The post below is sponsored by Peaceable Kingdom. I received products in exchange for promotion. All opinions expressed belong to me.
I’m a huge fan of the 4 gift rule for Christmas {something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read}, but what about for Easter? It’s so easy to get carried away with special occasion gifts — especially if your kids are like mine and love surprises and have the cutest reactions ever. Personally, I’d rather go a little lighter on Christmas and birthdays so we can make sure to get a little extra on Valentine’s Day and Easter, two of my other favorite holidays!
Having a plan while shopping is crucial for me so I don’t go overboard. I’ve written a list of fun Easter basket fillers, but this year I went a different route and followed this 4-Gift Rule and made sure to include an item that celebrates spring, is practical, promotes learning and, of course, candy.
Because let’s be real: If your kids are like mine, Easter = a chocolate bunny. {Don’t worry, we will be discussing the real reason our family celebrates} 😉
Following this rule, here’s what I put together this year:
4 Gift Rule for Easter Baskets
1. Something for SPRING.
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore! Give your kids some new tools to have fun with. A few ideas:
- Umbrella/rain boots
- Sidewalk chalk
- Bubbles
- Kite
- Jump rope/hula hoop
- Yo-yo
- Squirt gun
- Beach toys
- Gardening gloves/tools
2. Something PRACTICAL.
If you find yourself in need of a few new items with the season change, stock up and give them as presents. Additionally, consider getting a “basket” they can use for storage or for play. Thought starters:
- A new outfit or pajamas for spring
- A fun toothbrush
- A new water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Hair accessories or nail polish
- Sandals
- Swim suit
- A gift card to their favorite store or restaurant
3. Something CANDY.
Maybe candy for your family means organic dried fruit — that’s OK too! I try not to go overboard — we can leave that part to the grandparents 😉 Favorite treats here:
- Pez
- Peeps
- Chocolate…anything {Reese’s Eggs!}
- Yogurt raisins
- Fruit snacks
- Small bag of chips or trail mix
4. Something to promote LEARNING.
I love including a colorful element that encourages learning and introduces a new concept. Bonus because these items help keep kids busy!
- Books
- Educational magazine subscription
- Flash cards
- A toy that encourages imagination
- Craft or science kit
- Play-doh paired with pip cleaners and google eyes
- Activity books paired with crayons or markers
- Games that promote learning
What’s So Funny Joke Journal | Alphabet Bingo | Zoo Animals Game | Fire Rescue Game
We love all of the cooperative games and items from Peaceable Kingdom. With bright colors and fun concepts, my kids get so excited. We love many of their games and look forward to trying some new items with the kids! Many of these items are available at large retailers. An added bonus is they replace lost, broken, or even eaten game pieces for free!
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I’m looking forward to following this rule in the years ahead. Can’t wait to see how excited the kids get this year and create some wonderful family memories. Happy Easter, friends!
What are your favorite items for Easter baskets?
I like this. My girls’ baskets are done and I feel like this pretty much sums up what I did. Though I have continued the tradition of a Jellycat stuffed animal. Each get a game to add to our collection, bubbles, one outfit, a stuffed animal and a little bit of candy. I try to avoid fillers that just eventually become trash. I don’t need more crap to clean up around the house. I try to keep it useful.
Thanks for this post! It’s a good way to keep ourselves in check.
I so agree with trying to avoid the useless stuff – I’m trying to get better about that myself. Too much junk in the house adds up quick!