Brilliant Baskets

Fun and Easy Alternatives to Candy

By Jacqueline Rupp

Pages: 1 2 3

The annual migration of candy creatures has peaked at most stores, a sure sign of spring's arrival. If you are feeling slightly overwhelmed by the abundance of these sugary little critters, think "out of the basket" this year and have a little variety instead of just empty calories. We've grouped together some basket ideas that are sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.

Encourage a love of reading with a wonderful assortment of classics and special-interest books. Include some personalized bookmarks, a reading light and a journal to make the gift more special. For inexpensive yet quality books, try overstock book distributors like Daedalus Booksellers, or look for local book warehouses that carry overstocks. Find story, sticker and activity books all for less than $5 at Dover Publications. Try choosing books that have a warm weather theme, such as sports, gardening, outdoor field guides, astronomy, insects or birding.

With cabin and spring fever in full effect, stock baskets full of the necessities of warm weather: sidewalk chalk, wooden airplane kits, bouncy balls, jacks, a kite and string, bubble blowing equipment, jump rope and a bat and ball – all gifts that get lots of use as spring turns to summer. A bug holder, butterfly net, hummingbird feeder, butterfly house or simple bird feeder are also great for teaching kids about nature. And for the inevitable bumps and bruises, Olive Miller of Johnstown, Pa., suggests, "Boo Boo Bunnies made from baby washcloths. In the belly part, you can put a plastic egg filled with money or a coupon instead of the ice cube."

Debbie Diascro from Allentown, Pa., created a tradition for her now-grown children when she started placing special accessories in her children's baskets. "I included stickers and favorite patches that I would sew onto their play jackets," she says. "The kids would get a thrill when someone would ask where in the world did they get so many patches, and they then would start to tell them, 'I got this when I was ...' I did also include colored shoe laces that my kids had a lot of fun putting into their sneakers."

Think also of summer, as Joanne Connell of Quincy, Mass., does. "I am a grandmother, and of course I've asked the Easter Bunny to stop at my house for my grandchildren," she says. "When he comes here, he doesn't leave a lot of candy, usually just some chocolate covered pretzels, but each basket has a bathing suit – a fun character one – and even beach towels – matching, when possible," she says. To add to this idea, include some fun sunscreen, bug repellant, sand toys and big, beautiful seashells.

Pages: 1 2 3

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Brilliant Baskets

Fun and Easy Alternatives to Candy

By Jacqueline Rupp

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