Happy Easter!

Celebrate Easter (April 9) and the arrival of spring with these recipes, recycled crafts and clever basket alternatives. Don’t miss local egg hunts, bunny sightings and brunch buffets—all in the calendar of this issue.

Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter bread (often eaten on Good Friday). The Seaside Baker shares her recipe for these delicious sweet rolls at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-andrecipes/hot-cross-buns.

No Easter celebration is complete without a sweet treat to finish your meal. The adorable cupcakes below feature marshmallow Peeps, cream cheese frosting and green coconut “grass.” Get the recipe and instructions at www.brigeeski.com.

Recycled Egg Carton Crafts

Yes, there has been an egg shortage in some areas, but if you’ve been lucky enough to score eggs in cardboard cartons, be sure to save them for awesome recycled projects like these from our “Art with Alyssa” contributor. Find instructions at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ crafts-for-kids.

Easter “Eggs”

What a fun and clever way to wrap and hide treats for your own egg hunt. This project is also perfect for families who don’t prefer plastic eggs.

Get creative with colored tissue, glue, stickers and washi tape. The kids will have so much fun!

Flower Bouquet

Turning trash to treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet! Learn how to transform an egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers— perfect for spring décor or Mother’s Day (next month).

When it comes to Easter baskets, why not consider unique alternatives, making the “container” a reusable gift? Consider putting eggs, candy and trinkets in a toy dump truck, rain boots, a sand pail, baseball hat or child-sized wheelbarrow. For teens (especially those going off to college in the fall), use a laundry basket or trendy trash can for their dorm. The options are endless!

Now—what to put in it? Check out our huge list of creative suggestions on what to include in your Easter “baskets” at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/kidtested-toy-product-review/best-easter-basket-gifts-for-kids.

Discover more recipes, crafts and ideas in our Easter and Spring Round-Up at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/easter-central.