Budget-Savvy, Fun, and Healthy Easter Basket Ideas
Easter celebrations can be a real conundrum for moms and dads. You want to give your kids things they will enjoy, but all too often, holiday celebrations send unhealthy, overindulgent messages. Why not switch things up a bit this year with a gift basket that is not only fun, it’s
good for them and it won’t break the bank?
Fun-filled toys and games
Children are hard-wired to learn. They are in a period of growth and their minds can act like sponges sometimes, but as Education Corner points out, there are important ways parents can influence their motivation to learn. One of those ways is to provide fun learning options through toys and games. With that in mind, Easter is the perfect time to invest in learning-oriented goodies! Assemble an assortment of educational items, like a few board games, some coloring books, and construction toys. Stores like Target offer everything you could ever need to fill their baskets, and you can stretch your dollars at the Bullseye Brand by using Target in-store
coupons and promo codes.
Inspired reading material Reading is a hands-down key to learning. Some experts recommend providing children with enjoyable reading material that isn’t frustrating or boring to encourage good reading habits. A
basket full of entertaining books can be an ideal gift for motivating your youngsters. Consider some inspirational children’s books about pursuing dreams, stories about real-life heroes, or books about specific interests, like animals or sports. E-readers are a convenient option for many families. You can pick up e-readers, e-books, and traditional books from stores like
Barnes & Noble — just check out their current sales to find great values.
The magic of science
Little could be more fun than playing Mad Scientist with your kids, so why not assemble a basket that offers wild and wacky, yet scientific, entertainment? Plan out some science experiments you can DIY in your own kitchen, such as making lava lamps, writing in invisible ink, or making frozen slime. Throw in some beakers, a lab coat, and a few abracadabras, and you’ll be making memories as well as teaching your children about the joys and magic of science! In addition to products from your pantry, chemistry kits offer variety and boost learning power. Stores like Amazon offer several, and you can shop their best sellers for selections that
fit your child’s taste and your budget.
Earthy and educational
Nature offers a world of kid-friendly fun, and MindBodyGreen notes some experts feel kids of today generally aren’t exposed to enough of what Mother Nature has to offer. More time involved with soil and growing things can potentially lower children’s stress and anxiety levels,
encourages creativity, and could even reduce symptoms of ADHD. With that in mind, skip the basket, and fill a child-sized work tote with appropriate garden-oriented goodies. Gloves, tools, and a few easy-to-grow plants will provide fun for months. For kids who love blooms, consider a
bulb garden, or some veggies could be perfect for youngsters who love to cook. You can purchase all your child’s gardening supplies from retailers like Gardener’s Edge — check their promotions to get great bang for your buck.
Cook up some fun
Cooking not only promotes practical skills they can use the rest of their lives, some experts feel it encourages creativity in children, and is a teaching tool for science, literacy, and math. With that in mind, think about putting together a basket with some kid-oriented kitchen items, like
spatulas and whisks, and line the basket with a fun apron. For those youngsters who aren’t convinced, consider a themed basket with goodies from Williams Sonoma. They have everything from Star Wars to Harry Potter to floral designs for your soon-to-be chef. Stretch your dollars by getting cash back through their rewards program.
All too often, holiday celebrations are focused on all the wrong things. Thankfully, Easter
baskets can contribute to your youngster in a positive way. Think of how you want to encourage
your child this Easter, and assemble some goodies that are healthy and affordable!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
