We have entered a year when the bunny himself is questioning the traditional egg hunt thanks to the cost of eggs. If the world’s greatest egg deliverer is shaking his head, certainly the rest of us are, too! Things change and prices rise but it feels like a short time ago, especially around Easter, that eggs were 39¢ a dozen! Today, at $5.00 or more per carton, each one qualifies to be in the prize or golden egg category! While keeping eggs in our Easter traditions let’s put them in a different kind of basket with alternatives that come without waste, day-old smelly versions, or the high cost! Here are seven alternatives to celebrate Easter without eggs!
Easter Bunny’s Secret Hunt and Magical Memories
Twas the night before Easter, while kids are asleep, out in their lawn a strange bunny will creep. He’ll hide eggs high and low in a bush and a tree, some in the grass for the wee ones to see. What a magical moment when they go out to play and discover eggs everywhere on this Easter Day! In other words, have a friend or neighbor hide oodles of plastic eggs like these while the kids are asleep or attending church. They will be astonished and forever remember the Easter when colorful eggs popped out of nowhere for the best hunt ever!
Jell-O Eggs
Jell-O eggs will effortlessly hide themselves in tummies in no time!
What you’ll need to make your own:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Gelatin, any flavor
- A wisk
- A bowl or measuring cup with a spout
- Jell-O egg molds. If you aren’t lucky enough to have the original mold, you can make half eggs with these.
Directions:
- Slightly spray the inside of egg molds with cooking spray
- If using the original mold, close the mold and snap each together until securely closed and sealed
- In a large bowl add boiling water to gelatin mix, stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes
- If using original molds, fill using a small measuring cup with a spout or a spoon by carefully pouring the Jell-O mixture into the mold through the fill holes until each egg is filled
- If using half egg, silicone molds, simply fill them up
- Refrigerate for three hours or until firm
- Loosen eggs with a dull butter knife, then turn molds over and shake gently to remove eggs
- Keep refrigerated until ready to eat
Plastic Eggs All Dressed Up
There’s so much you can do with the inexpensive plastic eggs you considered in our first recommendation! You can wrap them in assorted colors of yarn. Add feathers and a felt beak with googly eyes for baby chicks. Load them up with stickers. The possibilities are endless and these eggs will last year after year!
Easter Egg Seedlings
You can pick up most plastic eggs for about a dollar a dozen. These eggs normally have tiny little holes in the bottom which makes them perfect for drainage. Add a little potting soil, two or three seeds of choice then wait for and watch your egg garden grow!
Edible Bird Nests with Eggs
This tasty dessert will have your whole family begging for more! Not only are they delicious, they’re also pretty simple to make.
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 oz butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy all natural peanut butter
- 5 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 package of Hershey’s milk chocolate mini eggs
Instructions:
- Grease a muffin tin, if using silicone it needs no prep
- Microwave chocolate and butterscotch chips in 20 second increments, stirring in between
- Add the peanut butter and combine well
- Fold in the chow mein noodles and stir gently to coat
- Fill each of the muffin cups with the mixture, making a well in the center
- Cool in the refrigerator until hardened, about 30 minutes
- Fill each ‘nest’ with a few mini eggs
Resurrection Eggs
Tell the story of Easter in a visual way that kids will totally understand. Here is how it’s done including free printables and a list of vivid, yet simple, props. Essentially, you’ll be creating something very similar to an advent celendar where in the 12 days leading up to Easter you can open an egg a day and discuss the meaning behind the contents!
Balloon Eggs
Yup, it’s that simple, use balloons as an egg alternative! Go for a mix between a traditional Easter egg hunt and a piñata! Stuff some coins, a small toy or piece of candy inside a balloon. Blow up just enough to still resemble the shape of an egg. Hide now to pop and enjoy when found!
Easter Egg Rocks
There are many facets to this activity! First, go on a scavenger hunt for rocks that resemble eggs. Wash them, let them dry and paint with acrylic paints to mimic an Easter egg! You’ll have reusable decor and an indestructible egg to hide. It won’t even matter if it’s midsummer by the time you find it!