The last few years, instead of filling my kids’ Easter baskets with tacky plastic “grass” and cheap toys, I’ve taken the time to make Easter more about the Good Stuff.
Here’s what’s on my shopping (and growing!) list this year, plus some ideas for younger kids.
Real Easter Grass!
My mom always grew really grass in our Easter baskets when we were kids, and I assumed it was complicated and difficult, like so much of what she did. (For instance: making yogurt from scratch, never once buying a can of beans, and sewing the hair on our Waldorf dolls until 3:00 a.m. on Christmas mornings.)
Turns out, making an Easter basket with real grass isn’t difficult. Even we over-scheduled modern moms can pull it off relatively last minute!
Here’s a video from a few years ago where we show you what to do to grow your own real Easter grass. All you need to purchase are wheat grass berries and some potting soil. And there still is totally time to do it this year.
As an alternative, you can buy these kits that include everything you need to grow some real Easter grass, plus natural dyes.
Natural Easter Egg Dyes
When we were kids, my mom dyed our Easter eggs with, like, actual onion skins and cabbage. And my dad always blew out the eggs and did fancy Ukranian-style decorations. I assume it goes without saying that this isn’t happening in my house.
These natural dyes from Eco-Kids are my favorite.
$11.99Buy Now
Wooden Animals & Games
Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with child-safe stains, this egg matching game is perfect for kids two and older.
I’m also a fan of the wooden animals from Holtztiger.
Rabbit Game
This sweet, simple game from Germany is great for kids 2 years old and up.
$19.99Buy Now
Organic Jelly Beans
While no one would call these a health food, Surf Sweets jelly beans are certainly better than Jelly Bellies, and they look so pretty nestled in the real grass.
Organic Stuffed Animals
My boys aren’t big on stuffed animals, but I usually do a plush toy of some kind in their Easter baskets. This adorable organic bunny lovey is my favorite.
I also love these scrappy bunnies made of recycled organic cotton (available in a few colors).
Haba Musical Eggs
My kids are obviously too old for these, but I’m obsessed with the colorful wooden eggs from Haba, each of which makes a different sound!
$39.99Buy Now
Homemade Chocolate
Of course my mother always made chocolate (or perhaps it was carob) in the shape of a big bunny, using a stainless steel mold that seems to no longer be sold anywhere. These silicone molds are what I use instead.
Duck Bubble Bath
You’re never too old for a bubble bath (I still take them), and this bottle is cute in a basket for a baby or a bigger kid.
$10.99 — or subscribe and save up to 5%Buy Now
Babo Botanicals Skin- and Haircare
Babo’s organic skin- and hair-care products have a big bunny right on the bottles, so I always include them in Easter baskets.
$15.99 — or subscribe and save up to 5%Buy Now
Natural Rubber Ducky
If you want to include a duck in your Easter baskets this year, these natural latex ducks are free of phthalates, which you’ll find in most “rubber” duckies.
$14.99Buy Now
Waldorf Easter Books
I love Gerda Mullers four season boards books, and the spring one is perfect for babies and preschoolers alike.
Organic (Cotton) Spring Veggies
I’m obsessed with the various organic stuffed vegetables from Under the Nile. They can also be used as teethers for babies. (Click on any of the photos here to buy.)
I’d really love to hear what you will be getting for your own children’s Easter baskets, so please comment below.
Stay sane,
P.S. This year we are also offering non-toxic Easter Basket bundles for kids or babies, sold at a discounted rate (basket and grass not included).
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Lindsay says
Loved this. Great idea using real grass as a basket filler! So cute. Also the book suggestion and wooden bunny is adorable. This is my sons first Easter and he’s almost one (tear!) and I splurged getting him an all organic cotton and wool bunny from Novanaturals (he doesn’t have a stuffed animal completely organic yet and this guy was just too perfect to pass up with a discount – watch out for organic cotton outters and polyester inners!), some sound shaker eggs from HABA and I Am a Bunny board book. No sweets just yet of course but next year I’ll plan on making a little something sweet on my own if I can.
Really love and appreciate your website Maia, keep up the good work and passing along this information. It’s a great help to those like me who are aware and are in limbo when weighing all their options, and especially to those who are new to their awakening!
Maia James says
Thanks, Lindsay! We also love I Am a Bunny!
Robin J says
Love a book in the Easter basket! We included I am a Bunny and Guess How much I Love You in our son’s first 2 baskets, along with some Babo & carrot colored silicone collapsible bowls. Now to find another book for this year. 🙂
Jennifer Collins says
Do you have this https://www.amazon.com/Country-Bunny-Little-Shoes-Sandpiper/dp/0395185572
It’s a must!!!! So good!
Robin J says
Thanks Jennifer!
I saw this too late but have another little one on the way so will definitely save this idea for her 1st!!
We went with a ducky Golden book this year but I heard great reviews about Marshmellow too.
Robin J says
Maia,
Speaking of plush toys, what is your take on Parker Farms organic farm buddies? My son has one he adores, hoping its the real deal.
Was curious if you have heard/looked into them before.
Thanks!
Robin J says
Whoops I meant Apple Park organic farm buddies
Maia James says
As far as I can tell, these are Good Stuff:)
Jennifer Collins says
I love this! Thank you!!! Great ideas! I do similar things- like stuffed bunny and a great book…but I can never find organic plush toys that are a nice size- like bigger than a ‘lovey’. The homemade chocolate sounds awesome…if i only had the time 🙂
Maia james says
The Bunny above is actually a full stuffed animal size—calling it a “lovey” is misleading…
Kelly says
Thanks for the ideas! Do you have a recommendation on where to buy the actual Easter baskets from?
Maia James says
I like the natural unfinished ones, like these: http://amzn.to/2G6s1zR
SueGros says
These are great ideas! I have little children and they be glad to have such a basket! Natural organic products is what we all like!