yellow dollar tree basket with lavender ribbon

An Easter Work of Art

April 16, 2022

We love Easter!

Even as teens, the kids look forward to their baskets and yes, even hunting for eggs. Oh, and candy! I can’t blame them. I still love all of that, too.

As they are older now, however, I wanted to be more conscientious in my purchases. I decided to keep the kids’ baskets to useful items, including the basket itself. This is both a financial and sustainability choice.

Less Waste, More Impact

My daughter is a burgeoning artist who astounds me more each day. That made her basket a no-brainer. Artistic supplies can be pricey, however. Did you know that there is a large selection at your local Dollar Tree store? (Seriously, this is not a sponsored post. I was just happily surprised!)

I started with a basket that could be a cute tote in her room.

Being 15, makeup and skincare is everything. And too often, they are everywhere. A new tote will not go unused!

I then set out to fill it with great basics.

I started with a tabletop easel (I didn’t even know these existed. How perfect for a student artist) and canvas boards. The easel is $5 and the 2 boards were each $1.25. Note: Dollar Tree base price has risen by a quarter, but it’s still a bargain.

dollar tree easel, small canvas, and basket

I then found these wonderful oil crayons ($3!!!!) and a brush caddy ($1.25).

And, like most artists, she is a doodler, so why not do it in a pretty journal ($1.25). Colorful pens are a must, too ($1.25 per package)

And here is the result! $16 pretax. I can feel good about that price and even better that it is filled with items she will actually use and enjoy. WINNING! (Not like Charlie Sheen. Actually winning!)