Ready to mix it up this Easter? Cassandra Huckabay, owner of My Fair Ellie and mom to Henry and Eleanor, is here this week to put some extra fun in your Easter baskets. See how Cassandra prepares to celebrate this holiday with her family and get ready to learn about some new interesting twists for Easter that you can incorporate into your family’s Easter celebration! Take it away, Cassandra!

Hallelujah! It’s finally Spring!! Am I the only momma who was starting to feel like an eternal resident of an Arendelle winter?! And despite the constant reminders of an impending Easter — like the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent — it always seems to sneak up on me. So I’m dropping in on jeffcityblog.com to share our tips and tricks for celebrating the first holiday of spring!

1. A tisket, a tasket, do we really need a basket?

In earlier years I said no, but I’ve found it easier to stick with a budget if I have a basket in hand. I scored our baskets on a mega post Easter clearance at Pottery Barn a few years back. This year, I decided to upgrade the liners to satisfy my love of change, and even had Initially Yours personalize them with the kids’ names! Don’t want to use a basket? I’ve seen some adorable practical containers such as rain boots, an umbrella, and even a laundry basket.

2. Promote your own agenda!

I’m a girl who loves themes! I find that I have better luck with my Easter goodies hunt if I pick a theme for the basket beforehand. But, be sure when you’re picking a theme that you’re promoting activities you want your child to participate in. For example, if you want to see your kids spending more time outside, focus the basket on outdoor toys. If sharing is your goal, be sure to include games that require more than one player. This year, I chose to focus Eleanor’s basket on “Fairy Tales” (think unicorns, princess, etc.) and Henry’s on “Outside Play.” My kids are going to be thrilled to wake up to any Easter basket full of new things, so I choose to make sure those new things are exciting for them— and me.

3. For Peep sake, skip the sugar!

I’m not saying that candy has no place in Easter treats… but remember the audience. Most children, especially younger ones, appreciate one piece of candy the same way they appreciate an entire basket of it. I mean, let’s be honest, who REALLY ate all that leftover Halloween candy? Use candy alternatives such as single serve packages of cookies, yogurt covered raisins, or real fruit strips. As for Easter eggs, we are filling ours with Legos! The kids will enjoy hunting the eggs and after they’re all found, they’ll have all the pieces they need to create a lasting toy. Other great egg alternatives include Goldfish, puzzle pieces, or small pieces of dress-up jewelry!

4. Refresh for Spring!

By the time Easter rolls around, we will have had some long days spent inside. We’re ready for fresh coloring tools, some new bath toys, and some pajamas to replace our fleece footed ones. Take advantage of this gift giving holiday to include some items your kids need. To read all about how we save money on kids clothing, check out our blog post, Dressing My Fair Family.

5. SHOP LOCAL!

I’m a huge advocate of getting out and supporting your local business owners, and these Easter baskets were no exception. I am listing out my favorite finds with the hope that it inspires you to spend your money locally! Take advantage of the time and energy these business owners put into researching the products they stock, and be sure to tag them (and us) in your Easter photos this year!

Check out below what Cassie bought for her baskets and where they came from!

Happy shopping!

Eleanor’s Basket

Henry’s Basket

Easter-Basket-My-Fair-Ellie-Cassandra-Huckabay

Special thanks to Cassandra for your creative thoughts and extra effort in putting these ideas together for our blog readers! We love how you found so many fun items from local retailers. It makes us want to be kids again!

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