This is Day 62 of the Green in 365 series!
As you’re probably well aware, Easter falls early this year, on March 31, which is less than four weeks away! On Mondays throughout this month we’re going to talk about ways that we can green our Easter celebrations. We’ll start today with ideas for green and natural Easter gifts, and we’ll also cover green Easter baskets and crafts, natural egg dyes, and green Easter celebrations.
10 Homemade and Green Easter Basket Gift Ideas
Just like with Valentine’s Day, the idea that Easter equals a basket full of candy isn’t my favorite. I don’t want to overload my kids with sugar and artificial colors and flavors just because that’s the “tradition” of Easter. And the other thing about candy? It’s expensive! You might think, “Oh, I’m just going to get a little bit of candy for my kids Easter basket.” But at least for us, it always ends up costing more than we expect.
So, we’re going in a different direction this year, and I’ve been looking around for more green and natural ideas for simple gifts for my kids’ Easter baskets.
1. Art Supplies
My kids always love to do arts and crafts, and they can never have enough art supplies. They’re something I know my kids will enjoy and get lots of use out of. I think my kids would love a classic wood craft kit like this!
2. Homemade Playdough
We are in need of a new batch of homemade playdough, and Easter is a great time to give my kids each their own ball of playdough in their basket.
3. Books
I don’t really think I need to say any more about this, but I just believe you can never have too many quality children’s books. We’re always trying to encourage a love of reading in our children any way we can. We really love this series of books on manners, and I think they would make a great Easter gift!
4. Sidewalk Chalk
As with Easter, spring is right around the corner (hopefully!), and what better way to celebrate then with items to use outside? Sidewalk chalk is one of my kids favorites, and we go through a lot of it during the summer, so I’ll be stocking their Easter baskets to get us started for the season.
5. Seeds and Gardening Tools
My kids love working in the garden with me, and they really enjoy having their own box to plant. I’d love to include some flower seeds and simple vegetable seeds along with garden tools and kid sized gloves in their baskets this year.
6. Homemade Bubbles
Another simple and homemade gift that’s fun to use when the weather get warmer is homemade bubbles. My kids love bubbles, and we can never seem to have enough on hand.
7. Knitted Stuffed Animal
I love the idea of knitting a cute stuffed animal for my kiddos for a special Easter gift. Here’s a list of cute, free patterns, I think the striped elephant is so cute!
8. Unique, Handmade Gift
There are too many cute things on Etsy this time of year, just search Eco Easter and you’ll come up with more ideas then you’ll know what to do with. I love the idea of giving a unique and handmade gift and supporting a small artisan. I’m eyeing these wooden eggs, because they’d be great to use even after Easter for pretend kitchen play.
9. Fair Trade Chocolate
If you do want to give chocolate, be sure to purchase organic, fair-trade chocolate, so that you can be sure your chocolate purchase is not hurting or exploiting others before it gets to you.
10. Natural Candy
Now, my kiddos so love candy, and I don’t want to be the one to totally deprive them, so I think we’ll be putting some natural candy in their baskets this year. Some of our favorites are Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops, Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans, and Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks.
What’s your favorite green or homemade gift to give on Easter?
Find all the Green in 365 posts.
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This post suggests adding fruit to an Easter basket instead of just candy:
http://www.fruitbouquet.org/index.php/2013/02/how-to-make-and-easter-baskets-the-easy-way/
We’ll see how it goes over with the kids.
I watched a video about how chocolate is harvested–I’ve not looked at chocolate the same way ever since–thank you using the perfect words that I’ve been searching for. Emily this is a great series! Each time I visit I’m inspired.
Be Blessed.