Easter Fun Without the Eggs: 5 Kid-Approved Dye Projects for Illinois Parents

If the cost of eggs in Illinois has you rethinking your Easter plans this year, don't worry,  dyeing fun doesn’t have to begin and end with eggs!

Easter Egg Traditions

One thing my kids love most about Easter is dyeing eggs, and honestly, it is one of my least favorite holiday traditions.

Of course I enjoy watching the joy my daughters get from coloring dozens of eggs, BUT I do not enjoy having to figure out what to do with the several dozens of eggs that will go bad before we ever get close to eating them all.

Since spending a bunch of money on dozens of eggs this Easter does not seem practical, but I don't want to break my daughters' hearts, what else could they dye and still have fun doing?

Easter Marshmallows

Honestly, I was fully prepared to spend a bunch more money on eggs this Easter so the dyeing tradition can continue, but then I saw this genius idea from Jet-Puffed Marshmallows...

I don't know if dyeing marshmallows will be as fun as dyeing eggs, but I do know I would not have to bribe my kids to eat colored marshmallows on Easter morning!

So, what else can we dye this Easter that won't seriously dent our family budget? Here are some ideas I found...

Egg Alternatives to Decorate This Easter

Potatoes 

The most important thing to know about dyeing potatoes is typical egg dyeing kits won't work as well as they do on eggs. If you boil the potatoes, (DON'T peel them), first to get them softer, the dye will take better.

To get the most vibrant colors, wrap a coffee filter around the potato, secure it at the top with a rubber band, and add drop of food coloring to the filter. (do NOT use gel food colors). Let the potato dry for 10-15 minutes and then remove the filter to see the results.

Wood eggs

Wood eggs look best when painted, but I'm sure you could still give traditional egg dyeing a go too, plus you can keep them a lot longer than eggs!

Make Eggs Out of Clay

Clay is fun to play with, is dyeable, and paintable, PLUS you could make other shapes like bunnies and chicks instead of just eggs.

Pasta shells

Dyed pasta shells might not be good for hiding, but they are excellent for making fun Easter necklaces, bracelets, or even garlands out of.

Will you still be dyeing eggs this Easter despite the ridiculous cost? I'd love to hear your thoughts!