getting creative, and making room for moments that matter.

Decorate eggs together. Plant flowers. Take a spring walk. Share chocolate at the kitchen table.

Because when families spend time together and celebrate the season of renewal, that’s when traditions truly bloom.

Life’s better out here 💜