Simple DIY Candy Easter Basket

What is more fun than an Easter basket full of candy... an Easter basket MADE of candy (of course). This simple DIY uses dollar store supplies, and it is easy to make. This candy Easter basket is the perfect Easter treat for kids and adults. Keep reading for the step by step instructions... including and easy to follow video.

You'll need:

• 4 boxes of candy
• a pipe cleaner
• a box of Froot Loops
• glue gun
• Easter grass (optional)

Start by gluing the ends of the boxes with hot glue and forming the boxes into a square. Make sure the labels are facing out.

Flip the boxes upside down, and hot glue a piece of the cereal box to create a bottom for the box.

Then, make a handle by stringing Froot Loops onto a pipe cleaner. 

Use hot glue to secure the handle to the candy boxes.

Finish by filling the box with Easter grass and treats. Cute, right?!?

Check out this video for step by step instructions.

Isn't this an adorable way to share Easter treats? It's the perfect easy and inexpensive Easter DIY. Who will you share yours with?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find MORE fun Easter ideas here.

How to make a PAPER SPINNER

Sometimes simple, old fashioned ideas are the best ones. These paper spinners are a perfect example. They are easy to make, and they are a lot of fun to play with. I remember making them when I was a child, and then I made them with my boys. It's a craft and a game... the perfect 2 for 1 idea!

To make a colourful spinner:

1) Cut two identical circles from a piece of heavy cardstock, and poke holes in the centre of the circles (about 1cm apart).

2) Use bright colours to colour the two cirles.

3) Use a glue stick to glue the insides the circles together... being careful to line up the holes.

4) Thread the piece of string through the holes and secure with a knot.

5) Hold the ends of the strings, twirl the circle, and watch the circle spin when you stop twirling.

Check out this video for a visual description of the instructions:

Isn't this a fun little activity? It really is a great craft for children of all ages. Tweens and teens will like it too!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

DIY Easter Egg Prize Punch

A few years ago, I came up with the idea for a "prize punch" using dollar store supplies. It was a huge hit with my boys, and it is now a staple at all our birthday party and holiday celebrations. This year, I decide to make an Easter Egg Prize punch. Today I am sharing the full tutorial (and craft video) for this simple and festive DIY project.

First, you'll need some treats and dollar store trinkets (that are small enough to fit in a plastic cup. You'll also need plastic cups, a piece of foam core, tissue paper and a glue gun.

Arrange the cups in the shape of an egg, and fill the cups with treats.

Apply hot glue to the rim of a plastic cup and cover it with a square piece of tissue paper. (You can add a second piece for extra strength... but this is optional). When all the cups are covered, use hot glue on the bottoms of the glasses to attach them to the foam core.

Isn't it cute? My boys will love poking through the tissue paper to claim their prizes on Easter morning.

Still wondering how to make a DIY Easter Egg Prize Punch? Check out this easy to follow craft video I made.

This DIY Easter Egg Prize Punch is really easy and inexpensive to make, and you don't need to be super-crafty to be successful. If you can work a glue gun, you can make one! Come on... give it a try... and let me know how it turns out.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You can find more easy and inexpensive Easter crafts, recipes and ideas here.

Fantastic Father's Day Ideas

Handmade decorations, treats and gifts are the best... especially when they are made by a child for the special man in his/her life. Today, I am sharing a wonderful collection of fantastic Father's Day ideas that are easy, inexpensive and guaranteed to make Dad feel special.

Shirt and Tie Card - These cards are bright, cheerful, and simple to make. Check out the full tutorial (including a short video) here.

Father's Day Donut Bouquet - The supplies for this donut bouquet are inexpensive, and kids will enjoy creating this unique gift for Dad. You can find a step-by-step photo tutorial AND craft video here.

Father's Day Cake - This simple cake is simple to make and kids will love helping to place the candy pieces. You can find all the info you need to make this cake here.

Father's Day Cookie Mix - Find the instructions and free printable tags here.

