Creating a Healthy Easter Basket

Building a yummy but healthy Easter basket may seem like a difficult task with all the yummy candies, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps. With the obesity rate for children up in the states and many other places in the world, finding healthier selections this Easter is important to many parents and children. If you are one of these parents, use these ideas for some Easter fun with less sugar and unhealthy fats.

Making a Healthy Easter Basket Idea #1

Try toys instead of treats. Even though many baskets have some fun play things, in the past treats tend to be the selections that were the biggest selections of the basket. This year, give more play things and less treats. Not only do kids love toys but they will last longer than Easter day. The toys don't have to be expensive. Go to the dollar stores and discount stores for little yet fun toys. Children can always use crayons, small reading books and stickers. You can generally find these items for $1 or less. Additional ideas are small hand-held electronic games, card games or dolls and action figures. Another favorite for the children is a cute stuffed Easter animal. You can usually find these cute stuffed toys on sale just days before Easter.

Making a Healthy Easter Basket Idea #2

Try some candy alternatives. Instead of jelly beans, put in some boxed dried fruits. Dried fruits give a juicy sweetness without the added the refined sugars. In addition there is the added plus of vitamins and nutrients your children need. You can get raisins, dried apricots or even Craisins® from Ocean Spray®. Craisins® are dried sweet cranberry snacks that come in many flavors. You can also get some yogurt and chocolate covered raisins for a bit of an added flavor and fun for your children.

Making a Healthy Easter Basket Idea #3

Eliminating the candy all together is not needed. Let's face it this is a special day and the little ones look forward to special treats that Easter bunny brings. So go ahead and add some candy to their basket. Just pick smaller snack sizes and less candies. Add a few snack sized candy bars, chocolate eggs and other fun treats. Just watch how much they eat in a day and spread these little goodies out. Try dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Experts say that dark cholocate is actually good for us. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants and is is healthier for you and your kids. Look for the treats that have fewer fat and calories but still give the sweet taste for your kids.

Making a Healthy Easter Basket Idea #4

Do some baking for some of your Easter treats. You can cook some cupcakes and modify the recipe to reduce the fat. Substitute apple sauce instead of oil and use some sugar substitute to supplement and reduce the refined sugars. Get creative with these healthier snacks and make fun Easter shaped treats for some great family fun. Try Rice Krispy treats® and use cookie cutters and cut your treats into fun bunny shapes, Easter eggs and other Easter shapes. You can also make sugar cookies with a sugar substitute and top them with melted dark chocolate or peanut butter instead of frosting.

Finding healthy basket alternatives is not only good for you and the kids but is a great way to have some family time together for Easter. Other fun ideas for Easter are to do some kids crafts with the whole family. You can even make your own Easter baskets.

Here are some fun Kids Easter Crafts you can do with your kids. Julie is the author and creator of Cool Kids Craft Ideas where you can find many craft ideas, kids activities, coloring pages and more.

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