I always feel conflicted about giving my grandchildren Easter baskets, because they already get them from their parents. (I have the same problem with stockings at Christmas.) Many parents have strong ideas about whether the grandparents should give Easter baskets, and it always pays to check with them. My children are fine with my giving Easter baskets to the grands, but I try to make mine different from the traditional ones that they will receive from their parents.
One way to do this is to look for cool alternatives to baskets, since they have a basket for hunting eggs. I've used felt bags, tin pails, gift bags and medium-sized storage bins that can do service later on a shelf. Another idea if you don't mind departing radically from the Easter theme is to give a sand pail filled with beach toys and accessories. I've also heard of grandparents giving watering cans filled with seeds -- perfect since Easter is near the beginning of growing season.
Another way to make your Easter baskets different is to vary what you put in them.
Retro Easter Baskets
Here's an idea that will be fun for both of you. Fill a basket with items that you used to play with when you were a child. Don't just choose random retro toys. Choose the ones that you really remember playing with. Online sites like Retro Toys and Retro Planet make finding them easy. Here's a partial list to jog your memory:
- Jacks
- Jump rope
- Paddleball
- Marbles
- Playing cards
- Crayons
- Matchbox cars
- Coloring books
- Watercolors
- Bubbles
- Kaleidoscopes
- Paper dolls
- Balsawood gliders
- Yo-yo
- Kite (paper, not plastic!)
- Slinky
- Little Golden Books
Of course, the basket has to be filled with traditional green cellophane grass. If you want to put in candy, choose the kinds you remember from your childhood. Sites like Nostalgic Candy specialize in old-fashioned favorites, or stop by your local Cracker Barrel.
From personal experience I can tell you that if you included jacks in your baskets, it's a good idea to buy an extra set and practice a bit. Like lots of things that I did in my youth, it's harder than I remember.
More Ideas for Filling Easter Baskets
If you don't want to go retro, you can still fill an Easter basket without resorting to chocolate bunnies. The first thing I would put in would be a pair of bunny ears, because they make adorable photographs of grandchildren.
Small toys make good fillers. Look for finger puppets, bouncy balls, sidewalk chalk, mini puzzles, and small Lego or Playmobil building sets.
Since Easter comes around in early spring, it's a great occasion for giving spring-y gifts and accessories. The parents will appreciate having a few wearable items tucked into the kids' baskets. Socks or summer pajamas work for both genders, as do fun shoes like beach shoes or rubber boots. For little girls, add a inexpensive sundress, hair bows and other hair accessories or a spring purse. For little boys, try a graphic tee, a bow tie or a hat.
For Bigger Youngsters
Your bigger grandchildren don't want to be left out on Easter. Both genders will appreciate movie passes, fancy water bottles, beach towels, flip flops and jump drives. For girls, add an assortment of nail polish, a light floral scent, lip balm or costume jewelry. Boys may like a key chain, flashlight or fishing lure.
Religious Gifts
If you observe Easter as a religious holiday, you may want to give your grandchildren a religious gift, such as a Bible, cross, rosary or religious-themed book. Be sure to check with the parents first. Grandparents in interfaith families must be especially careful.
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