When my children were young, they would hunt throughout the yard for the Easter Eggs they colored the day before and search for their baskets the Easter Bunny left hidden somewhere inside the house. Their baskets were filled to the brim but not with expensive, must have toys. In their Easter baskets, they would find candy, of course, a coloring book and crayons, a story book, a funny small rabbit or bunny figurine or stuffed animal, small toys that would keep them busy for at least 10 minutes, and a coupon for free ice cream or kids meal.  It was difficult for my oldest daughter, Lori, because her friend who lived six houses down the street would receive a Barbie Doll House or the equivalent from the Easter Bunny.  I didn’t believe that Easter was a time for such extravagant gifts - especially since my children’s birthdays were in February, March, and April.  I still believe that Easter presents should not be the focus of the holiday for the children.

I’m a “do-it-yourself” type of person. For me, half the fun is searching the stores for fun, adorable, and inexpensive items for the grandchildren’s Easter Baskets.  I ran over to the dollar store this evening but ran out of time - they announced they were closing so all I came home with were some Easter cards. The baskets I make for them always have a theme, which makes it a fun challenge. The other half of the fun is watching them enjoy finding the many little surprises in their baskets.  Also, instead of giving them money, I put change in a bunch of plastic eggs and hide them with the dyed eggs. To keep it fair, I use puff paint and write their first initial on an equal number of plastic eggs.  That way, the older grandchild doesn’t walk away with the whole bank! 

I remember being in an Easter Egg Hunt in Pine Orchard, CT when I was four years old. My nine year old sister and her friends got all the eggs and I didn’t have even one egg at the end. Of course my mother took a picture of me crying, which I still have.  So, I make sure everyone has an equal chance of finding their fair share of the eggs.

There is certainly a wide variety of Easter Baskets in the stores to choose from including the standard wicker baskets and the newer soft, plush bunny and chick baskets. They can be used over several years if you keep them stored in containers which will allow them to stay clean.  I like to find fun, practical items, such as a sand pail, to wrap the little gifts in that can be used throughout the year.

1. We live just minutes from the beach, so one year for K I used a Strawberry Shortcake pail and filled it with Strawberry Shortcake coloring book and crayons, key chain, pad and pencil, small toys. I found the pail and some girly items at the $5 Below store. At the dollar store I found stickers, a water raft, tube, and swimmies.  K wanted a lunch box, so I put some of the items in a Strawberry Shortcake Lunch box, too. It gave her something in which to carry the small items. For her, that was more fun than playing with them.
2. The next year, K was taking ballet lessons so I put her basket together with a Ballerina theme. It is really easy to find cute ballerina items, too.  Some items I included were a ballerina pen and pad (she loves to draw and write), ballet jewelry (just make sure it isn’t made from lead - if you can, buy silver), hair jewelry or ties, and a ballerina doll and book (Angelina Ballerina).  Instead of a basket, I put everything in a plush ballerina bag which she could use to carry her shoes, etc. to her classes.  You could even add a ballerina watch so your granddaughter would be on time for class!
3. This year I will design K’s Easter basket around a Hannah Montana theme. My granddaughter just loves her because she also likes to sing and perform for family and friends. I’m not sure just what I’ll find, but it will be fun looking.  I’ll search the stores for Hannah Montana jewelry, diary and pen, story book, CD, hair accessories, key ring, and grooming items. Instead of a basket, I might put everything in a tote bag. I’m sure there is one out there somewhere with Hannah Montana’s face on it.
4.  Now, for the younger grandchild, Em, I will make her basket with one of her favorite characters, Winnie the Pooh. Some items that I’ve found in my search online are Pooh’s Easter Basket (board book), an Easter Bunny Pooh Mini Beanie, Winnie the Pooh coloring book and large crayons, ball, and bubbles. And, since she is almost potty trained, I will add some Winnie the Pooh undies (hope I can find them)! Oh, and her hair is finally growing so I’ll also include some hair accessories and even a couple of small tub or pool toys.
5. An Easter basket for a baby who likes water playtime might include items such as a play ’n pat water mat, a ducky bath mitt, rubber ducky squirt toy, a bathtime board book, and bathtub toys all wrapped up in a basket to hold the toys when not being used.

Well, up there in the beginning of my blog, what was I saying…that I didn’t think Easter whould be about the gifts…well at least not BIG gifts! The nice thing is that I’m the Nana and I get to spoil the grandchildren…just as my children’s grandparents did on Easters in years past…it’s a cycle that, hopefully, never ends for children.