How to Make a Giant DIY Easter Basket from a Dollar-Store Laundry Basket

Make a show-stopping oversized Easter basket using a plastic laundry basket, a foam pool noodle and a few simple supplies from the dollar store. This easy, budget-friendly project is great for gifting, holiday displays or a family activity — and it’s simple to personalize with ribbon, bows and treats.

Below are clear, step-by-step instructions plus supply notes so you can recreate this giant Easter basket at home.

Supplies

Here’s what you need to make a DIY giant Easter Basket (items shown and referenced below):

• Laundry basket: a plastic laundry basket (the example used a Dollar Tree basket; similar baskets are available at other retailers)
• Pool noodle: used for the handle; commonly available at dollar stores and big-box retailers
• 2.5-inch wide ribbon: about 6 yards total (two spools if using smaller dollar-store spools)
• Zip ties: two long zip ties (around 9 inches) to secure the handle ends to the basket
• Narrow white ribbon (optional): for adding stripes to the handle
• Tape: to secure ribbon ends while wrapping

Step 1: Weave Ribbon Around the Basket

To give the laundry basket a classic Easter-basket look, weave the wide ribbon in and out of the side slots. Cut a length of ribbon that will wrap completely around the basket with a few extra inches to overlap. Start at one point and weave the ribbon over a plastic segment, then under the next, then over, alternating as you go.

On the top row make sure the ribbon passes outside the plastic pieces that sit in the middle of the handle openings on each side so the handle area stays neat.

When you return to where you started, overlap the ribbon ends a few inches, trim excess and secure the overlap with tape so the row stays in place.

Start the next row directly below, this time alternating the over/under pattern (i.e., go under the plastic pieces you went over on the row above). Continue weaving row by row until all sections of the laundry basket are covered.

Step 2 (Optional): Add Stripes to the Handle

If you want a striped handle, wrap thin white ribbon around the pool noodle. Start by taping the end of the narrow ribbon to the pool noodle at a 45-degree angle, then roll the noodle while pulling the ribbon snugly so the wraps sit evenly.

Secure the ribbon in a couple of places with tape so it doesn’t shift. This step gives the handle a finished, decorative look.

Step 3: Attach the Handle

Locate the plastic piece directly under each basket handle opening. Slide a zip tie behind that plastic piece, loop it around one end of the pool noodle and then fasten it. Repeat on the other side so the pool noodle spans the basket as a handle.

Pull the zip ties tight, trim the excess length, and tuck the trimmed portion to the side so it’s not visible.

Finish and Fill

With the ribbon-wrapped basket and foam-handle attached, your giant Easter basket is ready to fill with grass, eggs, gifts or treats. Personalize further with bows, small ornaments or additional ribbon as desired.

Quick Tips

• If your ribbon slips while weaving, small pieces of tape on the inside of the basket can hold rows temporarily while you work.
• For a sturdier handle, choose a thicker pool noodle or use two noodles side-by-side before securing with zip ties.
• Use contrasting ribbon colors to match your Easter theme.