ETHICALLY MADE EASTER BASKET GIFT GUIDE FOR MOMS

Because kids aren't the only ones who deserve a treat from the Easter bunny, moms (and anyone caring for children!) can get in on the fun too.

BASKET

A cute take on a non-traditional Easter basket is to fill something she'll use again and again (like this soft as butter leather tote) with thoughtful, smaller items. This one is oversized and works for all seasons. (The less expensive version in pale pink canvas is here.) Other vessel options that double as gifts: a market basket, straw bag, or cute backpack.

FILLER IDEAS

Water bottle so she'll never have to reach for a plastic bottle again. This one is insulated, making drinks ice cold for 24 hrs, plus it has a straw lid attachment which is a make-or-break feature on water bottles for me. It's made responsibly and gives back to state parks. The one I have is the 32oz and how I feel about that size is like Goldilocks: not too big or too small, just perfect.

Outfit. I love this adorable spring romper by Matter. They have a cool transparent makers process, employing artisans in India. If you have a daughter this little girls dress can be worn for multiple years, as a dress, then tunic, then tank. More info here.

Leather stash clutch. I have this one in multiple colors, I think it combines the best of both form and function. It's roomy enough for my wallet, keys, phone, and it's so nice to travel light and just grab this instead of a purse when I'm out without the baby.

Reusable, well designed grocery bags (great for non-grocery items too!) Cutest colors and prints, ethically made, well priced, and they hold up to 50 lbs while still storing/folding into tiny pockets. Adorable new plant prints for spring are here and here.

Flowers. Bonus point for ones from your local farmers market.

Ideas for extra little items: nail polish/lip balm/lip gloss/chocolates/pedicure gift certificate.

Pack all your tinys in reusable, zippered pouches, for cute packaging that will get extra use. (I use these for organizing diapers and wipes in a big tote. Spring colors here and here.)

Top with colorful tissue paper or plastic pastel Easter eggs.

Hopefully this will spark some ideas. Mother's Day is just around the corner and any of these would make a cute gift basket for that as well.

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ON FILLING BUCKETS AND EASTER BASKETS

I saw this book years ago and loved the concept for kids, that being kind to people is like "filling their buckets." Such an neat analogy and tangible way to teach young children about about a big concept - the importance of being kind. I'm excited to have these conversations with Trey as he gets older.

As moms, we figuratively fill our kids' baskets in so many ways every day: listening, attending to, holding, rocking, feeding, playing with, and infinitely more actions that convey our thoughts about them: that they are seen and known and wanted and so loved. I thought about all these things as I was filling Trey's Easter basket, hoping that I'm better at filling his emotional bucket than this little Easter basket. It was a good reminder for me of what's important. Whether you fill Easter baskets for your kids or not - know that you are filling their buckets in the lasting ways, the ways that really matter. If you are filling actual Easter baskets, here are some ideas, many of which are ethically made, run by small businesses, and/or gift back to causes.

THE MODERN EASTER BASKET GIFT GUIDE FOR BABIES

Basket ideas: I used something we already had, a reusable tote. (Link is to the smaller Pint size, perfect for doubling for the egg hunt, or you can also use any basket or bucket you have lying around.)

Bunnies. Up your Easter bunny game with a bunny that gives back. Two excellent choices here: Benedict the bunny by Cuddle and Kind (donates 10 meals to a child in need for each doll purchased) and Pierre the bunny by Blablakids. Both are ethically made, fair trade, and hand knit by artisans in Peru.

Bella Bliss monogrammed outfit. Easter outfits mean bubble rompers and monograms to me, so I grabbed this cute one. (You might recognize the company when I discovered it last summer, they're my favorite special occasion outfits for babies.) Bella Bliss does good too, the clothing is made by artisans in South America, and they give back to a variety of child-focused non-profits.

Books: Guess How Much I Love You is a cute little bunny board book. And if your family celebrates the meaning of Easter, the Jesus Storybook Bible is one of the best kid's Bibles around.

Hat by George Hats. They carry the tiny sizes: baby, toddler, and child, for the best fit. We haven't seen much (if any!) sun in the PNW yet this year, but I imagine this getting a lot of use this summer.

