Easter Basket Stuffers

In the past, chocolate candy of all shapes and kind usually filled the traditional Easter basket. This year, try limiting the candy and consider adding in a few double-duty items.

What's a double-duty item?  Well, it's something you would normally buy for the kids; however, you're now tucking it into the Easter basket. So, think about stuffing the basket with something the kids can snack on after an activity, play with year-round or use during the upcoming summer months. Take your pick from this list; although, be sure to include some fun things, too.  

Food-related Stuffers

Single serving sizes of these items are great for munching on the run.

• Breakfast, granola and protein bars
• Bags of chips, cookies, crackers, dried fruit, fruit snacks, nacho chips and dip, pretzels and trail mix
• Individual bottled water, drink boxes and Gatorade.

Health-related Stuffers

Buy a favorite kind or something that would be considered a splurge.

• Cologne, facial cream, hair gel, nail decals, polish and remover, shampoo and conditioner, and toothbrush and toothpaste.

Apparel-related Stuffers

Pick up the latest trend or something funky.

• Bathing suit, hair accessories, shoelaces, socks and tee-shirts.

Sports-related Stuffers

• Purchase these in team or school colors.
• Draw-string or duffel bag, goggles, head and wrist bands, elbow or shin pads, mouthpiece, team logo caps and water bottle.
  

Craft-related Stuffers 

Include a new craft to make or supplies.

• Balloon art, beads, colored pencils, construction paper, fancy scissors, glue sticks, paint by numbers, stickers and sticker books, tempera paints and yarn with knitting needles.

Fun-related Stuffers

A thing or two from these suggestions is a must.

• Admission tickets to movies, water or amusement parks, beach and pool toys, bubbles, CDs, DVDs, indoor foam basketball hoop, journals, magazine subscription, playing cards, rubber balls, sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, sports balls and travel games

Copyright © 2006 Mary Jo Rulnick, All Rights Reserved.