Better Baskets for Easter

*Originally posted on April 16, 2014

"I am practical when it comes to gift giving.  I cringe to buy toys for my kids because I know they'll enjoy them for a day or two, but after that they become just another item laying around the house or yard.  I hate the thought of wasting money on things that in the end become clutter. What do you do to fill your children's Easter baskets that is both cost efficient and practical?"

Kate:
I'm gonna throw out a wild idea here: don't even do Easter baskets!


I know, nearly scandalous.  But simple, and still fun. We always find a church or neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt (it's this Saturday, and it's already on the calendar - my kids don't want to miss it!) so they're not completely deprived of fun and candy, but at my house, this Easter morning, there won't be any baskets full of candy/art supplies/toys. And at the risk of sounding way to "churchy", I'll tell you that we'll spend the morning reading the story of the Resurrection, then maybe eat the last piece of candy from the Hunt the day before, and we'll still have a wonderful, fun-filled Easter.

I'm not saying this is an idea for every family, or really even for any family.  It's just what works for our family.

Marcia:
I'm not ready to give up Easter Baskets yet (but we do get them on Saturday so as to not detract from the Sabbath).  But even though I like doing baskets, I still have a hard time filling a basket full of candy and little toys for my kids for many reasons.  I'm cheap.  My kids own too much junk already.  They certainly don't need to eat five pounds of sugar (especially right before church!).  And it seems a big distraction from the actual spirit of the holiday.

But... we do it any way.

So here are a few things I do to make it special without feeling too out of control with the commercialization of Easter.

Candy.  Yes, I give them candy (mostly because I intend to eat candy, and it would be rude to eat in front of them).  One trip down the candy aisle at the grocery store will have you feeling like each of your children need ten pounds each.  They don't (and neither do you or I for that matter).  So pick a candy, and put it in their basket.  One chocolate bunny or one small bag of jelly beans.  They don't need one of everything, just one of their favorites.

If you're not big on candy, fruit is a great alternative.  An orange, a box of raisins, a fun pack of applesauce.  There are a lot of healthy options in a variety of flavors and price ranges.  It may not seem like anything special to you, but a pear in an Easter Basket is infinitely more exciting than a pear sitting on the table at lunch time.

When it comes to toys, think creative and disposable.  Art supplies are always a great choice (and super cheap too).  Everyone loves a new box of crayons.  It's getting warmer out, so bubbles and sidewalk chalk are also great purchases that will be used quickly and out of your house in no time (plus you can get them at the dollar store!).

You can also go the "quality time" route with something like a gift certificate to the aquarium or the zoo, or even a promised date with mom or dad (as long as you are sure to follow through).  It may be more expensive, but certainly isn't a waste and won't clutter your house for weeks to come.

Do you hide your Easter baskets?   The hunt heightens the excitement, and your kids will be thrilled no matter what they find in them.  This is one of those times when presentation and occasion overshadow what they actually receive, so spruce it up with a little style and imagination and not so much clutter.
 
The bottom line is your kids probably aren't going to feel the loss if you skew a bit lean on their Easter baskets this year.  Do what you think is best, and what your budget allows for, and know that if you are enthusiastic, your kids will be too.



Happy Easter

Kate and Marcia