Alternative Fun Easter/Spring Baskets:
>> Monday, April 2, 2012
Instead of filling Easter baskets
with candy, try stocking it with small gifts like brightly colored
Pencils, art supplies or
stickers. Temperatures soaring, flowers blooming, sun is shining and eggs
hiding. There are many signs of spring celebrations and Easter, but do baskets filled
of candy have to be one of them? Not at all! With a little preparation and some
imagination, baskets can be filled with many healthier items.
Read the
following items for ideas or simply take a Stroll through discount stores to brainstorm ideas
for your child.
· Themed
baskets are a big hit with children. Pick a favorite activity or animated
character and choose small presents related to that theme.
· Spur
the imagination of your little Picasso. Crayons, coloring books, simple water
color sets or finger paints can be inexpensive and leave a much larger impact
with your children than those jelly beans and chocolate eggs.
· Has
your child started a collection of something? Baseball cards, coins, erasers,
stickers or a certain series of books? Add to it and you might be avoiding
costly and painful dentist visits in the future.
· Plan
a basket around a fun family outing. If gardening is popular in your household,
fill a
Basket up with kid specific
gardening tools, gloves and a variety of bulbs or wildflower
Seeds. Other family activity themes may include accessories for a
family bike ride, a trip to a zoo
or museum, family fun run or goodies needed while hiking to a local peak or
other destination.
· Do
you have a budding Emeril or Rachel Ray in your house? Kid’s cookbooks,
measuring spoons, a colorful apron (or a plain one that they can customize
themselves) will be sure to occupy and inspire any junior chef.
· If
you would like to add tasty treats to a basket, there are lots of food items
that are equally tasty “everyday foods” to replace candy with. 100% fruit
leathers, mixed nuts, packets of trail mix, granola bars, raisin boxes and even
your child’s favorite fresh fruit can be a nutritious addition to their spring
basket.
· Spring
break gives parents a unique opportunity to teach children something new. Have
you ever thought of teaching them to play checkers or chess, knit,
tie-dye, make soap, fly a kite or build a fort? Including small items helping
them hone their skills or perk their
interest
is an excellent basket addition.
