Is anyone else feeling a bit shell-shocked by egg prices this Easter season? Decorating dozens of colorful eggs was once an affordable spring tradition, but these days it’s quite the luxury activity! Before you scramble to figure out alternatives, remember: Easter crafting doesn't have to revolve around eggs to be memorable and fun.

This year, instead of watching those precious eggs disappear into dye cups (or dropped on the floor), try some creative alternatives that won't have you crying over your grocery bill. These three egg-free Easter crafts are budget-friendly, and they might even become new family favorites that your little ones will look forward to year after year! 

Mini terracotta flower pots 
Why not make a craft that doubles as a gift for grandparents this Easter? These cute little seed pots can be used to grow small flowers or sprout veggies to plant outdoors later on. 

Supplies:
Potting Soil
Seeds (spring flowers or veggies that can be transferred later on)
Acrylic Paints
Paint Brushes 

Instructions
1: Paint Your Pots
While your mini plant pots are still empty, have your child paint designs on the outside with pastel colors in fun Easter egg patterns like zigzags and polka dots. You can help them paint their name or initials on the bottom of the pot if you plan to give them as gifts. 

2: Plant Your Seeds
Once the paint is fully dry, help your child carefully fill the pots with potting soil and plant the seeds you’ve chosen. If you’re using different types of seeds, be sure to mark which ones are which. Be sure to set them somewhere safe and sunny!

3: Gift Your Craft!
You can gift your personalized seed pots to grandparents, aunts and uncles, or teachers. Just be sure to let them know what kind of seeds you planted, and any special instructions for their care. 

Shiny Foil Eggs
These shiny eggs are perfect for younger kids. All you need is some tin foil, sharpies, and lots of creativity! 

Supplies:
Cardboard (thin enough to cut easily)
Tin Foil
Colorful Sharpies
Scissors (for the grown ups) 
Yarn or twine 

Instructions
1: Shape Your “Eggs”
Cut out egg-shaped pieces of cardboard and cover them tightly with foil. Try to keep the foil as smooth as possible, taping it in place so that it stays put. You can make your eggs any size you want! 

2: Decorate with Sharpies
Grab a few different sizes and colors of Sharpies so that you have some options. Use them to decorate your shiny easter eggs with all kinds of shapes and patterns! Regular washable markers won’t work the foil, so be sure to dress smaller kids in play clothes before getting started. 

3: Hang Your Art!
To display your shiny foil eggs, tape a piece of yarn or string to them and hang them near a window to catch the sun! You could also prop them around the room anywhere they’ll reflect light to create a sparkly Easter display. 

Painted Easter Rocks
Get back to basics with a childhood favorite: rocks! You can hunt for egg-shaped rocks outside (just be sure to wash them off and let them dry) or order some craft-ready stones ahead of time. 

Supplies:
Clean, dry, egg-shaped rocks
Acrylic paints
Paint palette or paper plates
Small and medium paint brushes
Q-tips (optional way to make polka dots)
Mod Podge 

Instructions
1: Prep Your Rocks
If you find your egg-shaped rocks outdoors, make sure to wash them and give them plenty of time to dry. If they’re still holding onto any moisture, your paints won’t stick as well. 

2: Choose Your Colors
Pastels are the obvious choice for Easter rocks, but feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand. You’ll want to cover each rock in a base color with your medium sized paint brush and let them dry before decorating with designs in other colors. 

3: Get Decorating!
Hand your kids a few colors of paint, small paintbrushes, and q-tips for making easy polka dots. Cover your rocks in zig-zags, dots, and flowers! 

4: Seal Your Rocks (Optional)
After letting the paint dry thoroughly, coat them in a thin layer of Mod Podge to help prevent the paint from chipping. If you’re going to keep them outside, look for a water-proof sealer. 

Sometimes the most memorable family traditions are born out of necessity. While we might all be missing those colorful egg cartons this year, these egg-free crafts are adorable, affordable, and will last well beyond Easter Sunday. What egg-free Easter traditions is your family trying this year? We’d love to hear your creative ideas!