Father's Day Pop - This is a "punny" idea Dad's will love... and you can download the adorable tags for FREE here.

Father's Day Reese's Pieces Treat - Adding a "punny" tag to a tasty treat is sure to bring a smile to Dad's face. You can download the adorable tags I designed here.

Personalized Pictures - This is my all time favourite Father's Day gift idea. My boys have been giving these personalized photos to their dad for years. Find the "how to" here.

And another version here.

Simple beaded keychain - This is a simple idea / craft for kids to make for their Dad. Use his favourite colours to create a simple handmade keychain. Cut a strip of faux suede (or another sturdy string), tie the string to a key ring, add wooden beads, and knot the end. Then, you can use a thin sharpie to add a name or message.

DIY Necktie - Designing a tie for dad to wear on Father's Day is a perfect activity for young children. You can even use the tie to create decorative wrapping. Download the tie template for free here.

Father's Day Banner - You can set a festive mood for dad by creating some Father's Day decor, and this banner is easy and inexpensive to make. Find the "how to" here.

Funny Father's Day Card / Gift Card Holder - This FREE printable card is perfect for a Dad with a good sense of humour. It's a cute card that you can package with a roll of toilet paper. You can also add a gift card to make it extra special.

Candy Bouquet - Rather than giving dad flowers, consider giving him a bouquet of chocolate instead. Who wouldn't love receiving all these sweet treats? Find the full tutorial here.

S'more Treat for Dad - If Dad likes camping or backyard bonfires, he will love this sweet treat and its "punny" tag. You can download this adorable tag for free here. 

Father's Day Breakfast in Bed - If Dad loves breakfast in bed, he will love this variation filled with LOVE. Read more about it here.

Father's Day Grilling Gift Basket - This is a great gift for a Dad who likes to BBQ. You can download the "Master of the Grill" tag I designed here.

You could even make him a special tray for all his favorites!

Father's Day Treat Box - This is a fun idea, and the treats can be customized to include all of Dad's favourites. You can find the FREE printable tags here.

Father's Day Snack Buffet - The way to a man's heart is through his belly, so this is the perfect gift for your "treat-loving" dad. You can fill dollar store containers with snacks, and download the tags I designed here.

Paint a rock - It doesn't get simpler than this rock/paper weight.

And if you are on a budget, check out the ADORABLE Father's Day DIYs made using dollar store supplies here.

Isn't this an adorable collection of Father's Day ideas? Any of these wonderful treats is sure to be a hit with Dad. Happy Father's Day!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in the Father's Day DIY gifts and FREE downloads here.

Shirt and Tie Father's Day Card

Father's Day is a time to let the special men in our lives know how much we love them, and Father's Day wouldn't be complete without heartfelt handmade cards and gifts. Today, I am sharing an adorable "shirt and tie" Father's Day card that will definitely delight Dad!

To make this colourful and fun Father's Day card:

1) Fold a piece of coloured card stock in half.
2) Cut a small slit on each side (at the top of the paper). The size of the slits will depend on the size of your paper. My paper was 9"x12" and my slits were 1 1/4" on each side.
3) Unfold the card, and cut along the fold until you reach the slit.
4) Cut the top off the back of the card at the same level as the slits.
5) Fold the top of the card to create a shirt colour.
6) Cut a piece of scrapbook paper into the shape of a tie, and glue it to the front of the card.
7) Use white glue to attach small buttons to the corners of the collar.

Need a little more instruction? You can check out a short video here: 

Cute, right? And, you can experiment with different colours of card stock and scrapbook paper.

Kids will love creating their own versions and adding special notes and messages to the inside.

Do you have a favourite colour combination? I love how the bright colours and patterns make these cards cheerful and perfect for giving to Dad on Father's Day. And if you are looking for MORE ways to make your sweet guy feel special, you should check out this post where I have gathered some of my favourite Father's Day ideas all in one place.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


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and these fantastic Father's Day ideas...