Backpack. That cutie striped one is by Fluf, a Canadian company. It's mini sized, perfect for a preschooler or as a lunch box for adults.

Shoes. These are by Stride Rite, in a bright color for spring. Walking is just around the corner for us (which I can't even imagine right now!).

Other ideas for small fillers for older kids: bubbles, play dough, puzzles, sunglasses, swimsuits, and the ultimate baby gifts: paper, a wooden spoon, and a cardboard box, because the non-toys are always the best toys.

Speaking of non-toys, I need to sing the praises of good old fashioned Easter eggs. These are most definitely not ethically made, but I picked them up for $1 and they have endless uses and are currently Trey's favorite toy. I fill them with uncooked swirly pasta to make kind of DIY egg shakers and he thinks they're the best thing he's ever seen. They double as decor (in a glass vase high out of reach) and also as bath toys and everyday toys and can be used open or closed or to hide things in. They're the perfect size: small enough to grasp but not choke on, lightweight enough to stash a few in my purse, a platform for language development (colors, numbers, music, etc.) and just all around fun. I think I'll keep them around long after Easter.

Happy basket filling!

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WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN SEATTLE

Photo: Talitha Photography

I'm lucky to live in a city where there is SO MUCH to do with kids. At times it can even be overwhelming trying to remember where that place was that I wanted to go, so I'm compiling a list here. I reached out to Instagram and there were some great tips there that I've included here as well. Let me know if you have any to add in the comments and I'll work them in. Happy exploring!

PARKS

Green Lake Park - a classic 3 mile loop with tons of grass/picnic area, a play structure, and happy hour spots and coffee shops all around.

Maple Leaf Park - new play structure in the last few years. Zip line, sand box, the works.

Cowen - big grassy area. Coffee shop and Whole Foods nearby.

Tons more. There are over 400 parks in Seattle (!!) so it's highly likely that wherever you are, you're close to one. In the summer the splash parks and wading pools are the ultimate "city kid" experience and really fun.

BEACHES

Alki - West Seattle. Such a beachy, southern California vibe. Lots of shops line the street that faces the beach, ice cream coffee, restaurants, etc.

Mathew's Beach - mostly grass, good for picnics. Huge play structure and shallow entrance to the water, with a lifeguard and enclosed area for swimming.

Magnuson - Enclosed swim area here as well with a lifeguard.

Golden Gardens - big beach area, lots of boats to see and a beautiful view that faces the sunset.

Edmonds - so fun to watch the ferries dock, and the trains go by.

KID FRIENDLY COFFEE SHOPS

Cloud City Coffee - Maple Leaf. Smaller neighborhood coffee shop with a play area and books/toys for kids. They also serve ice cream in the summer and Maple Leaf Park is just down the street.

Third Place Books - North East Seattle. Coffee (and a bar!) in the back, used and new books, play area.

The Dane - Greenwood. Tuesday/Thursday free story time at 11:30.

Green Bean Coffeehouse - Greenwood. Train table, craft station, and story time Tuesdays at 10am.

KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

Chaco Canyon - indoor play area

Phinney Market - indoor train table

Frelard - outdoor play space

Bongos - outdoor sand pit

Cupcake Royale - $2 Tuesday ice cream cones

SHOPPING WITH PERKS

University Village. Love this one for a stroll or a lunch date, so many great shops and a covered/outdoor play structure (which means fresh air even on rainy days!)

REI - indoor play area, smoothie place, rock climbing wall, free parking.

Trader Joe's - free stickers, kid sized carts, hidden stuffed animals. Grocery bribing at it's best.

Whole Foods & PCC - free piece of fruit for kids.

INDOOR PLAY AREAS

PlaySpace - at Ballard Church, T/W/Th 10:30-1:30pm. Free indoor play space.

Malls - Alderwood, Northgate, Bellevue, Westlake Downtown.

IKEA in Renton (drop-off kid style, and an age requirement)

Wunderkind. Lego play. $6 all day pass. 9am -1pm and 3p-6p weekdays, 9a-6p weekends

REI indoor play area.

