Alternative Fun Easter/Spring Baskets:

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.