(WWJ) - The cost of inflation has hit home for millions of Americans this year as shoppers grapple with higher prices at the grocery store — and kids might be see an Easter staple swapped with something a little more cost-effective this holiday weekend.
Although egg prices have stabilized in the last few months, they're still, dare we say, egg-pensive, which has families turning to alternatives such as potatoes.
Yes, you read that correctly. The idea of painting Easter spuds is being fueled along by the marketing and promotion board of Potatoes USA.
While potato art might seem absurd, users are sharing their success stories, as well as trips and tricks, across social media to encourage more families to consider making the swap.
“As a mom of two kids, I’m constantly looking for new activities. The idea of painting potatoes made me laugh, but honestly, it’s really fun,” said Marisa Stein, director of marketing at Potatoes USA. “My kids loved experimenting with different designs. It was silly and a great way to spend time with my family.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a regular dozen eggs soared to almost $5 in the Midwest, compared to just under $2 a year ago. The hike is five times the average grocery cost increase.
Potatoes, on the only hand, cost under a $1 per pound.
Potatoes USA said painting the root vegetable is rather easy, once you get over that it's not an egg. Painter, young and old, can use either regular paint or food coloring to decorate their potato.
The vegetable is also way less fragile than eggs as well as easier for children to hold. If dropped on the ground, their masterpiece will not crack.
According to the group, some families have even made the paint they use edible or use water-based food coloring, so not only do they dye their potatoes, but they can eat them, too.
"Artists can give potatoes a food coloring bath for a lighter color or paint the food coloring directly on the spud for a vibrant alternative," Potatoes USA added.
Still, traditional paint from craft stores work well for vibrant colors as well as for longevity. The potato’s long shelf-life mean artwork can be displayed for a longer period of time than an egg.
For the best results, Potatoes USA gave a few tips for your Picasso potato:
• Cover your workspace with newspapers or plastic tablecloths so you can embrace the painting process without worrying about the cleanup.
• Gloves are a great way to keep little hands clean from food dye or paint.
• If you’re using food coloring, painting the food coloring on will result in the most vibrant color. If you don’t want the color to rub off, and you’re fine keeping the potatoes purely decorative, a coat of hairspray can seal the color and keep the dye from bleeding.
• If you use regular paint, a white primer coat will make the colors pop!
• Make sure the painted potatoes have fully dried before you move them.
As an added bonus, the group said if you conduct a scavenger hunt and accidentally misplace a potato, they will break down naturally without the foul odor associated with rotten eggs.
While the verdict is still out on whether Easter potatoes will seriously take off, one blog co-founder at Krazy Coupon Lady made the argument that decorating a potato is really not any different from painting a rock — which is essentially free.
For more on how to paint and use potatoes for your weekend festivities, visit Potatoes USA.
Have you tried out painting potatoes or any other alternatives to eggs? Share your thoughts with us on social media at WWJ Twitter and WWJ Facebook.