Easter egg decorating is a beloved tradition, but with rising egg prices, dietary restrictions, and a growing interest in eco-friendly crafts, many families are skipping the traditional dye kits this year. Luckily, there are plenty of imaginative, affordable, and fun alternatives to real egg decorating – many of which make for long-lasting keepsakes or zero-mess fun for kids of all ages.
Here are five trending alternative Easter egg activities – plus instructions on how to make each one a hit this spring.
1. Paper Mâché Eggs
Why it’s trending: Paper mâché is a budget-friendly, artistic activity that lets kids get messy and creative – without wasting food.
What you’ll need:
- Balloons (water balloon size works best)
- Newspaper or scrap paper, torn into strips
- Flour and water (or white glue) for paste
- Paints, glitter, markers, and stickers to decorate
Instructions:
- Blow up a balloon to the size of a regular egg.
- Mix 1 cup flour with 1 cup water (or use white glue thinned with water).
- Dip strips of paper into the paste, wiping off excess, and layer them over the balloon.
- Let dry completely (usually overnight), then pop the balloon and remove it.
- Decorate your “egg” with paint, glitter, or stickers.
- Optional: Cut open one side to turn it into a mini treat box!
2. Felt or Fabric Eggs
Why it’s trending: These soft, reusable eggs are perfect for little hands and can become part of your Easter décor for years.
What you’ll need:
- Felt or fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Needle and thread or hot glue
- Cotton balls or poly-fill stuffing
- Optional: Buttons, sequins, ribbons
Instructions:
- Cut out two identical egg shapes from felt or fabric.
- Sew or glue the edges together, leaving a small opening.
- Stuff with cotton or poly-fill, then seal the opening.
- Decorate with fabric paint, buttons, or stitching.
3. Wooden Eggs to Paint or Stamp
Why it’s trending: Wooden eggs are durable, can be decorated multiple ways, and don’t crack under pressure.
What you’ll need:
- Blank wooden eggs (available at most craft stores or online)
- Acrylic paints
- Paint brushes or sponges
- Optional: Rubber stamps and ink, mod podge to seal
Instructions:
- Set up a paint station with egg holders (toilet paper rolls cut into rings work great).
- Let kids paint freehand or use stamps to create patterns.
- Once dry, add a coat of mod podge for a polished finish.
4. Sticker Eggs (with Plastic Eggs)
Why it’s trending: Zero mess. Great for toddlers. Can double as treat containers or Easter scavenger hunt items.
What you’ll need:
- Plastic fillable Easter eggs
- Sheets of themed stickers
- Washi tape, googly eyes, or stick-on gems
Instructions:
- Set out clean plastic eggs and a variety of sticker sheets.
- Let kids stick, layer, and wrap their eggs however they like.
- Add tape or gems to jazz them up further.
- Fill them with candy or notes for extra fun.
5. DIY Chalk Eggs
Why it’s trending: Combines crafting with outdoor fun – after Easter, kids can use them to draw on sidewalks or patios.
What you’ll need:
- Cornstarch
- Plaster of Paris
- Water
- Washable paint or food coloring
- Egg-shaped silicone mold or plastic Easter eggs
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup plaster of Paris, ½ cup water, and a few tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Add a few drops of washable paint or food coloring.
- Pour into an egg-shaped mold or halved plastic eggs.
- Let sit for 12–24 hours to harden.
- Pop them out and take them outside for drawing fun!
Bonus Tip: Easter Tree Crafting If you’re doing any of these crafts, consider displaying your creations on a DIY “Easter Tree.” Use a few bare branches in a vase and hang or clip your finished eggs and crafts on them with ribbon or twine for a festive spring centerpiece.
These trending alternatives prove you don’t need real eggs to have a real good time this Easter. From squishy felt creations to paintable wood and mess-free sticker eggs, there’s something for every age, budget, and household. Plus, many of these crafts can become annual traditions, reused or reinvented each year.