Relationship

Create the perfect Easter baskets for children of all ages

Since I am in the gift basket business, the job of making our family’s Easter baskets became my responsibility. I don’t consider it a chore at all since I really enjoy making baskets for my nieces and nephews. I still use the traditional pastel basket, but the items that make up the gift have changed over the years.

When they were little, they loved candy and big stuffed animals. Now they are almost adults, they are in college and they live alone. They are also a bit more health conscious. That’s not to say they won’t find a pack of Peeps, jelly beans, and a chocolate bunny in their basket, but White Hare helps restock your cabinets with toothpaste, shampoo, and other “hands-on” items. I like to throw in a couple boxes of Annie’s homegrown mac and cheese with bunny-shaped pasta just for fun.

You don’t have to be a gift basket pro to make beautiful gift baskets for the people in your life, no matter how old they are. It just takes a little planning. A great Easter basket for a younger child could include arts and crafts supplies like colored pencils and sidewalk chalk. I have found packets of sidewalk chalk that come in pastel colors and are shaped like an egg. Add some toys that are suitable for outdoor play, such as frisbees, jump ropes, and bubble wands. Books are always a great addition. It’s easy to find age-appropriate reading books or coloring books with an Easter theme or a theme that appeals to a child’s interests.

Creating an Easter Basket themed around a favorite superhero or princess or character like Hello Kitty could be perfect for little kids. An older child may enjoy a basket filled with items that reflect her hobby or interest. Even though my friend’s son is only eight years old, he loves science and math, so the pocket calculator and bug books were a big hit and kept him entertained long after he ate the candy.

Don’t forget the adults. Family members, especially those you don’t see often, will love to be remembered. Creating a gift that reflects a hobby or interest works well for adults, too. Spring is the start of the gardening season, so add a pair of gardening gloves and a good gardener’s bar of soap and lotion to the Easter Basket for your mom or aunt. Reece’s Pieces in a package shaped like a carrot and a chocolate bunny will add to the garden theme.