I rediscovered this post recently and was instantly transported to Easters long ago… It’s been edited and updated to reflect some lessons I’ve learned over the years.
Our kids are all grown and (pretty much) flown now, but there was a time when they were little and Easter was a “sweet” time for them. As they grew, we replaced the sweet-filled baskets with some of these more-edifying goodies below, getting a bit more creative with the “baskets” year after year. As they became less interested in sugar-laden treats, the baskets would often be discarded, too. (I guess you could say we started thinking outside the box.) Over the years, our Easter “baskets” were bicycle helmets, tackle boxes, watering cans, organizational boxes, beach bags…you get the picture!
Whatever their interests were at the time served as our inspiration.
Eventually, however, we eschewed the whole kit-n-kaboodle to focus on Passover. But that’s a whole ‘nother story…
But even if your family has a long-standing tradition of Easter baskets, let me encourage you to try using some of these gift items below in lieu of some of the sweets. And, even more importantly, I encourage you to review the story, miracle, and gift of the Easter season with your young ones whenever you can.
Deuteronomy
Now, on to some great ideas for filling those baskets…whatever they look like!
Inspire Creativity
crayons
markers
colored pencils
sketch pads
paints and brushes
building blocks
–>(Legos – these ones are on clearance, Lincoln Logs)
Nurture a Connection with Nature
packets of seeds
gardening gloves
watering can
bird feeding kit
pretty rocks
binoculars
fishing poles and lures
magnifying glass
bug identification chart
Encourage Family Time
movie tickets
family-themed DVDs
board games
beach gear
water guns
card games
Get ’em Moving
bicycle helmet
football
tennis rackets
swimming goggles
pool toys
jump rope
hula hoop
Sharpen Their Minds
crossword puzzles
MadLibs
fun, simple science experiments
annual pass to a local museum
puzzles
Show ’em Some Old-Fashioned Fun
marbles
pick-up sticks
silly putty
slinky
Rubik’s cube
paper dolls
jacks
Promote Their Hobbies
fishing tackle
books
baking supplies
golf tees
yarn and crochet needles
cross stitch kits
Deepen Their Faith
bookmarks with a Scripture message
age-appropriate devotional
pocket-sized “Gratitude Journal“
Bible-themed hand puppets or figures (which also nourish their creativity!)
worship CD
My ultimate prayer for you is that you and your children will cherish the gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection all year through.
Hello!! Just wanted to let you know I will be using this in a round up (posting soon) from the Teach Me Tuesday party! Very much appreciate you linking up with us 😉
Awesome! Thanks, Bobbi. 🙂
Love these ideas and they are going to come in handy when I go shopping next week! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this on Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
Cathy
Yay! I’m glad you found the ideas helpful, Cathy! I’ll be shopping next week too. 🙂 I’m super excited!