What’s in my toddler’s Easter basket
The sun is starting to peek out from behind the clouds, the trees are beginning to bloom tiny, ornate blossoms, and our family has resumed our beloved pre-dinner evening walks. Spring is here! And with this hopeful new season comes the joyous reminder of God’s unwavering love for us as we celebrate Easter and Christ’s resurrection.
Easter was always one of my favorite holidays growing up, and I hope that our children will feel the same way. Morning service, sunshine, family time, homemade meals, & Easter baskets are a few of the beautiful memories that come to mind when I think of this special day. We’re beginning to create our own family Easter traditions, and these early years are a fun time to experiment with different ideas. What to try this year… hot crossed buns? Homemade cinnamon rolls?
One things for sure - our babies will always be the recipients of fun, colorful, all-things-Spring-inspired Easter baskets (that I’ve most likely spent way too much time curating). I’m beginning to think that holiday themed gifts is one of my core mommy love languages. I truly enjoy dreaming of and collecting an assortment of goodies that will make Hudson smile and giggle as he discovers them (& of course it’s a good time to sneak in some essentials as well).
This year’s basket is filled with a variety of toys, books, essentials, and snacks that he is currently loving as a 2-year-old. Natural stuffed animals, lift-a-flap interactive books, organic pajamas, pretend-play felt food, & of course some Easter goodies. I’m excited to share these sustainable, healthy options that are as much fun as any classic Easter treat.
Natural stuffed animal
If you’ve read my recent blog “What’s on my toddler’s Christmas list” then you may remember my mention of Cuddle & Kind’s hand-knit, cotton dolls. This sustainable, fair trade company donates 5-10 meals for each doll that is purchased and so far have donated over 25 million meals to children in need. I’m slowly adding to Hudson’s C&K collection each holiday - this year I’m including Henry the bunny in his basket. They’ve recently added adorable “baby” animals that are about half the price of the larger dolls. These make such a sweet Easter basket addition!
I’ve also had my eye on Hazel Village’s organic stuffies - this Brooklyn based, ethically-focused company has created a charming, imaginary land called Hazel Village and a collection of delightful animals who call it home. Their dolls & doll clothes (seriously, so cute) are made of natural materials like organic cotton and alpaca wool. Lastly, the french, fair-trade company Main Sauvage has a beautiful selection of timeless & naturally soft stuffed animals made of pure baby alpaca wool. Links below!
New, interactive books
It’s so precious to me how much Hudson loves books. Each morning we’ll read a few books together in the rocker, and then while I do my morning chores & make breakfast he contentedly reads a few more books on his own. When I step out of the kitchen to check on him he’s usually completely immersed in the pages. He’s such a sweetheart! His favorite books are the lift-a-flap ones that are interactive and have plenty of colorful illustrations.
Little Blue Truck is one of his all-time favorites, so Little Blue Truck’s Springtime was an easy pick for his basket this year. I also picked up Spot’s First Walk (lift-the-flap) at Barnes & Noble, and have my eye on The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers. What a fun way to start introducing Hudson to the idea of daily time with Jesus in His Word.
Organic Pajamas
Pajamas are one of the ways that I can truly see how much Hudson is growing. I may have gotten him a new PJ set last Fall (what feels like a short few months ago) and suddenly, I’m struggling to fit them over his head. Holidays like Easter are a fun way to get some essential shopping in - because, themed PJ’s. When I saw the organic Peter Rabbit pajama set at Pottery Barn Kids, I knew it would make a perfect addition to his basket. Some other great options are Petit Lem’s organic carrot pajama set and Little Planet’s organic Prairie Grass Sunshine pajamas.
Woolen felt pastries
Now that Hudson is a big toddler (happy & sad mama), he’s been loving pretend-play more than ever before. Earlier this year, I started a collection of pretend felt foods, and Hudson loves to “feed” Tyler & I by going in the basket and grabbing the food that we say we’re hungry for. So far we only have fruits and veggies in our collection, so I thought it would be fun to put some felt pastries in his Easter basket this year.
When I started to research woolen felt pastries, I instantly fell in love with Tara Treasures. This Australian based company sells ethically hand-felted goodies made of 100% New Zealand wool. Their products are GOTS certified, and truly some of the cutest felted food I’ve ever seen. Linking a few of the ones I bought below. By the way, if you’re into all things Australia - they have felted fairy bread, ahh!
Goodies
An Easter basket wouldn’t be complete without some yummy Easter-themed treats. I’m so excited to have found some fun options that are free of artificial colors, flavors, & preservatives (these are free of “natural” flavors too). Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolates is a Paris based chocolatier dating back to the 1600’s. Their marshmallow eggs contain only 6 simple ingredients.
Annie’s organic white cheddar bunnies are another fun snack I’ll be including in Hudson’s basket. There are no “natural” flavors or coloring agents. They are super cute and delicious! Lastly, BEAR fruit snacks make an amazing fruit gummy alternative. They are made of 100% natural ingredients - no added sugar, flavors, or colors. These are adorable, tasty, Easter snacks that I can feel good about Hudson enjoying.
I can’t wait to watch Hudson discover his Easter basket this year. I’ll be soaking in his every smile and each sweet moment of wonder & discovery. More importantly than the gifts I give him, is the love that I show him. I thank God for the reason we celebrate Easter. For His love, His son, and the relationship I’m able to have with Him because of it. I pray on Easter and every day that God will help me to show Hudson how beautiful it is to be in communion with our Heavenly Father.
til next time,
Becks