Here comes the Easter Bunny

Easter is less than a week away. Maybe I should have written this blog earlier, but I think it’s still worth writing.

What comes to mind when you think of Easter? As an adult, you think of Easter dinner (turkey or ham), family gatherings and relaxation. As a child, you think of CHOCOLATE!

Have you noticed that most of our holidays involve some sort of chocolate? There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that…I think the issue is with the amount. Easter may be at the top of the list of holidays that are chocolate-focused…Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs; and let’s not forget the jelly beans, peeps and all the other Easter candy.

I admit that I do give chocolate and some sort of candy to my daughter at Easter, but I try not to make that the focus of the holiday. When my daughter thinks of Easter, she thinks of how “tricky” the Easter Bunny is when he hides (usually) toy-filled Easter eggs and a few other special gifts for her.

If you are looking for some ideas of things you can fill Easter eggs with, other than chocolate and candy, here are a few ideas:
• Hair elastics or bows
• Nail polish
• Small jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces or earrings
• Bracelet-making beads
• Stickers
• Temporary tattoos
• Easter-themed erasers
• Easter-themed stamps
• Small cars or trucks
• Mini puzzles
• Movie pass
• Small balls
• Play dough
• Sidewalk chalk
• Small bottle of bubbles
• Lego (or any other small) figurines
• Small change (nickels, dimes or quarters)
• Any small toy that will fit in an egg

If you have a tradition of hiding small gifts from the Easter Bunny, or want some ideas of non-treat gifts to give, here are some more ideas:
• Clothes (new shorts and t-shirt/tank or sundress)
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Game
• Hula-hoop
• Skipping rope
• Frisbee
• Kite
• Beach or water toy
• Coloring/puzzle or sticker book
• Story book
• Crayons, markers or colored pencils
• Stuffed animal

What are some of your ideas for Easter gifts and non-food treats? I’d love to know to add to my list.

However you choose to celebrate Easter, and whatever you choose to give to your kids, I wish you a family- and fun-filled and relaxing weekend! Enjoy!

If you have any nutrition topics you would like me to write about or have a question you would like answered, email me at thedishonlcn@gmail.com. I would really like to hear from you!