Saving on Easter baskets

Features

Special events•The Indiana Heart Gallery, an exhibit featuring portraits of children in need of adoption, will be at the Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10313 Aboite Center Road, from Monday to June 10.Today 3:00 am

Marriage licenses

Nelson Williams Wyatt and Carrie Sue LewisKenneth Maxwell Beckler and Ammie Dianna BechtoldAlex J. Staton and Brittany Nicole ShenefieldDelfino Aguilar Jr.Today 3:00 am

Orchestra cuts concert to cut costs

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Chamber Choral series has been eliminated for next season as part of the organization’s efforts to save money.The Philharmonic is facing a deficit of more than $2.Friday

Basket of ideas

This year, why not think of a fun themed basket?
Fun in the Sun Basket: Toss in items you’ll need this summer, like a bathing suit, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Gardening Basket: Place fruit and vegetable seeds, little pots, gloves and hat, to name a few.
Superhero- or character-themed basket: Check out a dollar store or retailer like Target for fillers. You can find pencils, erasers, folders and more with the particular theme.
Craft basket: Assemble a basket with a paint-by-numbers kit, crayons, coloring books, craft kit, instructional books and more craft-related items.

With a little planning and creativity, you can find lots of ways to save on assembling an Easter basket this year. Not only can you save; you can make the gift-giving fun and exciting, too.

•First, buy Easter baskets at a craft store on sale or with a 40 percent-off coupon. Find something durable, then reuse it from year to year.

•Do you keep a gift closet full of items you find on clearance or score for free with coupons? If so, don’t forget to scour your gift closet for possible basket fillers. Lotions, candy, travel-size toiletries, etc., all make great fillers and might be waiting for you in your gift closet. Don’t forget to look.

•Don’t pay full price for Easter candy. Instead, look for candy coupons in your Sunday newspaper, then match them with a sale. You’ll find the best deals at drugstores and national retail stores. Check these retailers first and do some price comparisons.

– Scripps Howard News Service