What's in your Easter Basket

I guess I'm not like most when it come to filling an Easter basket.  I think back to when I was a kid and what I used to get in mine.  I don't remember when I was real little, but I do remember as I got older.  I got cool things like lip gloss, new white sneakers for spring and summer, socks and very little candy.  I don't think that an Easter basket has to be filled with tons of candy.

Every year I try to think of cute little things to fill the baskets with.  Or even try and think outside the basket.  One year I bought a wheeling yard cart for a kid and filled it.  We were out of town and didn't want to have to carry the basket back and forth, so it was perfect,  D. loved it!  It was filled with a shovel, rake, yard gloves and other outside things for him to play with.

This year, now that the E.B. has 2 to fill, we really think about what the boys need and what they would love, without tons of candy.

D. is getting a new bicycle, he has grown so much that he doesn't fit on the old one, his basket will be really small with things like new flip flops, sunglasses and some jelly beans with a few pieces of chocolate.  In this house, it's pointless to put a ton of candy in it, because it won't get eaten.

Baby Diesel on the other hand won't be getting any candy, so I really have to get creative.  He's getting flip flops, sunglasses, a couple shirts, little swimmers and a few more things.  With his birthday not until fall, Easter is always great for getting him things he could use and needs.

I really enjoy playing Easter bunny now.  It is so much fun seeing their little faces when they find their basket.  Another thing the Easter bunny did and continues, is hiding the basket.  I've never had a basket laying on the table when I've come down stairs.  The E.B.  has always and will always hide the basket for the little ones to find.  They could be hidden anywhere, from inside the dryer to tucked behind the couch.  It is always an adventure to see where the bunny hides the basket from year to year.  This year there may even be a treasure map to help the oldest find his treats.  We'll have to see.  I'll be sure to post pictures for you all to see.

If you enjoy this idea, just think outside the box.  There are tons of things that you can fill their baskets with that is actually cheaper than candy.  For example matchbox cars, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, kites, new cups, things that can be played with outside now that the weather is getting nice, anything and everything that your child likes, and you can never go wrong with a new book.

Have a beautiful day, and share your ideas with me.  I'm always looking for new things to try and do.  Also if you have any Easter/Passover Craft ideas, recipes, or need some, stop on over here.