Since my daughter was born I’ve always created an Easter basket instead of buying one. Creating a basket myself allowed for me to include things that I knew she’d like, use, eat, play with, etc. It didn’t really save any money, if I’m being honest. It just made me feel like nothing would go to waste. I felt accomplished.
This year, Easter crept up on me being that it’s in March instead of April. I know this happens ever so often but it still seems to come quickly when it’s in March, and like many other parents I had yet to figure out what to do about a basket. Then it hit me — I’ve decided I’m not going to make/have an Easter basket for my daughter and it’s going to be okay! If you haven’t gotten around to making Easter basket(s) yet I suggest you join the “No Easter Basket” club.
Here are a few reasons why it’s okay to NOT buy Easter baskets:
Unnecessary, Internal Pressure
Guess who cares? You. You, my friend, are overthinking the need for a basket. You worry about other parents making baskets for their kids and pressure yourself to follow suit. You worry that your child might feel like they’re missing out so you make sure that they don’t. You need something to post on social media on Easter Sunday so you create a basket and take the perfect photo (yes, for some, this is now a part of our reasoning when making decisions). Whatever the reason, the pressure you’re feeling is internal and at the heart of it your children (especially young children) don’t care that much.
It’s Wasted Money
More likely than not your child probably has plenty of toys, books, games, and other things that they can entertain themselves with within your home already. In regards to candy, if you’re anything like us you’re still throwing away Valentine’s day candy that you forgot you hid from your child a few weeks ago. If you have a young child, I promise you they’re doing an Easter egg hunt at school and every single child will leave with yet more candy that you’ll have to throw away behind their backs. So, stop it. Stop wasting money buying your children things that they don’t need.
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It’s Not a Requirement
My friends, there is no law, creed, declaration, notarized affidavit, or biblical verse that says that your child(ren) must have Easter baskets for Easter.
Easter Baskets Aren’t Biblical
I’m not sure at what point in history we integrated the customs of bunnies, eggs, candy, Easter baskets, etc with the Passover and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fill free to give me a history lesson in the comments as to the relevance and importance of those customs as they relate to Jesus because I’m at a lost.
I’d really like to start spending this time of year focused on how I can continue to introduce my child to Jesus by explaining the importance of the resurrection in a child-friendly way.
(Optional) Provide An Alternative
If you absolutely must do something (because some of us just can’t help ourselves) buy them one item. ONE! Choose something rare that you don’t get them often that you know they’ll like, call it an Easter gift and be done with it. You can thank me later.
If you have young children I suggest that you start the “No Easter Basket” tradition early on to set the tone and expectation for Easter. However, I have no doubt that you can transition older children as well by introducing new traditions that focus on the resurrection of Jesus in a way that’s fun, involved and informative.
Luckily, I’ve come to this revelation while my child is still young so I’m going to run with it. Going forward, we’ll place our focus on acknowledging Easter in a way that gets at the heart of the holiday; celebrating the fact that He is Risen!
Be intentional,
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Photos by Autumn Mott
Oh I love that you shared this! It's so important for other parents to hear: it's all going to be okay! It's just another marketing tactic by companies 😉 Loved this!
I've never done Easter baskets for my kids. I was beginning to think I should introduce them but as you said it has no relevance to Jesus so I'm not going to pressure myself. Instead I will give them one thing and call it a day.
You are also right in there will be an egg hunt at school tomorrow and that will be enough candy for the entire house!
This is Jordan's 2nd Easter. We aren't doing a Easter basket. He has enough toys and stuff from his birthday months ago. Lol. His daycare is doing a party today.
I am 100% behind you on this. They are not needed and they are wasted money. My boys also always receive one from their Grandparents who take pride in making one for each of their grandchildren. My boys are still little and hunt eggs with their cousins. Since their cousins receive a basket, my boys would get upset if they didn't. That being said husband and I still continue to make them one but they are non traditional. For example, this year's "basket" is actually a small back pack that they will actually need for camp, a notepad, some stickers, a few mini Lego characters, a t-shirt, and a movie. Most of the items inside were from the dollar section and from Five and Below (including the Star Wars backpack). When I plan ahead I get a chance to always look at the clearance areas in order to not make this such a big expense.
I'm not a parent, but speaking from the kid perspective I used to LOVE getting Easter baskets when I was younger. I looked forward to the candy, toys, and other stuff, but I totally get your point b/c these are all things children get throughout the year.
Seriously, this makes my heart SO happy that you posted this. I've been running around like a wild chickens its my head cut off trying to come up with something! And you know what, I'm not even going to worry about it.
I agree, no pressure to do Easter baskets every year! I bought the kids Easter Baskets last year and will be using the same this year and every year after and they aren't big baskets so not much can fit in it…