Easter is a fun holiday for kids, who love the Easter baskets and Easter egg hunts. However, their parents might not always feel quite as good about all of the sugar in traditional Easter baskets. Jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, Cadbury Eggs, and other sugary treats can contribute to obesity, high dental bills, and - most importantly for parents - hyperactive children!
So use these ideas to create the best Easter basket for your children.
- Books. Books can be found for very low prices at garage sales, secondhand stores, and school book orders. Choose books that are relevant to your child’s interests and right for his or her level. If your child isn’t excited about books, create a nightly story time - he or she will quickly learn to love them.
- Bubbles. Every child loves bubbles and bubble wands, and these can often be found at discount or dollar stores.
- Art supplies. Crayons, coloring books, art paper, watercolors, markers, construction paper… the list is endless! Anything that will allow children to get creative is fun for them - and again, much of these supplies can be found at discount and dollar stores!
- Stuffed animals. Small stuffed animals are often inexpensive at drugstores and dollar stores. Plus, they look adorable in Easter baskets.
- Party favors. Party supply stores often have very inexpensive party favors that can be fun: noisemakers, plastic harmonicas, spider rings - children don’t care if the toys are seasonal, as long as they’re fun to play with.
- Sidewalk chalk. Although this could technically be considered part of the “art supplies” category - it’s definitely entertaining enough to be singled out. Children love sidewalk chalk. They love creating art that the whole neighborhood can see - and the neighbors love the fact that it washes away in the rain!
- Other dollar store toys. Cruise through your local dollar or discount store and see what they have specials on. You’re bound to find things that you hadn’t thought of - and they’re guaranteed to be cheap.
- Raisins and other dried fruit. Fruit is much better for children than candy, but still sweet! If you want to go a little sweeter, get yogurt-covered raisins.
- Fresh fruit. Many children are surprised that fruit can taste as sweet as candy - try some new fruits to broaden your child’s experience.
- Trail mix. Go for a trail mix that has things that your child likes. Then put it in a pretty cellophane bag with a bow!
- Pretzels or Chex Mix. Although not the healthiest snacks you can find, these are better than candy, and fun for kids to eat.
- Juice boxes. Not too many of these will fit in a basket, but they’re tasty and brightly colored.
- One chocolate bunny. You’ve got to have one, even if you are going for healthy!
Don’t forget to get pretty baskets, with Easter grass and colorful ribbons or cellophane. In addition, hard boiling, dyeing, and hiding Easter eggs is a fun family project and the eggs make good snacks for later.
