Healthier Easter Basket Options
Easter is around the corner and like most holidays these days, it’s usually full of candy. While I’m not going to sit here and say candy is great, I recognize that we all indulge sometimes, myself included!
The good news is that there are better options out there that have a lower sugar content, don’t use artificial dyes & flavors, and will satisfy that sweet craving without such a dramatic sugar crash after.
It’s important to keep in mind that even though these are “better” alternatives, they’re still sugar, which has a detrimental impact on our microbiome, hormones, blood glucose, inflammation, sleep, and more. We still want to try to avoid overindulging, hard as it may be!
Most of these alternatives are shared with kids in mind, but adults can certainly enjoy them too (I know I do!). I’ve also included some non-food items in case you want a change of pace and don’t want to include candy at all. This year I’m leaning hard on books, activity books, and experiences/“things to do” over candy & treats.
Cleaner Candy / Treat Alternatives
Unreal Snacks: They have a ton of different products and they’re all delicious.
Yum Earth: This is our go-to for lollipops, gummies, “Skittles,” etc. They’re also allergy-friendly which is refreshing. I love the gummy bunnies for Easter!
Hu Chocolate: This is a cleaner chocolate option, and many are gluten and dairy-free.
That’s It bars: These make for great on-the-go snacks.
Non-Candy Ideas
I’ve been trying really hard to be mindful about the gifts or treats I’m giving lately. We don’t need any more trinkets or little knick-knacks that are played with for five minutes and forgotten. Instead, I’m trying to include items in my kids’ baskets that they either need, will use, or (better yet!) an activity they can do on their own or with minimal help.
Books: Always! In my opinion, you can never, ever go wrong with adding books to an Easter basket. It’s fun to include an Easter or Spring-themed book, but anything your child would enjoy is great!
Activity Books: In the past, I’ve done magic painting books or maze books, but my kids are really into these sticker books right now. These are great for doctor’s office waiting rooms, out to dinner, in the car, etc. I linked an example to Amazon, but my local bookstore often carries these.
Easy Activities: Target has really cute, inexpensive activities for kids. They come with everything you need, just put down a cover to protect your table/floor and you’re good to go. My daughter loves collecting rocks and other little things, so this box is going to be a perfect container to keep them all in.
Stroller books: did I mention I love gifting books?! My youngest loves these regular-sized books, so this will be great for the car, stroller walks, and just general on-the-go. I found this one at a local toy store.
Screen-Free Stories: if your kids are into Tonies or Yoto, now is a great time to include a new figure or card.
Games: We have game night every Friday & Sunday evening in our house. Sleeping Queens is a little quirky, but so much fun. We are also fans of Uno, Go Fish, Crazy 8s, and Slap Jack!
Pajamas: Getting coordinating “spring” pajamas has become an Easter basket tradition. We opt for organic and usually have good luck at Gap, Hanna Andersson, or Burt’s Bees Baby.
Legos: My oldest is very into Legos right now, and these little bags are great. He can do them completely independently and then he has a fun little toy to play with before breaking it back down again.
Easter Egg Tokens: This is my new favorite addition to our Easter baskets. I love the idea of experiential gifts, and this one is so cute. Each token has something “to do.” And the best part is you can use them year after year.
Other things I’ve included in the past have been sunglasses, a water bottle, a new bathing suit, sandals, a coloring book & crayons, fidget toys, and of course a couple of dollars and coins!