DIY Easter Basket for Baby

There are many things that a baby uses intensely during its first year, then never again.  Think of all those adorable onesies that your baby uses in abundance, then quickly outgrows.  Another such item is the receiving blanket.  They are perfect for young babies – soft and snuggly and just the right size – until they are suddenly too small, and you are left with a stack of blankets you can no longer use.

Until now!  Here is an idea to use an old receiving blanket to upcycle a basket into a cute DIY Easter basket for baby.  I’ve also collected fantastic basket filler ideas, plus other creative uses for old baby blankets.

Disclosure: This article was inspired by a complimentary gift basket I received from Gifts.com.

DIY Easter Basket for Baby

I started with this amazing gift basket from Gifts.com.  They have a great selection, including the one above, which was full of yummy, organic fruit!

After we had devoured the fruit, I was left with a basket that was just the perfect size for an Easter basket!  Since we are all about natural parenting and green living, what better way to make an DIY Easter basket than to upcycle materials we already had on hand?

It couldn’t have been easier!  All you need is an old receiving blanket, a basket, and a hot glue gun.

Receiving blankets are perfect for upcycling because of their even, regular shape; their soft material; and their adorable patterns.  Plus you have a bunch sitting around the house already!  And after Easter, it is great for storage in the nursery or as part of a baby shower gift.  (Thanks to a reader for that last suggestion!)

I used this “faux sew” method, in which you basically just drape the material over the basket and hot glue it in place.  I love the fullness of the draped material, plus it neatly sidesteps the need to make a hem!  (If you do want to make a hem, you can either cut, fold, and hot glue one; or you can use hem tape).  This no-sew tutorial is a bit more precise, plus I borrowed its idea of how to tuck the extra material under at the ends.  If you want a liner that fits more snugly against the basket, here is a tutorial that includes how to measure material for a round basket.

So pretty and so easy!  Now what do you put in that cute basket?  Here are some ideas:

Easter Gifts for Baby

• Moms & Crafters: DIY Wooden Alphabet Blocks
• Moms & Crafters: DIY Rainbow Onesie
• Play & Learn Every Day: Ivy’s Easter Basket
• The Chirping Moms: Great Gifts for Baby’s First Easter
• The Educators’ Spin On It: Ideas for Easter Baskets for Babies
• Mama.Papa.Bubba: Easter Basket Ideas for Big Kid and Baby
• Growing Book by Book: Literacy Inspired Easter Basket Ideas
• See Vanessa Craft: 35+ Things to Put in Your Baby’s First Easter Basket

And now that I’ve got you excited about repurposing your old receiving blankets, here are more creative uses for them:

Creative Ways to Repurpose Receiving Blankets

• I keep one in my diaper bag for diaper changes when we’re out.  That way I know I’ll always have a soft, clean space to change my little one, no matter where we are!
• Mama Smiles: DIY Cloth Baby Wipes
• Mama Smiles: Baby Doll Carrier Tutorial
• DIY Inspired: DIY Ribbon Organization Board
• Mama OT: Use them for tummy time
• Reader suggestion: Use them for dolls!

Be sure to check out these other great spring ideas:

Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails: Wind Chimes for Kids to Make

Mom Inspired Life: Planting Flowers Alphabet Activity

Inspired by Familia: Fruit Flower Pot Snack for Kids