Coach Zoe Keep your kids healthy and fit with these ideas to make them a healthy Easter basket without the sugar and junk!
As I walk around the store looking for Easter basket fillers, all I can find is candy, candy, and more candy. Immediately I am stressing about the fact that every family member is going to bring over more candy and junk food than my kids need or even want. Creating a habit of asking for candy every single day and becoming dependent on sugar and fake food. And I just can’t do it anymore.
What can I put in my Easter Basket that is not junk?
If your kids are young enough you will probably have an easier time making the adjustment. Otherwise, they may be expecting all the candy they can consume. However, if you use my fun approach they won’t even miss it!
Even if you are on board with nixing candy from the basket, it can seem like the only other options are junky toys or just filler items that don’t really get used. Or will just break or have a bunch of missing parts in a few days. Since we are raising healthy kids let’s get focused in that area. Smaller items that are more “health” associated.
Try to think of things that will get your kids’ bodies and/or minds active.
Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
- yard games (like badminton, velcro catch, frisbee, etc.)
- bubbles
- jump ropes
- hula hoops
- sports balls
- kites
- Sit ‘n’ Spin
- paddle ball
- puzzles
- travel water bottle
- mini loop resistance bands
- hair ties
- sneakers
- bouncy balls
- crafts
- chalk
And of course there is so much more. Whatever you can fit into an Easter basket that gets your kids excited to DO something rather than be entertained by something.
How do you fill an Easter basket without candy?
If you are like me and still want to give your kids something to munch on, there are so many alternatives to candy. Whether you make or buy it, you can easily swap out foods to create a healthy Easter basket. And you can even fill some eggs with this stuff too!
- dried fruit
- juice boxes
- premade smoothies
- plain old fruit
- granola bars
- fruit cups
- peanut butter packets (Check out these kinds!)
- trail mix
or even homemade desserts made with cleaner ingredients. Any healthy food you can think of that your kids enjoy that won’t feel like they are getting a box of raisins on Halloween. (Although I do realize that dried fruit was one of my recommendations LOL).
What can I get my kids that aren’t Easter baskets?
Depending on their age and what they like, you can even minimize the draw of a giant basket full of candy with a tiny basket filled with some alternatives and go out and get them a cool gift! Things that are perfect for getting kids active are of course outdoor toys that hold a special draw since summer is approaching. But if you are okay with spending a little extra you can consider
- scooter
- skateboard
- bike
- roller blades
- mini trampoline
- ball pit
- swim gear
- athletic clothes
- sprinkler
- water guns/balloons
This is quite a variety but your kids may be interested in different things based on their age and hobbies. Any way that I can sneak fitness into my kids lives I do with no hesitation. It is so much easier to keep health a priority as you grow older than having to break bad habits, build new ones, and educate yourself on the ins and outs of wellness. One of the simplest ways to do that is by incorporating them into your own fitness routine! It’s a simple way to balance fitness and mom life, and you can read about it more here.
That is one of the bests gifts you can give your kids. Sure, candy and toys are quick gratification that will bring them joy or excitement. But they will thank you always for a head start to a healthy life.
