Frugal Easter Baskets

Are you interested in putting together frugal Easter baskets this year? While we know we're not the only ones who would enjoy getting this beautiful dark chocolate basket from See's Candies, $43 for one basket is way over our budgets!

We thought we'd share some ideas to help you put together baskets or goodie bags for family and friends - on the cheap this time!

(1) Locate a basket or bag.
I went to my favorite thrift store this week for a 50% off sale, and Easter baskets and beautiful, plain baskets were going for $.50 to $1.00. You can't beat that. If you can't find a basket that you like or don't have one in your home already, look for a plain colored paper bag at your local craft store. They come in all different sizes and are much cheaper than the usual holiday gift bag. Plain baskets and bags can easily be dressed up with ribbon.

(2) Look at store circulars.
Upon reviewing my area's Sunday paper store circulars from last week (03/29), I spotted these deals for kid-friendly basket items:
Michael's: Bagged plastic eggs 2/$3, Sticko stickers $.99, 25% off entire stock of Crayola products, model/necklace/plaster kits $1, special value ribbon $1
Toys 'R Us: All Crayola Crayons Buy One Get 1 Free (BOGO), 30% off all Easter candy, BOGO assorted toys (Little Tykes, Fisher Price, etc.)

(3) Raid your coupon stash.
In my coupon organizer, I found coupons for food, candy and gum that different family members like. If I couple those with the Shoppers douple coupon deal this weekend, I'll get them at a fraction of the cost or free! Here is a sampling of the coupons I'll be using:
Quaker granola bars $.75/2 03/08 Red Plum insert
Wrigley gum FREE 03/15 Smart Source insert
Snyder's of Hanover pretzel sandwiches $.75 02/22 Smart Source insert
Airheads Extremes candy $.55 03/22 Smart Source insert
Stride gum $2/3 packs 03/22 Smart Source insert
Trident Xtra care gum $.75/1 03/08 Smart Source insert
Lipton tea 01/18 Red Plum insert

Target is running a special on Lindt Lindor truffles this week, a 5.1-0z bag for $2.99. If you use your $1 coupon from the 02/01 Smart Source insert, it makes a chocolate deal for $1.99!

Please leave us a comment with any ideas you have.