5 Easter Basket Stuffers You'll Want To Try

Today's guest post by Rachel M. The Easter Bunny has been around since 1682, so he’s hopped around the block a few times and left us some fun traditions along the way. After all, what would Easter be without pastel-colored malted eggs and dueling Peeps in the microwave? But these traditions can also start feeling stale, with the same old cellophane grass and plastic eggs. Instead of defaulting to what I've always done, I decided to look for ways to put a fresh spin on ye olde Easter basket. Check out these five ideas for some fresh Easter inspiration.

1: Outdoor Goodies

Now’s the time for gifts that encourage kids to get out there and enjoy the springtime weather after a long winter. Try goodies such as sidewalk chalk, bubble wands, and jump ropes to keep kids playing together outside long after the egg-hunt has ended. [caption id="attachment_1611" align="aligncenter" width="386"] Melissa & Doug Mollie Bubble Bucket, $12.99 on Amazon[/caption]

2: Color-Coded Candy

Rather than buying bulk bags from the supermarket, scope out something a little more whimsical (and memorable). Hit up a party store, like Party City or Oriental Trading Company, for candies organized by color. Just fill the basket with you child’s favorite color or—if you’ve got a bit more lead time—scope out sites like My M&M’s. You can customize these candy-coated chocolates with Easter colors, text, or even clip-art.

3: Personalized Easter Activity Book

You know those board books with mirrors that let babies see their faces reflected in the story? This Easter basket idea is kind of like that, but  better. I See Me makes your child the star of their own Easter coloring and activity book, which is customized with their name throughout. It’s a fun spin on the classic coloring book, and it’s just the thing if kids have long church services or drives to see family that day. [caption id="attachment_1617" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Egg-Cellent Easter coloring and activity book, $9.99 from I See Me.[/caption] Check out our I See Me promo codes before you order your book to save on your purchase.

4: Whip Up Treats Together

Why should all the treats come ready-made inside the basket? If you have a child who loves getting to play in the kitchen, add ingredients that promise a fun afternoon spent baking together. Tie up a box of cake mix in a kid-size apron so your little chef feels official, or check out the Baking Around the World Kit from Handstand Kids, which also comes with a kid-sized whisk and reusable silicone cupcake cups. [caption id="attachment_1618" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Handstand Kids Baking Around the World Kit, $24.89 on Amazon.[/caption]  

5: Art + Building Projects

Try putting all the pieces for an art project inside those baskets. For example, add acrylic paints, some sparkly plastic gems, a couple paintbrushes, and a brown craft box in a fun shape (you can find them on sale at Hobby Lobby). Feeling brave? Try tackling a model car kit together. Or, check out the Easter sale at LEGO for small sets under $25.

BONUS: For Grown-Ups

Baskets might be a kids’ tradition, but I can’t lie, my mom still gives her adult children a little somethin’ special on Easter. Her trick is to pair a couple smaller items together, then tie it all up in a pretty bow. [caption id="attachment_1622" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Godiva Dark Chocolate Easter Bunny ($6.50) and Forever 21 Floral Printed Scarf ($9.90)[/caption] For example, tuck a luscious dark chocolate bunny from Godiva inside a colorful spring scarf. Or, for a coffee lover, grab a bag of Starbucks beans and add mocha squares from Ghirardelli. Check out the Spring Savings Collection on Groupon Coupons for more Easter sales and promo codes.