The Perfect Easter Basket . . .

. . . does it need to be filled with candy?

Wow, I just saw this blog where the posts trashed the mother who suggested an Easter basket without candy. They were stating how this is a once-a-year treat, and if you are giving your child healthy nutritional snacks all year then this once is okay, and an Easter basket simply isn’t about healthy snacks. Please note that I am paraphrasing in the nicest way; these moms were pretty annoyed at the thought of a “healthy” Easter basket.

Well, I couldn’t completely side with those moms; I am not in favor of a basketful of candy. There are lots of treats for Easter that will not contribute to a dentist bill, obesity, diabetes, or a plain ol’ sugar high. Perhaps rounding out a chocolate Easter bunny with some of the following ideas will create an Easter basket your child will love so much that they won’t even miss the sweets.

Healthy treats
almonds
small boxes of raisins
craisins




Other food ideas
homemade cookies
pretzels
sugar free bubblegum



Toys
pencils
erasers
matchbox cars
plastic eggs filled with coins




Just plain fun stuff
bubble bath
bath toys
toothbrush (something “cool” probably with a character or it spins or both!)
toothpaste
crayons
markers
play-doh
sidewalk chalk
jump rope
movie tickets
DVD



Well, it is just a thought. Quite honestly, we do not do Easter baskets at all! And this year we are hosting our first annual Easter egg hunt and brunch. What a way to kick off spring; and wait until you see this menu! My son cannot wait for his "Easter Party!"