Stuffed Easter Baskets – without the candy
Easter is approaching, and the store aisles are full of candy and junk to fill those Easter baskets. Want some better {non-candy} ideas this year? From tots to teens we have you covered!
Whether your plans include egg hunts with friends, brunch with family, going to church, or getting pictures with a giant rabbit, odds are your kids are going to wake up on Easter morning anticipating a basket of fun. As a mom, I don’t find that multi-colored candy or the temptation to have “just one more” a fun time (and didn’t we just finish the Valentine’s Day chocolates?) On the other hand, the plastic trinkets that break within the hour, and the subsequent meltdowns, don’t make for a day of special memories.
However, Easter baskets are a big deal to me. I fondly remember the bright green plastic grass, eggs filled with candy, new toys, and a large chocolate bunny in my laundry basket each Easter. Yes, you heard me right. My grandmother, with nearly a dozen grandchildren, filled plastic laundry baskets for each us every Easter. I don’t remember the toys, but I definitely remember the sentiment. I want my kids to have sweet Easter memories, but I’ve worked to find some balance and practicality in our gifting.
Here are some favorite Easter Basket ideas that both mom and the kids can be excited about.
- Stuffed Animals – If your house isn’t already overrun with stuffed animals, you’ve got to get your kiddo a bunny in their basket. The Jellycat bunny is even poplar with the teens and tweens. (And have you seen their food line? Swoon.
- Art Supplies – The basket is a great place to restock your markers and paints. Gift sidewalk chalk, watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, and more. You could include a coloring book, small journal, or scrapbook pages to reminisce that fun spring break trip.
- Garden Supplies – For elementary aged kids, wouldn’t it be fun to make a garden themed basket? Pick out fun gardening gloves, a hand trowel and spade, watering can, and seed packets.
- Books – Encouraging reading is always a good option. Choose board books for your infant, a chapter book for your tween, or classic Easter books for anyone. Add a fun reading light to expand on the book theme.
- Bath time Fun – Munchkin bath squirters would be so cute in an Easter basket. Bath bombs and bubbles are always a hit and teens will enjoy fancy lotions or spa headbands.
- Learning Toys – You may not need any more toys taking up space in your house, but what about these small ones? Magnets (I love the Melissa and Doug ones because there are no small parts to choke on), bubbles, play-dough, or counting toys would be great for the bunny to bring.
- Clothes – This is a great opportunity to restock their spring wardrobe, surprise them with new pjs or prepare for summer with new swim suits.
- Music Toys – Not to play off the egg theme too much, but the egg shaped percussion shakers are a perfect stocking stuffer for your little Beethoven in training! Also basket-sized? A tambourine, harmonica, maracas, and jingle bells.
- Drinkware – I know my household doesn’t need another water bottle but I just can’t resist. There are so many options for holiday themed or personalized tumblers. Or go trendy with an Owala in sweet spring colors.
- Giftcards – If your kiddo loves to play on the tablet, get them an i-tunes gift card for more games. Does your tween go to the movies with friends? Malco gift card. Avid reader? Kindle gift card.
- Just for Teens – No matter their age, tweens and teens will be excited to see what the bunny has left for them. Teen girls will love to find the Aerie shorts they have been eyeing or a special piece of jewelry from the Kendra Scott at Saddle Creek. Make up brushes, glitter lotion, nail polish . . . this list could go on and on. Teen boys may be a little tougher, but will enjoy a new body spray, earbuds, or new summer slides.
And if you do want to include candy, why not make it local? Visit Dinstuhl’s and stock up on chocolate covered strawberries the traditional chocolate bunny.
For more fun family Easter activities check out these DIY Crafts (Resurrection Rolls have always been part of our families tradition). For a totally free activity, visit Dixon Gallery & Gardens for the perfect opportunity to talk about new life and fresh starts that abound in this season. Most of all . . . enjoy making memories with your family!