PlayHappyCafe - A big indoor play space and cafe in Lynnwood. $12 1st child, $9 sibling, adults and babies free. 9a-4p M-TH, 9a-8p F, 9a-10p weekends

Seattle Community Centers - Two words: Toddler Gym. These are free, drop in play times for ages 5 and under. I've only been to the Magnuson one, but it's awesome. Tons of toys, bikes, etc. Check the day/time availability, Green Lake is 10a-8p almost daily, Magnuson is only Fridays 9:30a - 1:30p.

Play Date Seattle. Big, indoor play space. Membership fee or daily rates ($8 - $12 depending on age). Insider tip: admission fee is waived with two canned goods on the last Wednesday of every month.

Lynnwood Rec Center Pool - big play area for kids, like a shallow indoor splash park in some areas. Great for kids of all ages and even an extra roomy hot tub. Really fun on a cold night in the winter.

Baby Jam - drop-in style music classes in Fremont. Age birth - 5, Fridays 10:30 - 11:00am, and 11:15 - 11:45am. $12/class

Seattle ReCreative - art classes for kids in Greenwood and also sells used art supplies. The play space is reserved for classes in the morning but free and open to the public in the afternoons.

MEMBERSHIP PASSES

Zoo - a fun walking loop, carousel and indoor play area. Starts at $110/yr for a family membership.

Aquarium - haven't been here yet but I hear it's worth it for the parking pass discount alone (only $2/hr for downtown AND it's walking distance to Pike Place Market, which is always a struggle to park near and cheap with kids.) Starts at $80/yr.

Children's Museum - downtown ($11.50 per person) and Everett locations ($10.70 per person), both closed Mondays. Starts at $90/yr for a family membership (free for babies under 12 months). Lots of creative play, story time, crafts.

The Seattle Public Library offers free passes to a variety of museums that you can reserve. Check the events section on their website.

LIBRARIES

Almost all have a kids section of books and there's a free story time every day of the week across all the libraries. Make sure to get there early - they do cap at capacity for the popular ones.

Lake City: 10:30am - 12pm Mondays (All ages, and includes a craft!)

Green Lake: 11:15 - 12:15 Wednesdays (Toddlers)

Northgate: 10:15 - 11:15 Wednesdays (Toddlers)

FARMERS MARKETS

Ballard - Sundays, 10a - 3p, year round

Fremont - Sundays, 10a - 5pm, year round

Phinney - Fridays, 3:30 - 7:30pm, June - Oct

Lake City - Thursdays, 3 - 7p, June - Oct.

Queen Anne - Thursdays 3 - 7:30p June - Oct.

U District - Saturdays, 9a - 2p, year round

Edmonds - Saturdays, 9am - 2pm, May - Oct.

TRANSPORTATION

The light rail now goes all the way to UW, which means it's now a convenient, cheap, easy way to get downtown (Also: zero traffic so it's lightening fast, and no paying to park or for gas. Super win.)

BUCKET LIST/FUTURE ITEMS

The Seattle Fire Station Headquarters is what sparked (pun intended) this whole list. I walked by it in Pioneer Square, and the building was beautiful and antique-y, complete with a turquoise door with gold hardware. It looked like a museum or least a Tiffany's, but then I saw a little boy walk outside with his mom and grandma and a smile on his face, carrying a play fire hat. I asked her if she was on a tour and she said yes! They're on Wednesdays year round, (and Wednesday/Thursdays from June - August), open from 11:00 - 3pm, and free. More info here.

SPORTS FOR MINIS

Bowling, mini golf, dance classes, gymnastics, etc. etc. A million options here once they're a bit older. When Trey starts playing sports we're excited to have him play on a few Unified teams, teams that have athletes both with and without disabilities.

RESOURCES

PEPS - Huge list here (and well organized!) For kid info in Seattle. Lists all the story times, consignment shops for kids, so many things.

Red Tricycle. Excellent resource for kids by city, with events specific to that day/weekend, kid-friendly restaurants, the works.

Would love to hear more beyond this list in the comments if you'd like to share!