what's the easiest material to make a basket out of?

I'd like to make a basket, as I think it'd be super cool to give my kids hand-made Easter Baskets, but I don't have much time and I've never made a basket. What would be the easiest material for a beginner to make a basket out of? I tried making on from what I thought was either Scouler or Sitka willow, but the branches were too firm.  and kept cracking. Is there a better material to try...preferably one available before Easter?

the firmness and cracking is from not soaking them. this basic beginners guide explains.

https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/1975-Basketwork

same concept could be done with plastic strips recycled from soda bottles.

Wysteria is easy to work with and it smells divine when flowering. It can be hard to contain though.

My gut reaction was soaked willow, though blackberry or bramble stalk could also be an excellent place to start

Thinking a bit laterally perhaps, why not use Papier-mâché?

Strips of paper, thread, etc and a simple glue made from flour and water. Painted or use coloured paper.

Oh yes, and plastic bags! Going Green with Wrapped Baskets

Not so much a natural fiber, but it is an excellent way of recycling rather than throwing old plastic bags to landfill