I was scrolling through my phone, waiting for my two older kids to be dismissed from school. My feed was flooded with Easter basket images and questions. One mom posted a kiddie pool, full of green Easter grass, with all sorts of candy and a bicycle — yes, a bicycle — in the center. She wanted to know what other moms thought about her creation for her 6-year-old.
As a mom of four, my first reaction was: This is a bit much. And by “bit,” I meant way over-the-top. Now, I’m not going to tell another mom how she should spend her money, and I’m well aware that each of us have our own budgets and expectations surrounding holidays.
I want you to know that if your child’s Easter basket is simple and inexpensive, that’s perfectly fine
There’s so much more to holidays than piles of stuff
If you’ve been a mom for almost any amount of time, you quickly learn that more doesn’t make a child happy. They will often pick that one-off item, attach to it, and completely dismiss the rest. I want moms to give themselves permission to set a standard that works for their budget and their family values.
Here’s a simple, inexpensive idea: Easter baskets can be themed. For example, outside fun: Load up on bubbles, flip-flops, sidewalk chalk, a stomp rocket, and a kickball. You can also set rules on number of items or a firm budget per basket. Our kids typically receive a book, something to wear, a favorite snack, and a toy, such as a Lego set. We want our kids to have the same number of items, keeping the basket content as even as possible.
You do not have to break the bank for your child to have a happy Easter
It’s perfectly fine not to purchase video games, designer clothing, handcrafted toys, or gourmet candy. It’s highly likely that a chocolate bunny, some coins in colorful eggs, and a small toy is all they need to keep them perfectly content.
If you find yourself feeling guilty or jealous of the elaborate Easter baskets posted online, do yourself a favor. Take a break from scrolling. Brainstorm what it is you want to give your children and also what standard you want to put in place for your family. Remember, holidays are about so much more than material objects. Planning a meal together, decorating, and simply spending time as a family will leave a beautiful lasting impression on your kids.
