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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