April is here and that means Easter is just around the corner. In a normal year, you’d find me joyfully trolling the aisles of Target and loading my cart with impulse-buys of Peeps and anything bunny or egg shaped from the bargain section at the entrance. Sadly, in-person shopping is not in the cards this year thanks to being extra cautious about COVID-19. But a silver lining: I’m being a lot more intentional with what goes in the basket. I have a 3-year-old who still fights tooth brushing with every rubbery ounce of his limber body, so I’m avoiding extra sugar at all costs. Here are a few ideas you can order from the comfort of home:
Image Credit: Raven Vasquez Photography | @ravenvasquezphoto
Cuddle Kind Hero
Help provide meals to kids in need by gifting one of these sweet hand-knit dolls to your little loves. Every purchase of a Cuddle + Kind doll provides 10 meals (and for the month of April, every follow on Instagram—@cuddleandkind— provides one meal!). You’ll find an array of adorable ethically produced, fair trade picks, including bunnies and lambs perfect for the occasion…but llamas and flamingos too, if that’s more your thing. I love the fact that the fill is hypoallergenic and since it’s safe and nontoxic, I’ll be spared a cringe every time it ends up in my baby’s mouth.
From $52, cuddleandkind.com
Elmo’s Wagon
Consider trading the traditional basket for this adorable wagon by Green Toys. Made from 100% recycled plastic free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC, this little guy will serve his purpose for the day and then be reused for years to come (in ways I’m sure I can’t even imagine – ill-advised step stool, baby-brother transporter, etc). I’m also envisioning this as a hero at our next outdoor egg hunt (cue sad face for missing out this year), and possibly even for toting beach toys later in the season.
$24.99, greentoys.com
Sweet Shop Chalk Set
If you feel guilty skimping on the sweets entirely, give your kids an imaginative way to dream up colorful confections with this chalk set from Melissa & Doug. This box is filled with a ton of pieces (33 to be exact), including stencil sheets, stampers, and chalk shaped like yum-worthy treats. It’s a great activity for kids still under quarantine—you can use it indoors if you have a play chalkboard or get some fresh air if you have a concrete balcony or a patch of asphalt to claim. I can’t wait to see what my little guy will dream up, and if I have a future Wonka on my hands.
$26.99, melissaanddoug.com
How Kind!
This book was a gift from my kids’ aunt a couple of years ago, and is perfect for spring with its bright and cheery colors and cast of kindness-obsessed animals. The story flows from animal to animal as each is the recipient of a kind gesture and then pays it forward. Easter bonus: it involves an egg. Springtime spoiler: A cute little chick is born. Can’t beat the message of spreading kindness Mary Murphy is going for.
$6.94, available on amazon.com
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