• A purse
• A backpack
• A scarf tied to a hobo stick
• A decorated paper bag or shoe box (add a handle if you like)
• A fabric bag of any kind
• A pot (decorate by drawing on a strip of paper the height of the pot, then fasten with tape)
• A boot (Kids rain boots are especially cute. Tuck some fabric inside to keep goodies clean.)
• A paint can (again, add fabric inside if you like)
• Make our simple fabric basket. Instructions here.

If you're the traditional type and like the look of grass, instead of buying the plastic stuff, why not try:

• strips of fabric
• real grass, either wheat grass or grass from your yard
• shredded recycled paper
• green scarf
• strips of organic nori (seaweed availbalbe in paperlike sheets)
• green napkin, washcloth or dish towel

As for filling the basket, you're probably aware that Easter is the second biggest holiday for candy sales next to Halloween. Sweet treats are fine, but how about choosing high quality over quantity? And just one over handfuls? Fortunately, this year, there are many great Easter treats that are better for kids and the Earth. Here are just a few:

• Organic vegan bunny and eggs from Allison's Gourmet
• Organic jelly beans from Nuts Online
• Baking your own cookies? Pick up organic food colors from the Natural Candy Store which also carries loads of other sweet Easter treats like Easter eggs filled with organic candy

Once the candy is taken care of, you'll most likely want other items to fill the basket. Considering the economy, you might come up with activites you can do with your child that cost nothing, write them on slips of paper and add to the basket. We bet if you ask your children in advance, what special activities they might enjoy, you'll have enough for months of fun. Suggestions:

• Stay up late with you one night.
• Bake something special together.
• Make up a game.
• Make popcorn and enjoy a movie on TV.
• Sleep outside under the stars.
• Have a tea party
• Create a mural
• Create and enjoy an "art" day using only items you have on hand 

If you do want to purchase some special items for the basket, instead of heading to the dollar store, consider whether spending $10 on plastic toys that will break quickly is better than spending the same amount on one quality item that your child might enjoy playing with long after the holiday has passed. If you're with us that the latter is worth investigating, here are a few ideas:

• Seed packets and a garden implement or two
• Felted egg kit from A Child’s Dream Come True
• Fair trade egg shaker from Down to Earth Toys
• Wooden play eggs from A Toy Garden
• Paper mache nesting eggs from Magic Cabin
• Organic finger puppets from I Play Baby Wear
• Handmade decorative eggs from you or Etsy
• Seeded paper or cards that can be planted from Botanical Paper Works

More ideas for Easter baskets and festivities are available at www.CelebrateGreen.net/blog

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Top eco tips for Easter

1. Dye eggs using natural food colors. Instructions here.
2. Take the focus off "stuff" and keep it on fun. For instance, reverse roles and have kids hide the eggs and parents search for them.
3. Avoid buying those cute, live chicks or bunnies for gifts. They'll grow up, and then what will you do? Instead, plan to visit a nearby farm where kids can get an idea of where eggs come from, without the complexity of taking on a pet.
4. Make a contribution to the Earth this Easter by planting a tree.
5. Fold cloth napkins into bunnies

For lots of ideas on how to celebrate Easter and every holiday and celebration, visit www.CelebrateGreen.net and www.CelebrateGreen.net/blog

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Top eco picks for Easter

1. Egg-shaped, artisan sculpted 100% beeswax candles from www.BigDipperWaxWorks.com
2. Organic turkey or ham from Diamond Organics
3. Organic hemp napkins in spring colors (Fold cloth napkins into bunnies)
4. Easter e-cards

Long lead time?
Here are some ideas to green up graduations

• Giving a graduation party? Easy to make it greener by not over buying food and composting leftovers; using tap water instead of buying bottled; if you do purchase beverages, buy glass bottles over cans, cans over plastic; provide recycling bins; use reusable plates, cups, utensils and napkins; buy organic and local when possible.
• Gift green-minded grads with something that appeals to their eco-altruism.
  • Shares in a socially responsible investment fund
  • A Tis Best gift card that allows the graduate to choose from among hundreds of charities to give money to
  • A trip via a socially responsible eco-travel organization or a volunteer trip
• Other ideas for graduates that will most likely align with their eco-values:
  • A digital camera with a reminder to take only photos wherever she travels
  • A treefree paper journal and recycled pens
  • A gift certificate to a CSA so they will start off their new lives with fresh, local food
  • A local coupon book for sustainable items and organic food like this one that is available in six cities around the U.S.
  • Books like Making a Lviing While Making a Difference: Conscious Careers for an Era of Interdependence or Green Jobs: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Employment.

More ideas on greening up graduations here , email [email protected] or call 425-793-3590.