Healthy Easter Treats

One of the most common things associated with Easter treats is chocolate. Every year, children receive baskets full of chocolate treats that are hard on their teeth and bad for their health. This Easter, consider taking a healthier approach with this healthy but fun selection of Easter treats.

Healthy Edibles

You can create an Easter basket that includes some yummy edibles without going overboard with sugar filled processed chocolates. Instead, look for healthy snack foods that have less sugar and more nutrients but are still fun for your child.

Some popular choices may include chocolate covered raisins or peanuts, small boxes of raisins, dried fruit, Trail Mix, granola bars, juice boxes, fresh fruit, string cheese, homemade cookies, or sugar-free gum. You may also want to check out your local health food store where you will find tasty, healthy candies and bars your kids will love!

Active Treats – Small toys and items that promote activity are a great addition to any Easter basket. These treats help encourage children to get out and have fun while getting exercise at the same time. Here are a few active treat ideas may include ring toss games, skipping ropes, basketballs, soccer balls, or hula hoops.

Educational Treats – Toys that are both educational and fun are another wonderful option for a healthier Easter basket. Make sure you choose items appropriate for the age and ability of your child. Some ideas include hand held games (choose thinking games like Sudoku!), activity books, story books or novels, alphabet & number magnets, flashcards, or children’s card games (go fish, match, etc).

Creative Treats – If you have a creative or crafty child, items that can use to express their creativity will be a welcome addition to their baskets. Choose items that fit best with your child’s current age and interests. Some items to consider include scrapbooking supplies, beading kits, crayons or markers, coloring books, water paints, stickers & sticker books, play dough or modeling clay or gel pens.

Seasonal Treats – Easter falls right at the beginning of spring and there are many wonderful items you can included in your Easter baskets that also celebrate spring. This will encourage your child to get out and enjoy the season. Spring treats might include sidewalk chalk, bubbles, children’s gardening kits or kites.

Toiletries & Accessories – Toiletries and accessories make great Easter basket fillers especially for young girls. Depending on the age of your child, they may enjoy bubble bath, lip gloss, bath crayons, or novelty tooth brushes. Older girls will enjoy earrings, necklaces, watches, fancy shoelaces, tattoos and other accessories.

Treats for Babies – Babies are at such a wonderful age and including them in your family traditions is so precious, but of course a healthy basket is even more important then ever with a baby. A healthy alternative for a baby’s Easter basket may include stuffed animals, a rattle, baby cookies, a special bib or a teething ring.

A Healthy Approach to Chocolate – Of course, Easter is a celebration so you may not want to cut out chocolate all together. Instead of one large chocolate Easter bunny, choose mini chocolate eggs and hide them around the house or yard. Children will get exercise while searching for the eggs without realizing it, and they won’t realize that they end up with less chocolate then they would have with a whole bunny.

Don’t forgo chocolate and candy altogether – add them in moderation to your baskets - but do make an effort to include healthy Easter treats for your loved ones this season as well.