Healthier Easter baskets: 5 ideas your kids will love

by Brittany Anas · April 7, 2014

(Find Easter baskets at Walmart that make toys the centerpiece -- not candy. This one includes art supplies and is $10)

(Find Easter baskets at Walmart that make toys the centerpiece — not candy. This one includes art supplies and some fun-sized candies. Baskets start at $10, plus you’ll earn 4 percent Cash Back when you shop with ShopAtHome.com)

By Brittany Anas

The tradition of candy on Easter dates back to at least the 19th century — with a German tradition that left sugary, edible eggs in the hats and bonnets of young children on Easter.

Today, nearly 90 percent of American parents say an Easter basket is a tradition in their households, according to the National Confectioner’s Association. And even the confectioner’s association says moderation is key.

Between the chocolate bunnies, Peeps and jellybeans, sugary treats will be everywhere this season. (And, if you’re like us, you’re a little leery of loading your kids up with a basket full of candy early on a Sunday morning. Hello, sugar buzz!)

Before the Easter bunny starts plotting his route, tell him that you don’t want your kids totally hopped (pun intended) up on sugar and suggest these great additions to the Easter basket. Sure, some candy is OK, but here are some ideas that will excite your kiddos just as much.

(Save on all of your Easter purchases at Walmart, when you shop with ShopAtHome.com and earn up to 4 percent Cash Back).

Toy trucks. Make it easy on the Easter Bunny with these $10, pre-packaged baskets from Walmart. The centerpieces are toy trucks — but there’s also some fun-sized candies in there, too.
Outdoor games. Another pre-packaged Easter basket contains outdoor toys to get your kids playing in the spring weather. This Peace Easter Basket with Tote is $16 and comes with a jumprope, sidewalk chalk and a bubble maker.
Sports-themed. Set a basketball, football, soccer ball or assemble some baseballs into a basket. Other accessories: Playing cards, passes to the local recreation center or even tickets to a pro baseball or basketball game (both are in season).
Art set. This Color n’ Paint Basket from Walmart comes with fruit snacks and M&M’s — but the main focus is on a doodle n’ color pad, foam stamps, glitter glue and other art supplies. Or, help the Easter Bunny create a basket for your little artist — with outdoor chalk, coloring books, marker sets and stamps.

Need to set a daily ration for your kid’s candy intake? The National Confectioner’s Association provides this moderation guide for sweet treats, which are all between 50 and 100 calories.

15 to 25 small jellybeans. (15 jellybeans are about 60 calories).
1 fun-sized candybar. (1 snack-sized candybar is about 80 calories).
3 to 5 pieces of hard candy. (3 pieces is about 60 calories).