I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda over all the stuff we feel pressure to buy our kids every holiday season. Halloween buckets filled with cheap candy, stockings filled with dollar store finds, Easter baskets piled with fluff. . .We mean well and we know our kids will love these treasures but what are we communicating to their hoarding little hearts by giving them all the things, all the time?
I admit, I can become mesmerized by the Target dollar spot myself. I often fall prey to the cuteness of the stationary bins. And yet, at home, I continue to be overwhelmed by the over-abundance I see all around me. So step by step, I’m trying new strategies and forming new habits that will hopefully lead to simplicity and teach my children that one gift with great meaning is better than all the tiny treasures they hope to receive each holiday.
I practiced this strategy on Valentine’s Day, giving them each one small gift I knew they’d love and one small box of candy. This Easter, instead of filling a basket with lots of tchotchke’s and chocolate and jelly beans, I’m planning to do the same.
One small, meaningful gift + a treat = the perfect Easter basket that will keep a child focused on Christ.
Simple, Meaningful Easter Basket Ideas for Kids
A book.
One with meaning, that will point them to Jesus.
Jesus Calling {there is something in this family of books for each member of your household. . .grab one for everyone and read along, together!}
An age-appropriate heirloom.
Have you been saving your grandmother’s necklace or your father’s watch for your child? Is now the time to present this treasure to him/her? We often think seasonal gifts need to be new and shiny. But we already have valuable gifts of legacy we can give our children when the time is right. It doesn’t cost a thing and it’s filled with more meaning than any item on their wish lists!
A photo.
Your favorite shot from a family trip or a sweet moment together. . .frame it or make it into something your child can use like a calendar or mug.
A spring/summer outdoor activity.
A kite
Adventure tools {my kiddos love these backyard safari tools they got for Valentine’s Day}
A family game {we LOVE this Washers game and the whole family can play!}
Pool toys {because summer will be here before you know it!}
An outing.
Make up a cute coupon for a daddy/daughter, mommy/son or family date at. . .
The zoo
A sporting event
A mani/pedi
Shopping
Dinner and a movie
A craft/activity you can do together.
Make Your Own Books {one of our FAVORITE activities!}
Whatever you choose to give your kids this Easter – keep it simple, make it meaningful and you’ll keep their focus on the real reason we celebrate the holiday. God desires for us to experience abundant life. It’s the very reason why he sent his son to die on the cross. Because Jesus conquered the grave, we have new life and so much blessing. But the moment those blessings take his place in our lives, we feel out of order and overwhelmed. He wants us to feel overwhelmed by his love, not the stuff that crowds our life.
Keep it simply this year. . .stuff, activities and to-do’s. I’m praying he’ll overwhelm your family with his presence as you simplify your surroundings.
What’s your favorite simple and meaningful gifts to give your children, especially at Easter?
For more Easter basket ideas that won’t feel like fluff, check out this post!
post contains affiliate links
Leave a Reply