With Easter time here again, the little ones are beginning to dream about sugary treats and messy chocolate bunnies, a parent's worst nightmare. But, don't despair! You can put together a fun Easter basket that will excite the kiddies without causing an all-out sugar rush.
Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail
One of the best parts of parenthood is enjoying a good story with your child. Books make great Easter basket fillers and are a fun way to create a lasting Easter tradition in your home. Add a religious or secular Easter-themed picture book to your little one's basket this year, then continue the tradition with a new book each year. If you don't want to make the book Easter-specific, just choose something your child would like and place it in the basket. You're sure to see big smiles when the kids find their new books on Easter morning.
The Bunny Says it All
A fuzzy friend or a new toy can make a huge impact on Easter morning. Adding a stuffed animal, doll, truck or other toy to your child's basket is a sugar-free way to celebrate that will last long after the usual Easter treats are gone.
Make it Colorful
Art supplies add color and interest to an Easter basket and are fun to play with during any Easter celebration. Include colored pencils, crayons, paints and Play-Doh in your child's Easter basket for a full day of creative Easter fun without the sugar rush.
Celebrate Spring
Kids love gardening and Easter is the perfect time to get those green thumbs going. Fill their baskets with seeds, gardening tools and garden gloves for a fun, themed Easter surprise that will keep on giving long through the season.
Easter Treats Don't Have to Be Sweet
Contrary to many beliefs, Easter treats can be delicious without having to be sweet. Choose some fun snacks for the kids' baskets that can satisfy without all that sugar. Choose beef jerky, peanut butter crackers or nuts for a savory snack. Make your own trail mix or buy some and fill plastic eggs with the yummy combination. Traditional hard boiled eggs are always a welcome addition to an Easter celebration, so make sure to include colored eggs in your child's basket. Or, if a sweet snack is an absolute must, choose fruit leather or dried fruit for something naturally sweet and sugar-free.
It's All About the Hunt
Many families set up Easter egg hunts for their children and this is an ideal time to switch out Easter candy for something less sweet. Fill plastic eggs with money, washable tattoos or small toys and watch your kids amp up the search. After the hunt, set up a fun Easter game or activity for the family to enjoy instead of focusing on candy.
Andrea Gifford - Andrea Gifford writes about everything from travel to cooking, with articles at USAToday.com, the Santa Cruz Sentinel and Odyssey ...
Join the Conversation