It’s my first year as a parent and I’m already starting to wonder what I’m going to put in their Easter baskets.  They’re too young for candy and chocolate so I wanted to think of some creative things to include in their baskets.  Here are some of the ideas I came up with (and some ones for older children as well – I’m trying to think ahead).

• Snack foods like Goldfish crackers, small boxes of pretzels, or boxes of animal crackers.
• Bubbles and sidewalk chalk.
• Small toys like balls, trucks, or dolls.
• Plastic eggs.  They don’t even have to be filled – my almost 2 year olds would love playing with the large plastic eggs themselves.
• Candy.  It doesn’t all have to be chocolate bunnies.  How about Marshmallow Peeps?  You can also include your child’s favorite every day candy like Hershey Bars or licorice.  Don’t forget the jelly beans.
• What about cookies shaped like the Easter Bunny, Easter eggs or an Easter basket?
• For older children a gift card to their favorite store could be a way to give them a present without all the sugar.

Finding the right things to include in your child’s Easter basket takes a little time and creativity.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to give your children a big Easter morning surprise!