DIY Easter Gift :: Knitted Easter Bunnies

Yesterday, I talked about the push for handmade gifts at our house. The Easter Bunny also gives handmade gifts on his annual stops.  With Easter just around the corner, I thought I would give you a quick list of some adorable Easter/Spring knitting patterns which make great gifts for kids - or anyone who loves a quick-knit stuffed animal.

Here are the bunnies that I made last Easter.  These little guys were perched inside the boys' Easter baskets on Sunday morning.

I got this pattern out of Knit Simple Magazine, but there are plenty of free patterns available for download online. The green guy definitely ended up with much more personality in his embroidered face, but the purple guy belonging to my younger son has definitely received more love.

Another tip? Instead of cellophane Easter grass, we use Pirate Booty to line the bottom of the Easter baskets.  It's edible, all-natural and bio-degradable. And it's pretty entertaining to hear your son tell the pediatrician that the Easter Bunny gave him "booty" for Easter.

Here's a list of free knitting patterns for bunnies, chicks, lambs and eggs.  These knitted creatures are sure to bring a springtime smile to any face. Happy knitting!

• Knitted Long-legged Easter Bunny at Craftbits.com
• Bunny with an Egg Pouch at Berroco.com
• An adorable pattern for Knitted Easter Eggs (stripes, dots, checks) at Little Cotton Rabbits
• This sweet little guy from Spud and Chloe
• From the infamous Alan Dart, knitting designer, a Peekaboo Egg and Chick
• Wooly Little Lambs from Flutterby Patch