Easter Basket Ideas

Mar 31, 2010 by Lindsay

Today I HAD to make a trip to Target because the boys were literally wearing the last diapers we had. I don’t usually go more than once a week so when I do I like to browse a little, so I make sure I’m prepared. I grabbed 6 quarters and a dime from the change jar and off we went.

I got the boys all settled in the cart and we made the most important purchase of the day. One bag of popcorn (split into two bags) and a juice. It came to $1.60….I had exact change Starting from this point I have until Andrew finishes his popcorn and Joshua and I finish the other to complete my shopping.

First I got the things we actually needed. Diapers. I love Target diapers, they are cute, they are absorbent and they are CHEAP. And most times when I check out I get a coupon for $1.50 off a box.

So after we got the necessities I decided that I should get something to put in the boys’ Easter baskets. Let me just share my take on this with you. My kids are little…they don’t need candy. I’m cheap…I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to fill an Easter basket. They have tons of little toys…they don’t really NEED anything. Easter isn’t about a bunny….it’s about the Resurrection of our Lord. It is very important to me that my kids don’t just associate Easter with a new church outfit, pastel jelly beans and  basket full of goodies. I want them to know that we are celebrating the life of Jesus, His death for our sins and the fact that He conquered death and rose from the grave!

I read about an awesome way to teach kids the story of Easter using THIS cookie recipe. I look forward to doing this with my boys and giving them a hands-on way to learn about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Having said ALL that, I know that it is up to me to teach my children about what is truly important, and that putting together a small and inexpensive Easter basket would probably be ok

So after the longest introduction ever, I am here to share my ideas for filling an Easter basket!

We already had little tin buckets that my aunts got for the boys last year. They look like this.

Then I decided that instead of toys, why not fill the buckets with things that the boys actually need? So I went to the kids section and headed straight to the clearance rack. I found Andrew a bathing suit for $5 and Joshua one f0r $2! I decided that baby sunscreen would go well with the bathing suits, I know that is a really boring “gift”, but we were going to need it anyways!

On my way to get the sunscreen I passed the $5 movie stand and found Veggie Tales, the story of Jonah. My boys love Veggie Tales and we haven’t seen this one yet, but I’m sure they will love it!

The last thing I got was kind of a splurge, but I think the boys will have fun with it.

We have never tried these before and it is not something that I would buy on a regular basis, but it looks like fun and is just the right size for an Easter basket! By this point the popcorn was gone and it was time to head home.

I don’t know if this will give anyone ideas, but I was happy that I got things we will use that the boys will enjoy without spending a ton of money!

I would love to hear what you are putting in your kids’ Easter baskets!