Great Things for Easter Baskets That Aren’t Candy

It's not that kids and parents alike have a problem with seeing candy in baskets on Easter morning. But, there are some excellent choices that could allow you to - -perhaps- -lay just a bit less of the calorie abundant, cavity-inducing goodies on the grass in the basket.

When I was a kid, (just a few years ago- wink, wink- nudge, nudge), heck even as an adult, I loved giving and getting what we referred to as "stuffers". Cute Easter-themed stuffed toys.

Another item I loved getting as a child, that I know kids still love, (yes even in the age of iPads and Leapfrogs) are coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. There is still something about being able to create something concrete, or on paper, in this case, that still fulfills a creative need in kids.

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Here are just a few other ideas:

• Do-It-Yourself kits, no matter what you can make with them, also open minds and give a child a feeling of accomplishment.
• Stickers. Do I need to say more?
• Play-Doh. One hyphenated word, so many possibilities! To this day, I still love the smell, the texture, and the memories of things we made as children. The ideas in our heads that somehow appeared on the table in front of us in the form of pink, blue, yellow, and whatever color we got mixing it together, Play-Doh.
• Books. Children do still love books. I see it with my friend's grandchildren. I see it with children in toy stores. Colorful, funny, pop-up, picture, eye-widening - books!
• Bubbles. Lots of bubbles. Again, kids aren't the only ones who love them.
• Sidewalk chalk. Refer to the above statement.

Source: Taste of Home