The last few years, instead of filling my kids’ Easter baskets with tacky plastic “grass” and cheap toys, I’ve taken the time to make Easter more about the Good Stuff.
Here’s what’s on my shopping (and growing!) list this year, plus some ideas for younger kids.
Real Easter Grass!
My mom always grew really grass in our Easter baskets when we were kids, and I assumed it was complicated and difficult, like so much of what she did. (For instance: making yogurt from scratch, never once buying a can of beans, and sewing the hair on our Waldorf dolls until 3:00 a.m. on Christmas mornings.)
Turns out, making an Easter basket with real grass isn’t difficult. Even we over-scheduled modern moms can pull it off relatively last minute!
Here’s a video from a few years ago where we show you what to do to grow your own real Easter grass. All you need to purchase are wheat grass berries and some potting soil. And there still is totally time to do it this year.
As an alternative, you can buy these kits that include everything you need to grow some real Easter grass, plus natural dyes.
Natural Easter Egg Dyes
When we were kids, my mom dyed our Easter eggs with, like, actual onion skins and cabbage. And my dad always blew out the eggs and did fancy Ukranian-style decorations. I assume it goes without saying that this isn’t happening in my house.
These natural dyes from Eco-Kids are my favorite.
Wooden Animals & Games
Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with child-safe stains, this egg matching game is perfect for kids two and older.
Rabbit Game
This sweet, simple game from Germany is great for kids 2 years old and up.
Organic Jelly Beans
While no one would call these a health food, Surf Sweets jelly beans are certainly better than Jelly Bellies, and they look so pretty nestled in the real grass.
Organic Stuffed Animals
My boys aren’t big on stuffed animals, but I usually do a plush toy of some kind in their Easter baskets. This adorable organic bunny lovey is my favorite.
I also love these scrappy bunnies made of recycled organic cotton (available in a few colors).
Haba Musical Eggs
My kids are obviously too old for these, but I’m obsessed with the colorful wooden eggs from Haba, each of which makes a different sound!
Homemade Chocolate
Of course my mother always made chocolate (or perhaps it was carob) in the shape of a big bunny, using a stainless steel mold that seems to no longer be sold anywhere. These silicone molds are what I use instead.
Duck Bubble Bath
You’re never too old for a bubble bath (I still take them), and this bottle is cute in a basket for a baby or a bigger kid.
Babo Botanicals Skin- and Haircare
Babo’s organic skin- and hair-care products have a big bunny right on the bottles, so I always include them in Easter baskets.
Natural Rubber Ducky
If you want to include a duck in your Easter baskets this year, these natural latex ducks are free of phthalates, which you’ll find in most “rubber” duckies.
Waldorf Easter Books
I love Gerda Mullers four season boards books, and the spring one is perfect for babies and preschoolers alike.
Organic (Cotton) Spring Veggies
I’m obsessed with the various organic stuffed vegetables from Under the Nile. They can also be used as teethers for babies.
I’d really love to hear what you will be getting for your own children’s Easter baskets, so please comment below.
Stay sane,
Maia, Founder & CEO
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