Guest Post by: Kensey Goebel, Nutrition and Foods student at the University of Texas Austin
Who said Easter has to be full of sugar? (Maybe it was the Easter Bunny!) Kids love hunting for Easter eggs, they also love opening the eggs to see what treat is inside. Here are some healthier alternatives for eggs and baskets that will prevent your child from being on sugar overload for the next month.
First come up with a theme for an Easter basket. Use your child’s favorite movie or hobbies that they are interested in to come up with ideas. Customized superhero, princess, crafts or gardening themed baskets are always fun. Next choose age appropriate fillers for the eggs and the baskets. Things to think about before filling your eggs: if your egg hunt will be outside don’t use things that will melt, if you are sending them to your child’s school avoid allergen-containing foods. Here are some suggestions:
Food items:
- Dried fruit
- Raisins
- Popcorn
- Crackers like animal crackers, goldfish or Annie’s bunny crackers
- Pretzels
- Fruits like grapes or strawberries
- Nuts
- Dry cereal (any kind)
Non-food items:
- For girls: lip gloss, mini nail polish
- For boys: small hot wheel cars
- Bouncy balls
- Erasers
- Stickers
- Play dough
- Confetti (if you are willing to clean up the mess)
- “Easter egg hunt coupons” printable template found at U Create.
Basket fillers:
- Kites
- Bubbles
- Children’s books
- Decorative cups
- Chalk
- Gardening tools/bug catching materials
- Coloring books
Leah has put together a variety of some wanted and needed items for her children’s baskets. A new soccer ball, a Beanie Boo, new swim suits, Frozen movie for the two of them (She has been holding on to it for weeks and can’t wait herself to watch it again!!), a Chocolate cross, and little things like lip balm and some little soccer themed stuff!
Below is a list of other sites with really great ideas!
What about you? Share what’s in your baskets?
