Spring is in the air, and Easter is right around the corner—which means it’s time for all things pastel, charming, and sweetly handmade. Are you looking for a simple, sustainable, and adorable way to package treats this season? Well, these Egg Carton Easter Basket Ideas will rock your socks off.
These tiny carriers of joy are incredibly versatile: they’re perfect for gifting small trinkets, candies, jewelry or messages, and they’re just the right size for kiddos or party favors. Even better? You’re upcycling something you probably already have in the fridge.
Let’s dive into all the creative ways to turn plain old egg cartons into a unique, delightful Easter baskets that feel just as magical as a full-sized gift or Easter basket.
Why Egg Cartons Make the Cut
Let’s be honest—egg cartons are humble little heroes. Sturdy, compartmentalized, and easy to paint, they transform beautifully with just a bit of color and creativity. Whether you’re going for soft farmhouse charm, playful kid-approved surprises, or a more polished spring gift, egg cartons are your blank canvas.
Bonus points for reusing what you already have, keeping things budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Supplies for Egg Carton Easter Basket
Before you start decorating, gather up your supplies! Here’s a go-to list for prepping your egg carton baskets:
Basic Supplies:
- Empty egg cartons (kraft or colored)*
- Scissors
- Paint brushes or foam sponges
- Acrylic paint (pastel colors, brights for kids)
- Glue Tape (to adhere a tag)
- Ribbon, twine, or lace
*I bought kraft egg cartons and painted a few. I bought these egg cartons.
Paint Colors Used:
- Apple Barrel (Matte): 21464E Cameo Pink
- DecoArt Americana: Winter Blue
- craft smart (Matte): Orchid
For Filling:
- Easter grass or paper filler (available in a rainbow of colors)
- Mini cupcake liners (great for candy portioning)
- Wrapped candies, chocolates, candy bracelets or jelly beans
- Stickers, stamps, or washi tape
- Mini toys, erasers, bubbles, or novelty eggs
- Little nail polishes
Optional Extras:
- Faux flowers or fresh tulips
- Printable tags and messages (like “Happy Easter” or “Happy Spring”)
- Glitter glue or metallic markers
- Name tags or labels
Kid-Friendly Egg Carton Fillers:
- Animal-shaped erasers
- Plastic rings or mini puzzles
- Cadbury Creme Eggs or chocolate coins
- Miniature slinkies or finger puppets
- Temporary tattoos or sticker sheets
- Bunny-shaped lip balm or stickers
- Toy cars, mini slinkies, or bubbles
- Jelly beans or fruit snacks
- Little felt chicks or plushies
- Paper flowers
- A family photo or Polaroid
- Rubber Ducks or Unicorn Ducks
- Crochet blooms
- Legos
- Cash
- Hair Clips
Set up a table with all your goodies, cover your surface with newspaper, and let the painting and crafting begin! Kids will love choosing their favorite colors and surprise fillers—and you’ll love how simple and fun this DIY project is.
Decorating & Filling Your Egg Carton Basket
There are so many ways to personalize egg cartons for Easter. You can paint them in pastel hues, wrap them with lace or ribbon, and tuck a flower or tag on top.
Fill the inside with paper shreds, chocolate eggs, stickers, small trinkets, or even handmade keepsakes.
Want to make it even easier? Use mini cupcake liners or plastic eggs to help portion out candies, or create mini kits with themed items—craft supplies, snacks, or even nature finds.
If you’re gifting to kids, go bold with bright colors and fun surprises. For a more grown-up twist, use muted tones and sweet treats like chocolate truffles, mini jams, donut holes, small cookies, and a note that says “Happy Spring.”
Nature-Lover’s Foraged Egg Carton
Perfect for: Gardeners, outdoor enthusiasts, or nature-loving kids
I love this unique twist of using an egg carton to hold tiny foraged treasures: moss, feathers, twigs, matchbooks, and air plants. It’s a fun way to celebrate spring’s natural beauty and makes a sweet gift for someone who prefers earthy over sugary.
What You’ll Need:
- Natural egg carton
- Foraged elements (twigs, moss, stones, feathers)
- Air plants or seed packets
- Palo Santo Wood
- Spring-themed matchbooks or nature art
This is a wonderful non-candy alternative that still feels special and thoughtful. You can include a mini note that says “Happy Spring” and make it more of a seasonal token than a traditional Easter basket.
When my sister saw this one, she said, “Ohhh, I like this one.” Haha. I knew she would.
Bonus Styling Ideas
- Name Tags: Tie or glue a mini kraft paper tag with each recipient’s name.
- Stick-on Decals: Add Easter-themed vinyls or stickers to the top of each carton.
- Painted Illustrations: Hand-painted bunnies, eggs, or florals directly on the carton lids.
- Glitter Edges: Brush some glitter glue around the rim or corners for sparkle.
Where to Use an Egg Carton Easter Basket
These little treasures are the kind of DIY that can go from casual gifting to full-blown table styling. Here are a few sweet ways to use them:
- Place cards: Add a mini egg carton to each plate at your Easter table.
- Classroom gifts: Fill with allergy-friendly snacks or toys for classmates.
- Neighborhood surprises: Drop off a few on porches as “you’ve been egged” treats.
- Craft party favors: Let kids decorate their own and fill them up afterward!
Printable Tags for Egg Carton Easter Basket
To make your cartons even more festive, I’m sharing a few printables you can tuck inside or glue to the inside lid.
Print these on cardstock, cut them out, and pop them into your egg cartons for a polished, themed finish. These tags look great on display if you leave the carton open, too!
Please Note: All printables and downloads from Live Laugh Rowe are for personal use only. Modifying the files or claiming them as your own is not allowed. Selling digital or printed versions is prohibited.
Ready for Egg Carton Magic?
There’s something timeless about using everyday items to create seasonal joy. Egg cartons are small, sweet, and surprisingly versatile—making them a wonderful medium for spreading Easter cheer.
Whether you go simple and sophisticated with florals and lace or lean into whimsy with toys and treats, each carton becomes a little parcel of springtime joy.
So, grab your paints, scissors, and a handful of goodies—and let the egg carton fun begin! Or keep it simple — no paint or scissors, just goodies. The possibilites are endless.
Are you crafting egg carton baskets this year? Tag us at @livelaughrowe or share your creations with me via e-mail (kelly at livelaughrowe.com) — I’d love to see how you style them!
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