Ella, I FEEL you on the budget crunch, especially with moves! We’re a military family too, currently in Chicago, and with five kids (Sofia is 6, Max 8, Stella 11, Miles 12), efficiency is my middle name. Plus, my husband Tyler and I are always trying to find ways to make things special without breaking the bank. For the Best Easter Baskets Under $10, my absolute go-to is Dollar Tree. Not just for a few items, I mean the whole shebang. They’ve really stepped up their game lately.

Here’s my system: I grab those little plastic pails or small fabric bins they have for a buck each – way better than a traditional basket that costs $5+ and then you don't know what to do with. Then, for filler, I skip the plastic grass entirely. I shred paper from old school assignments or craft paper I have lying around. Free, and eco-friendly!

For items, you’d be surprised. For your 6-year-old Jude, check their craft aisle. They often have little paint sets, sticker books, or small packs of modeling clay for $1. I once found a whole dinosaur excavation kit there for a buck! For Sofia, who’s 6, I got her some cute bunny-themed temporary tattoos and a little jump rope last year. Max, at 8, got some mini puzzles and a deck of cards. My older ones, Stella and Miles, are trickier, but Dollar Tree has surprisingly decent journaling notebooks and pens sometimes. I also grab a bag of those individually wrapped candies (not a huge amount, just enough for a treat). Total damage? Usually $8-$9 per basket.

A little trick I use, especially for Stella (my 11-year-old) who loves organizing, is getting a cute pencil case and filling it with small stationery items. Or for the 12-year-old Miles, a cheap pair of sunglasses and a mini puzzle book. My main thing is making sure everything has a "use" rather than just being junk. It’s all about curation, even at the Dollar Tree! Oh, and one thing I learned the hard way last year: *always* double-check toys for small parts if your younger one is still putting things in their mouth. I had to confiscate a tiny toy car from Max because it had wheels that came off too easily. Live and learn!

If you're ever doing a birthday party, their party supply aisle is also fantastic. I swear by their themes, almost competitive about who can find the best stuff. Like, their prices for party favors are unmatched. If you needed Best Goodie Bags For Princess Party, I’d bet you could put together some amazing ones for super cheap there.

Okay, Ella, as a daycare owner with four kids myself (Aria 5, Ezra 6, Milo 7, Cole 9) in Portland, I get the struggle bus for sure. And the "allergic to glitter" thing? That's me, only it's real glitter. Never again. My life is chaos, so my Easter baskets have to be simple. Honestly, I'm usually scrambling last minute.

My kids always get excited about anything new. So for the Best Easter Baskets Under $10, I go with practicality. Think socks. Crazy socks! You can get a 3-pack for Jude for like $4-5 at Target or Walmart with dinosaurs or superheroes. Alice might appreciate some cute ankle socks or a single pair of fuzzy socks. I also hit up the Dollar Tree, like Josephine said. They have these mini coloring books and crayons that are perfect. For the older ones, maybe some fun hair ties or a small travel-sized hand cream. My kids LOVE those tiny hand sanitizers with the cute holders.

One year, I tried to be super creative and bought a bunch of little craft kits. Huge mistake. They were tiny, fiddly, and half the pieces were missing. Ended up with a huge mess and frustrated kids. Never again. Now I stick to things they can actually use or play with immediately. For my Ezra (6) and Milo (7), simple outdoor toys work well, like a bouncy ball or a jump rope – things that get them outside and don't make a huge mess indoors.

Oh, and this isn't exactly a basket filler, but it's related: we did an Easter egg hunt with these GINYOU Party Blowers 12-Pack as prizes instead of candy inside the eggs one year. They were a HUGE hit, especially with my kids and the daycare crew. The parents loved that it wasn't just more sugar. They’re really durable, non-toxic, and CPSIA safety certified, which is a big deal for my daycare parents. Total value for a simple prize!

Hey Ella, Elijah here from St. Louis. As a freelance party planner, I'm always analyzing the best ways to get maximum impact on a budget. And I'm a total Pinterest fiend, so I get the close look! The challenge of finding the Best Easter Baskets Under $10 for two different age groups is a classic one, but totally solvable with a little strategic sourcing.

For Jude, your 6-year-old, I'd suggest looking at discount stores like Five Below or even the dollar bins at Target. You can usually snag a small paperback book, some sidewalk chalk, or a Hot Wheels car for $1-$3 each. Instead of a traditional basket, consider a reusable canvas tote bag – sometimes you can find themed ones for Easter for $3-$5, and it’s something they can use all year. My daughter, Aria (9), is also a big fan of those "invisible ink" marker books or a small activity book, which you can often find for under $5.

For Alice, at 13, I’d focus on consumables or experiences. A nice pen from the dollar section, a small sketchbook from a craft store (like a Michaels or Hobby Lobby coupon deal, you can get a good quality small one for $5-7), or even a fancy lip balm. I also love to include a "coupon" for an experience, like "one movie night of your choice with Dad" or "bake cookies together." Costs nothing but time and is often more appreciated than more plastic junk.

I definitely compare products when I'm looking for party supplies. I always check for things like durability and safety, especially if it's going to be around kids. It’s why I usually stick to well-known brands or things with good reviews. For example, if I'm planning an 80s Party, I'm not just grabbing the cheapest neon plastic cups; I'm looking for something that will last the whole night and won't shatter if someone drops it. Value for money is key, not just the lowest price tag.

Regarding GINYOU products, I've had good experiences with their offerings. If you're looking for something that offers great value and is made with non-toxic materials for your younger one, their Kids Party Hats 11-Pack actually make fantastic, colorful fillers for an Easter basket. They're fun, durable, and come with that CPSIA safety certification, which is always important. You can easily roll them up and tuck them in, and kids love them! It's a fun way to add a pop of color and a playful element for just a few bucks for the whole pack, making each hat super affordable.