According to a recent study completed by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), an estimated 90% of the children of the US will receive some type of Easter basket. Also noted, the most popular items are the famous chocolate bunny with a staggering 90 million sold each year. Second place goes to the jelly bean, with 16 million sold annually. http://www.wyrdology.com/festivals/easter/basket.html

With these numbers it's no wonder the Easter basket has become a craft all it's own. The typical Easter basket has traditionally been a wicker basket, with assorted candies and a chocolate bunny. However there are so many variations that can be created. Different baskets, contents and decorative items can be used to give a new life to this time honored tradition.

Easter baskets aren't only for children. Incorporating more suitable items into the basket can make it a holiday gift for just about anyone. This guide will show how to make an Easter basket and tips for personalizing and decorating them. It will give you creative ideas for constructing a fun and unique Easter basket.

The traditional Easter Basket is simple. Typically it is composed of the following items: A wicker basket filled with plastic or paper grass, then layering jelly beans and assorted candies, topped with a chocolate bunny. Here are a few ideas for exchanging the traditional items, with an alternative choices for young children.

1. Choose a fun "basket". This can be anything that will be sufficient to hold candy and other treats. Treasure chests or small colorful buckets can be used after the candy has all been eaten. http://www.catalogs.com/info/holidays/creative-easter-baskets.html
2. Grass can consist of any filling material. Using colored paper as compared to plastic grass can be much more decorative, and environmentally friendly.
3. You could line a child's Easter basket with other items such as toy blocks, plastic army men, pom poms or small stuffed animals.http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/blog.php?b=2253
4. Basket contents is where you can get really creative. It does not have to be primarily candy. Replacing some of the candy for trinkets and toys will give your child something to do that day, besides devour jelly beans. Trinkets could be a small doodle pad and crayons, sidewalk chalk or bubbles, toy cars or a small doll, or just about anything else you think your child would enjoy. It need not be expensive, as many of these items can be purchased for less than a dollar. Adding plastic eggs filled with coins and other toys can also be a fun filler.http://www.holidays.net/easter/easterbasket.htm Try replacing some of the candies with more healthy choices like snack packs of crackers or fruit gummies. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001295.tip.html

Becoming a teenager doesn't mean that they still can't enjoy the excitement of receiving an Easter Basket. Creating a basket for older children may require a bit more thought, as they have certain interests and likes. Choose a theme to build your basket around.http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/130756/the_ultimate_guide_to_creating_easter_pg2.html?cat=46

Example Easter Basket Gifts:

• For the reader. If you're teen enjoys reading, why not top their Easter basket off with a good book, bookmark, reading light, or gift card to their favorite bookstore.
• For the teen that enjoys music or movies, include a DVD, [[[CD]] or a gift card for an online music source such as iTunes.

Other ideas for Easter basket fillers for teens are:

• Gift cards for clothing stores
• Makeup, accessories, or jewelry
• Sporting events or concert tickets
• Computer accessories or video games
• For the messy teen, why not put all their goodies into a trash basket for their room, giving them a subtle hint in the process. Have fun choosing items that represent their hobbies or interests. As children get older, they are more likely to appreciate something personal, instead of just candy.

If you're teen is driving, there are many great items such as a cool keychain, gift card for gas stations, and other things they'd be able to use on the road.

Similar to creating a basket for teens, you'll want to theme their basket to what interests they may have. http://www.life123.com/holidays/easter/easter-eggs/adult-easter-basket-ideas.shtml

A basket for the gardener. You can include handy gardening tools, seed packets, or a gardening book.

A basket of stress relief. Bath oils and soaps, fragrant lotions or candles would be great items to include in a basket. Also a small massager or gift certificate to get a massage.

A basket for the sports fan. You could place candies or small items in an upside down cap from their favorite team.

Baskets for chefs. Exotic spices, a cooking apron, or grilling items would suit the backyard chef. A nice cookbook or baking accessories for the baker in your family.

There are so many possibilities. When making a basket for an adult, remember that it does not need to be expensive or extravagant. Creative decorating, such as fabric bows on wicker baskets, or a bucket full of car care items for the car fanatic are perfect ways to gift the adults in your life.