Sweeten your Easter with Less Candy

Easter is a time filled with chocolate bunnies, Peeps, and candy eggs. Depending on how many Easter egg hunts your child attends, they can collect enough candy to last them months. Candy is a big temptation for young ones, and when they are loading up on candy they are missing out on other nutrients they could be getting from fruits and vegetables. We’re not saying omit candy from Easter completely, but replacing ⅓ to ½ of the candy with toys is a healthy and smart move. You kids will even be more excited to receive both toys and candy. Additionally, you can use this opportunity to teach your child how to eat the candy in moderation. Here are some alternatives to candy alternative ideas to put in your Easter baskets this year:

• Sidewalk chalk (there is even Easter egg sidewalk chalk you can buy)
• Easter-themed Books
• Colorful socks
• A bunny ear headband
• A stuffed animal
• Stickers
• A new cup - get a cup that they can decorate themselves and make it their own
• Puzzles
• Bubbles
• A watering can - they will love to use their watering can to help you water plants the yard

Though toys and candy are exciting, your kids are are more likely to remember the time spent together as family over than what they got in their Easter baskets. In fact, my favorite Easter memory as a kid didn’t involve presents at all. My parents started a tradition to dye boiled eggs the Saturday before Easter. Easter morning we had an egg hunt and then made Easter breakfast as a family with the hard boiled eggs we had dyed and hunted. So this Easter, start some non-candy traditions with your family, whether it includes toys or activities, and involve everyone for a memorable and fun holiday.