Easter Bunny on a Budget
The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend an average of $131.04 on their Easter celebration this year, up 10 percent from last year but still off the Easter spending levels of years past. This will bring total spending on Easter merchandise this year to $14.6 billion, the trade group also said.
The average person will shell out $18.55 on Easter candy and $8.00 on decorations for their home. For Easter dress, the NRF expects the average person to spend $21.51 on new spring apparel—a 13 percent pop from last year—as shoppers take advantage of spring sales and the longer Easter season. Discount stores are expected to dominate consumer attention this Easter.
“While spending is expected to improve from the past two years, families are still sticking to a budget with an eagle eye on low prices,” said Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategic initiatives for BIGresearch, in a release accompanying the NRF survey.
To help you stick to your own budget, we’ve gathered up some interesting ideas—all priced less than $25—that aren’t filled with sugar. Click ahead to see them all.
By Christina Cheddar-Berk & Mia Lamar
Posted 7 April 2011
Hexbug Nano Bunny
Price: $4.99
Whether you’re already a fan of Hexbugs (http://www.hexbug.com/) or not, these inexpensive toys are great for stuffing inside an Easter basket as they provide an original twist on the bunny motif.
The Hexbug Nano Bunny is available exclusively at Radio Shack in several different pastel colors. Each one comes tucked inside a plastic egg.
Easter Egg Recycled Rainbow Crayon
Price: $24.00
If you are are looking for unique ideas for Easter, you may want to check out Etsy,a Web site that sells a wide array of handmade and vintage items.
Just type in “Easter” in the search engine, you’ll find a wide array of interesting items, including these eggs made out of recycled crayons
Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head Spud Bunny
Price $7.99
Have a fan of Mr. Potato Head on your gift list? Hasbro’s Playskool has a toy for them that’s perfect for the holiday.
And Hasbro’s not the only one rolling out Easter-versions of some of their popular brands. Other toymakers have as well. For example, Ty sells a bunny versions of Hello Kitty,Lego has a 95-piece Easter Bunny set,and yes, Mattel has an Easter Barbie doll.
If your child is a fan of a specific brand, you may want to hunt to see if they’ve adapted it for the holiday.
Peter Rabbit Finger Puppet Book
Price: $12.99
Looking for a non-candy item for an Easter basket? Books are an excellent choice.
This oneis good for little ones. It has a finger puppet that can be used to act out the words of the story, which helps teach children to count. Kids also will like to play with this soft toy.
Big-as-a-Basket Egg and Big Stieff Rabbit
Price: $16.98
Sometimes it’s all about how the gift is packaged. This decorative eggis large enough to hold a variety of different gifts. If you’re willing to splurge, the egg can be purchased with a Dossy Steiff Rabbit inside, for about $45.00.
This egg, which is an interesting switch from a traditional Easter basket, is made of papier-mache with a hand-applied antique print from Germany.
Nyokki-Egg Plant Pet
Price: $10.98
Nyokkimeans “grow” in Japanese and these little characters are ready to welcome in spring.
Each pet comes with a soil mixture and rye grass seed that sprouts a full head of green “hair” in about two weeks.
Miracle-Gro Kids Gardening Sets
Price: $1 and up
Gardening has been gaining in popularity and it’s a fun activity for a family to do together. Peachtree Playthingshas developed a line of Miracle-Gro-branded gardening sets.
The line includes a mini-greenhouse that can help put a first-time gardener on his or her way to growing an eggplant. That kit sells for $1, but there are also a variety of flower garden kits priced between $7 and $12.99 that are a little larger.
Zazzle’s Funny Easter T-Shirts
Price: $12.95 and up
Zazzle sells a number of T-shirtsthat celebrate Easter in a light-hearted way.
Jelly Belly Nail Polish
Price: $8.00
Do you know someone who loves jelly beans? Since the confection tends to be a staple in many Easter baskets, you might want to mix things up a bit by including other Jelly Belly products.
The brands has been put on a number of items, from scented bubbles to body wash. Pictured here is scented nail polish. The scents include cherry, kiwi, bubblegum, orange sherbet and berry blue.
