Easter is just days away, and my nieces are excited. After all, like most kids, they love Easter candy. Not surprising. In fact, a lot of adults I know enjoy it too. And I'll admit there are a few brands of jelly beans I still like. But if you're looking to give the children less sugar this Easter, then you'll want to look into some alternatives that will allow you to eliminate or at least cut back on the jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, and Peeps. (As an aside, does anyone understand the appeal of Peeps? If so, feel free to comment. No one in my family likes them.) So consider adding more of the following and less candy to the Easter baskets.
1. Dried fruit. Try the single-serving packets of Peeled Snacks. They would be great in an Easter basket because they are sweet and the packages are bright and colorful to add a visual appeal.
2. Nuts and seeds. Roasted nuts or seeds can be purchased in single-serving packets as well. Or you could buy them in bulk and put them in you plastic Easter eggs instead of jelly beans or other candy.
3. Trail mix. There are healthy varieties of trail mix you can find in your local health food store. Or you can always make your own.
4. Pretzels. Add whole grain pretzels to your Easter baskets. If you're looking for something sweeter, try honey whole wheat or yogurt-covered pretzels, which would be better than candy.
5. Non-food gifts. Not everything in the Easter basket has to be edible. Kids love toys and other great gifts as well. Why not add one or more of the following non-food items to those baskets this year? (And by all means, keep the age and interests of the child in mind.)
1. Dried fruit. Try the single-serving packets of Peeled Snacks. They would be great in an Easter basket because they are sweet and the packages are bright and colorful to add a visual appeal.
2. Nuts and seeds. Roasted nuts or seeds can be purchased in single-serving packets as well. Or you could buy them in bulk and put them in you plastic Easter eggs instead of jelly beans or other candy.
3. Trail mix. There are healthy varieties of trail mix you can find in your local health food store. Or you can always make your own.
4. Pretzels. Add whole grain pretzels to your Easter baskets. If you're looking for something sweeter, try honey whole wheat or yogurt-covered pretzels, which would be better than candy.
5. Non-food gifts. Not everything in the Easter basket has to be edible. Kids love toys and other great gifts as well. Why not add one or more of the following non-food items to those baskets this year? (And by all means, keep the age and interests of the child in mind.)
- Storybooks
- Music
- Movie passes
- Gift cards
- Journal or sketchbook
- Stuffed animals (another Easter basket favorite)
- Toy cars
- Hair accessories
- Nail polish
- Art or craft kits
- Stickers
- Bubbles
- Play-Doh
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