How to Make an Adorable DIY Easter Basket

Get creative and make an Easter basket that looks like a hot air balloon

By
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris is a crafter, stylist, and writer with over 10 years' experience creating easy DIY projects. She has created craft and DIY projects for The Pioneer Woman magazine and the "Naturally, Danny Seo" TV show on NBC.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/15/22
DIY hot balloon Easter basket

The Spruce / Caylin Harris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

While it might be easy to buy a simple basket for holding goodies from the Easter bunny, how about a cute DIY version instead? Think outside the basket to make this hot air balloon design. It not only has a certain "wow" factor, but it also pulls double-duty as a display item that will last well past the holiday. It's also perfect for spring decor.

Your little ones will love the assortment of candy inside the box and have a blast seeing this whimsical version of an Easter basket waiting for them in the morning. When all of the candy is gone, your child can use the box to hold keepsakes, school supplies, or as a playful prop to help their imaginations take flight. While the sky’s the limit on decorating the inside and outside of this precious holiday gift, here’s how to make this adorable DIY Easter basket.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Paintbrushes

Materials

  • Small wooden box
  • Craft paint in various colors
  • Paper straws
  • Washi or masking tape
  • Tissue honeycomb ball or balloon
  • Clear double-stick tape
  • Craft glue (optional)
  • Decorative paper or fabric (optional)
  • Easter grass (optional)
  • Candy and other Easter goodies
  • Cellophane wrapping (optional)
  • Ribbon or bow (optional)
  • Sandpaper (optional)

Instructions

Craft supplies
The Spruce / Caylin Harris

  1. Paint the Box

    Use your chosen color of fast-drying acrylic craft paint to paint the outside of the wooden box, including the top edge, until it's completely covered. Use springtime colors, your child's favorite hue, or a color that may go with the room in which the box will be displayed. Let the craft paint dry completely so it can be easily handled to complete the rest of the project.

    If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make the box two-tone or cover it with a pretty pattern, polka dots, or stripes. You can even cover it by gluing on material or paper.

    Warning

    When using a wooden box, make sure there are no ragged edges where splinters might lurk. It may help to use sandpaper to smooth down any rough edges.

    Box painted blue

    The Spruce / Caylin Harris

  2. Tape the Straws in Place

    Place a paper straw in each corner of your box. Secure each straw with either washi tape or masking tape. Washi tape can add a pretty element of color while masking tape will be a little stronger. To ensure that the straws stay in place, tape them at the top and bottom of the box.

    Straws taped in a box

    The Spruce / Caylin Harris

  3. Attach the Honeycomb Ball or Balloon

    Stand the box up so that all four straws (which should be equal heights) are vertical. Place a piece of clear double-stick tape on the inside of each straw and a small piece on the part that will attach to the honeycomb ball, and stick the straws and ball together, using the holes in the ball.

    If you are using a balloon instead, you'll also need to use clear tape to attach the straws to the balloon.

    Tissue ball on Easter box

    The Spruce / Caylin Harris

  4. Fill the Box

    Place Easter grass inside the box along with toys and candies. You can’t go wrong with a few well-placed faux or candy chicks or bunnies. If you want, wrap this adorable DIY Easter basket in a sheet of cellophane wrap, and tie it at the top with ribbon, just like the store-bought versions.

    Easter box filled with candy

    The Spruce / Caylin Harris