Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Holiday Planning & Ideas
  3. Easter
  4. Easter Crafts
  5. Easter Baskets
  6. See What Easter Baskets Have Looked Like Over the Past 100 Years

See What Easter Baskets Have Looked Like Over the Past 100 Years

By Alexandra Churchill February 16, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
little girl with easter basket full of baby chickens
Credit: Harold M. Lambert / Contributor / Getty Images

From the 20th century to modern day, see what this springtime holiday has looked like over the years—in baskets of bunnies, chocolate candy, decorated eggs are more items of nostalgia.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
little girl with easter basket full of baby chickens
Credit: Harold M. Lambert / Contributor / Getty Images

Around the world, Easter is celebrated with decorated eggs, traditional dishes, and, oftentimes, a basket of gifts. Here in the United States, the Easter basket takes after German tradition: filled to the brim with goodies like decorated eggs, chocolate candy, and a cuddly stuffed bunny. Sometime around the early 1600s, German Protestants relayed to their children that the "Osterhase" hare, which is a pagan symbol of fertility and springtime, would visit their home touting colorful eggs in "nests" of bonnets, hats, and baskets. The Pennsylvania Dutch settlers later brought this tradition to America, where it became commonly celebrated during the Victorian era. Eventually, the Osterhase became the Easter Bunny, and the baskets held the toys, candy, and decorated eggs that we all enjoy now.

Today, the choices for Easter baskets are more personalized than ever: small gifts for young children and teenagers, first basket ideas for babies, plus plenty of non-candy options. For sweetness, Cadbury eggs and marshmallow chicks have been some of the most popular treats in children's Easter baskets. And even if you're a grown adult, you're not exempt from a basket yourself. The beauty of Easter morning is special for everyone.

To inspire you in the holidays to come, tour these 100 years of Easter baskets—from the turn of the 20th century all the way through 2019—as they appeared in people's homes and public spaces for gift-giving. These are the trends that originated from a specific time and place, and remain memorable for those who experienced them first-hand.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1910s

Vintage Victorian illustration of a child in a bunny suit
Credit: Illustration by GraphicaArtis / Getty Images

At the turn of the century, postcards were mailed out for every holiday and occasion, and Easter was no exception. Here, a young child is depicted in a bunny costume touting her basket. A basket in this decade was undoubtedly hand-woven and filled to the brim with eggs dyed the old-fashioned way: with vegetable peels and scraps.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1920s

little girl from 1900s with easter basket
Credit: Austrian Archives /Imagno/ Getty Images

The nation's total wealth more than doubled between 1920 and 1929, and this economic growth swept many Americans into an affluent but unfamiliar "consumer society." Holidays were a time of indulgent gift-giving. Pictured here, a little girl holds a lace-design wicker basket with ribbon-decorated eggs, flowers, and a stuffed velveteen rabbit.

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1930s

woman with basket full of chicks 1937
Credit: Fox Photos / Getty Images

After the stock market crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression of the 1930s, people enjoyed a more pared down Easter that harkened back to its humble beginnings. This, however, didn't dampen anyone's optimism for spring. In this snapshot dated to 1937, a farm-working girl holds a basket full of chicks—a resourceful idea. 

4 of 11

5 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1940s

young girl with an Easter basket containing coloured eggs and fluffy chicks
Credit: Harold M. Lambert / Getty Images

From the '30s to the mid '40s, World War II meant limits on trade between European countries and the United States. For the first time, Americans were envisioning a new kind of Easter basket—one with colorful grasses, ribbons, and foiled eggs. In 1946, a young girl admires her Easter basket containing colored eggs and fluffy chicks.

5 of 11

6 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1950s

Actress Doris Day And An Eater Eggs Basket
Credit: Keystone-France / Contributor / Getty Images

The mid-century meant a revival of the American Dream—and, on Easter, this meant cakes, everyone dressed in their Sunday best, children with their bonnets and candy, and a sense of fulfillment in homemaking. Easter baskets were larger than ever, as shown by actress Doris Day.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1960s

Children sitting at table with easter eggs smiling
Credit: Archive Photos / Getty Images

Easter baskets in the '60s experienced a technicolor explosion with new ways to dye eggs and the innovation of single-use plastics. In 1967, two siblings pictured here open up their PAAS Easter egg dyeing kit including color tablets for dyeing, paper cut-out bunnies and chicks, as well as alphabet stickers.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1970s

Brady Bunch Easter Portrait 1967
Credit: Bettmann / Getty Images

Going into the '70s, baskets were still aplenty. This was also the height of popularity when people tuned in to watch The Brady Bunch. Pictured here, from top: Robert Reed (Mike), Barry Williams (Greg), Maureen McCormick (Marcia), Christopher Knight (Peter), Eve Plumb (Jan), Mike Lookinland (Bobby) and Susan Olsen (Cindy) in an Easter promo.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1980s

bonny basket easter basket
Credit: Willis /Fairfax Media via Getty Images

The '80s were possibly the boldest decade in modern history: over-the-top silhouettes, saturated colors, and innovative manufacturing. And what could be more exciting than a giant Easter egg? Chocolate eggs were popular in the '70s, '80s, and '90s.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

1990s

person in easter bunny costume black and white image
Credit: Afro American Newspapers / Gado/ Getty Images

It wasn't the '90s without a photograph taken with the Easter Bunny at the mall. This was remembered as a time of strong economic growth, and this resulted in mass consumerism. Easter baskets—and even buckets—were plastic with colorful eggs, artificial grass filler, and gifts like stickers and coloring books.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

2000s

child holding easter basket with chocolate bunny
Credit: Marka / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

At the turn of the millennia, Easter has harkened back to its more German origins in decor and traditions. Most recently, baskets have experienced a return to minimalism in the wake of eco-friendly movements. That said, everyone still enjoys a chocolate bunny.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alexandra Churchill

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11
    2 of 11 1910s
    3 of 11 1920s
    4 of 11 1930s
    5 of 11 1940s
    6 of 11 1950s
    7 of 11 1960s
    8 of 11 1970s
    9 of 11 1980s
    10 of 11 1990s
    11 of 11 2000s

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    See What Easter Baskets Have Looked Like Over the Past 100 Years
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.