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If you’re looking to elevate your decorating ideas for Easter eggs and want to steer clear of dye kits (filled with mysterious ingredients I can’t spell let alone pronounce), I’ve got some great ideas for you that go far beyond boiling water and pastel coffee cup stains.
While my childhood memories of egg decorating involve dropping little colored tablets into water, then carefully dipping eggs in and waiting impatiently for each egg to change colors, I’m happy to report egg decorating creativity has progressed significantly over the years. From washi tape to tissue paper and googly eyes, it’s not hard to find creative and fun ways to decorate (and celebrate!) with your kids this Easter.
Also, while I’m sure this goes without saying, don’t forget to refrigerate your pretty hard-boiled eggs once transformed. I may have accidentally done just that as a sleep-deprived mama of a 3- and 1-year-old, and well, rookie mistake. Next up: filling that Easter basket. Happy decorating!
Related: 6 DIY Easter activities your kids will love—before and after the holiday
Also, while I’m sure this goes without saying, don’t forget to refrigerate your pretty hard-boiled eggs once transformed. I may have accidentally done just that as a sleep-deprived mama of a 3- and 1-year-old, and well, rookie mistake. Next up: filling that Easter basket. Happy decorating!
25 Easter egg decorating ideas
1. Using markers
Looking for a fun, kid-friendly way to decorate eggs without the mess of dye? The Original EggMazing Easter Egg Decorator Kit might just be the answer. It couldn’t be easier to use, and we love how it produces bright, colorful egg-shaped works of art.
2. Washi tape
Chelsea of Lovely Indeed shares a beautiful DIY washi tape egg tutorial on her blog that only requires washi tape, a versatile crafting accessory, a pair of scissors and no dye whatsoever. If little hands aren’t ready for a pair of scissors yet, you can tear by hand or cut strips or shapes and let your child apply to each egg. A reminder that plastic eggs are another option, and easily reusable from year to year.
3. Brush pens
Sam from Color Me Happy has created a trippy tie dye easter egg tutorial that doesn’t require dye at all. Using brush pens, a plastic sandwich bag and a spray bottle, you can create a beautiful tie dye effect on your Easter eggs this year.
4. Paint
Who knew a hard-boiled egg could make such a great canvas? A simple painting session with materials you more than likely already have around the house will make each of your eggs a unique and special creation. Sure, there might still be a mess, but washable paint comes off a lot easier than dye, I can tell you that. Pro tip: paint one side, let it dry (insert lunch, naptime, park visit here), then paint the other side.
5. Paper party hats
You’ll find amazing craft tutorials and design inspiration on Flax & Twine, including this adorable Easter egg party hat tutorial. The website offers a printable hat template, as well as easy to follow instructions to turn your hard boiled eggs into party stars ready to celebrate Easter. Too cute!
6. Googly eyes
Aren’t googly eyes a great addition to anything DIY? A container of googly eyes, craft glue and maybe a permanent marker (supervised by parent) to add some distinctive eyebrows and smile will make for the most amusing eggs you’ve seen in a while. Rhinestones can be a sparkly, easily glue-able addition, too!
7. Sprinkles
Food photographer and dessert cookbook author Jackie Alpers has created an incredible no dye Easter egg option using sprinkles, and this is perhaps the best idea ever? By combining powdered sugar and water, you can create a thick paste that acts as glue when applying your sprinkles (handling sprinkles in a plastic bag is the least messy and most effective way to create this Easter masterpiece).
8. Stickers
Listen, when all else fails (and say, your time is limited), stickers are the way to go. While I’m a big fan of Pipsticks myself, any ol’ sticker will do to “dress up” your Easter eggs and have fun while doing it.
9. Flower crowns
Martha Stewart
Flower crowns aren’t just for Coachella. The hipster hair trend doesn’t look half bad on an Easter egg, either, and I love the easy tutorial I found on Flax & Twine (this crafty lady knows how to decorate an egg).
10. Tissue paper collage
Using small pieces of colorful tissue paper and Mod Podge, you can create a bright, layered effect on your Easter eggs. The slightly translucent finish makes each egg look like a tiny piece of art.
11. Temporary tattoos
Turns out, temporary tattoos aren’t just for skin! Apply them to eggs just as you would on your arm, and enjoy a quick, mess-free design that looks professionally done.
12. Sharpie doodles
All you need is a set of fine-tip Sharpies and a steady hand. Try drawing geometric patterns, florals, or even tiny faces for a minimalist, modern egg design.
13. Fabric scraps
If you have leftover fabric lying around, cut small pieces and adhere them to eggs using Mod Podge or double-sided tape.
14. Yarn-wrapped eggs
Wrap eggs in colorful yarn and secure with glue. The result? A cozy, textured Easter egg that stands out from the rest.
15. Gold leaf accents
For a touch of glam, apply gold leaf using adhesive glue. The metallic shine adds an elegant look to your Easter eggs.
16. Pom-pom eggs
Mini pom-poms and a bit of glue can transform plain eggs into fun, fluffy designs. This one is especially great for kids!
17. Beaded eggs
Using small craft beads and glue, create intricate patterns or fully beaded eggs for a sparkling finish.
18. Lace-covered eggs
Stretch lace fabric over eggs and secure it with glue for a delicate, vintage-inspired Easter decoration.
19. Glow-in-the-dark eggs
Use glow-in-the-dark paint to create eggs that shine at night—perfect for an evening Easter egg hunt.
20. Marbleized nail polish eggs
Fill a bowl with water, add a few drops of nail polish, and swirl with a toothpick. Dip eggs in for a stunning marble effect.
21. Decoupage eggs
Cut out images or patterns from napkins or wrapping paper and use Mod Podge to apply them to your eggs.
22. Neon eggs
Bright, neon-colored markers or paint will give your Easter eggs a modern, eye-catching appeal.
23. Emoji eggs
Draw emoji faces on eggs using paint or markers—kids will love creating their favorite expressions.
24. Confetti-covered eggs
Use craft glue and colorful confetti to give your eggs a party-ready look.
25. Chalkboard eggs
Paint eggs with chalkboard paint and let kids draw on them with chalk for an interactive Easter craft.
A version of this post was published March 26, 2021. It has been updated.