INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Easter is just a hop, skip and jump away (that’s bunny speak for tomorrow!). Sure, the easy option is to fill those pastel baskets with tons of candy. But you can build a better basket that your kids will be just as excited about with just four simple tips.
- Think OUTSIDE the basket
- Our kids spend way too much time inside and sedentary, playing video games, on the phone, or watching TV.
- So give gifts that encourage activity and outdoor play to help your kids learn to live and love an active lifestyle.
- Think about things they LOVE to do and give them something that encourages that activity.
- New bike helmet or other bike accessories
- Hula hoop
- Jump rope
- Side walk chalk
- Even a ball to play kickball, soccer or catch
- Bubble wands or sidewalk chalk for the younger kids.
- Gift cards for a family trip to laser tag, rock wall climbing or bowling are perfect for older kids. Roller skating, kayaking or canoeing, trampoline park
- Create a new hobby
- This could be anything that your child loves or MAY love to do.
- Music or a musical instrument (maracas, tambourine, harmonica)
- Puzzles
- Building sets
- Cooking supplies
- Craft or art supplies
- These activities will get your kids excited and they are sugar-free.
- Gardening
- A small gardening kit, seeds, small pots, or child-friendly tools like gloves and a shovel
- While it’s still a couple of weeks too early to start gardening, set a date with your kids to help them put their own green thumb to use.
- It doesn’t have to be major project that requires a lot of time or big plot of land; herbs grow great in small containers.
- This will teach them where food comes from and it may help them try a new vegetable or two!
- Treat
- What would an Easter basket be without a sweet treat? They key is to have one special edible goodie rather than including an entire basket full.
- Healthier sweet options include dried fruit or freeze dried fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries or bananas, granola bars
- Since only one special treat is in the basket, you could add one thing they absolutely love that is on the more indulgent side.
- A favorite homemade treat would be a super special Easter basket addition too!
- Here I have some homemade “Reese’s Eggs” or you could make your child’s favorite cookie, chocolate covered nuts or raisins, whatever will make that one treat super special.
- Other ideas
- Make searching for the basket part of the Easter fun.
- As soon as the kids open their gifts, allow them to have time to play with them outside.
- Make your Easter egg hunt a physical activity by including funny instructions inside each egg to help them find the other eggs (example: do 3 bunny hops before you find the next egg)
When building your child’s Easter basket, really think about what makes them tick. Include something from each category – Getting active and outside, creating a new hobby, gardening, and one special treat. Follow these guidelines and your kids will be super excited about their healthy Easter basket.
