Americans are expected to spend more on candy, flowers and little trinkets this year as they celebrate Easter, according to a survey by BIGinsight on behalf of the retail industry trade group, the National Retail Federation.

Spending on the holiday is expected to rise 11 percent from last year to about $16.8 billion. This means the average person celebrating will spend $145.28 on everything from candy to food to new Easter outfits.

That’s no small sum, especially when you consider that most Americans are paying more for gasoline these days.

“Though the price of gas is on everyone’s mind, Easter is one of the few holidays some consumers are willing to stretch their budgets, especially because many children look forward to treats and new outfits on Easter morning,” said Matthew Shay, the federation’s president and CEO.

To help the budget stretch further, we have rounded up some ideas for Easter gifts that cost less than $25. Click ahead and get some inspiration.

By Christina Cheddar Berk
Posted 21 March 2012

Retailer: Chasing Fireflies
Price: $15

Everyone loves a surprise, right? As kids rip open these colorful paper streamers, they will discover 10 small treats hidden inside. Each is about 4 inches in diameter and comes in a few designsincluding a chick, a lamb, a bunny and an egg-shaped character called Eggbert.

Manufacturer: Hasbro
Price: $8.99

Dizzy Dancers are a new line of collectible toys from Hasbro’s FurReal Friends brand. While these characters are not specifically designed to be Easter items, the orbs have an egg-like shape, plus among the more than 50 critters in the line, there are bunnies and chicks, so why not?

These toys are essentially a traditional pull-spin toy. Just pull out the ripcord and the Dancers start to spin. The real fun comes in setting a number of them in motion at once, or attempting to perform tricks with the spinners.

Manufacturer: Faber-Castell
Price: $19.98

Remember Shrinky Dinks when you were a kid? This is a quick and easy craft that even younger children can do with some help. Color the designs, punch a hole and bake in the oven. A few minutes later, you’ll see the shape transformed into little Easter ornaments that can be placed on a miniature tree for display.

Retailer: Personal Creations
Price: $24.99

Tired of the same old Easter basket? Personal Creations is selling these wooden caddies that can hold more goodies than the average basket, and they can be personalized.

If these aren’t your style, the company also sells colorful metal tubs in four pastel colors, watering cans or tin buckets. All cost less than $25 and can be customized with your child’s name.

Manufacturer: Mattel
Price: $15.00

One of the hottest toys last Christmas was Mattel’s Fijit Friends. Mattel’s Radica unit followed up with Newbies. These chirping characters can fit into the palm of your hand, making them just the right size for Easter baskets.

Each of the pint-sized Newbies has its own personality. They can interact with the larger Fijit Friends toys and unlock secret content. The Newbies also perform better the more they are played with, and when two are placed together they can sense it and perform a duet.

Manufacturer: Ravensburger
Price: $9.99 and up

Ravensburger sells several different egg-shaped jigsaw puzzles, each with its own holiday-themed design. The 3-D puzzle is made of plastic and can be turned into a hanging ornament or placed on a shelf after it is completed.

For younger puzzle fans, you may want to pick an easier puzzle. HearthSong sells a Peter Rabbit floor puzzle that might be more appropriate for younger kids.

Manufacturer: Pelican Bay Ltd.
Price: $18

Here’s a sweet treat that isn’t your typical Easter fare. Each tube contains enough strawberry lemonade mix to make four cool glasses. Perfect for serving at tea parties or quenching one’s thirst after playing in a sunny backyard.

According to the retail federation survey, the vast majority of consumers who are celebrating Easter — some 89.3 percent — will purchase some candy. They will spend about $20.35 on chocolate eggs, jelly beans and other treats. That’s up from $18.55 each last year.

Retailer: Williams-Sonoma
Price: $8.95

You won’t have any trouble asking kids to eat these vegetables. This set of three carrot-shaped lollipops is flavored with essential oils of sweet orange and tangy lime.

Williams-Sonoma also sells other Easter treats, from chocolate bunnies to marshmallow ducklings to personalized egg-shaped cookies. If you’re looking to splurge, you may want to indulge your sweet tooth on cakes or cupcakes from the baker Perfect Endings, which is located in California’s Napa Valley. You can choose from three designs: a decorated egg, a carrot or a flower pot filled purple blooms.

Retailer: HearthSong
Price: $9.98

Here’s a painted egg you can keep all year long. This solid glass egg weighs a full pound and can be used as a holiday decoration or as a paperweight.

Each kit comes with one glass egg and special translucent paints that add color, while letting light shine through the design you create.

Manufacturer: Lego
Price: $4.99

Who says bunnies need to be cuddly? If you’re shopping for a Lego fan, you may want to consider one of the company’s holiday designs. There is a bunny and a chick, pictured here, as well as a duck with ducklings.