Meaningful & Playful Easter Baskets

Some days writing comes easy. I am not saying good writing comes easy but sometimes it just feels good to write. Those of us making the daily decisions at Heirloom Art Co. feel grateful for a place to share our thoughts about intentional living, meaningful giving, and traditions that link us to our past and build the stories of the future. Our journal here is more about connecting with you than selling stuff and we hope you feel that. 

As shopkeepers we obviously have things to sell and we work hard everyday to provide helpful ideas, products and knowledge you can use in your own way to the benefit of those you love, including yourself. This is what we do and how our growing team provides for those we love, but please know this is never simply about money. We have many times of the year that are close to our hearts and most definitely Easter is one of them. 

Spring is full of budding anticipation and each year it feels that Easter is the launchpad of the season. With the change of the weather, spring is in our step and blossoming before our eyes as sunshine warms the soil and makes pale cheeks and noses rosey with warmth and exposure. I love seeing this in children. Children don’t need to be reminded to live each season intentionally. Hunkering down with a good book seems to come as naturally to them in winter as flying out the door and barely touching the ground all day is the hallmark of spring. 

Easter celebrations often revolve around the children. Few things bring me as much delight as preparing a basket for each of my children to find on Easter. It’s not about how much it cost the Easter Bunny to put together, or how much candy can be packed in it. For me a successful basket is about creating a bit of magic from the first sight of it hanging from a tree or hidden under a couch to the very last escaped Cadbury egg hidden under all that fake grass. I love using a basket that I can later find a use for in my home with our everyday items. Some of our favorite baskets are ones we use year round.

Here are a few things I think about. Wonder and delight of each little element. If I am truly successful, the opening of an Easter basket is relatively slow. No dumping and devouring but happy examination of each object chosen for both effect and experience.

I love to find a new and favorite flavor or two. Something to sink your teeth into that conjures Easters past and makes the day sweet. The nostalgic sweets are always good. Most people including grandma can tell you about the first time she ate a Peep or stuck one in a microwave. Something new to taste or try is always fun. Maybe something foreign, slightly decadent for a child’s palette, or something novel like a lollipop whistle. I love a good candy coated egg that is presented beautifully. 

Eggs for me are a must. Taking the time to talk about their symbolism is always a good idea. Check out a recent article from Chelsey if you need a refresher. I love a hollow egg that can be opened to reveal a trinket or treat. I am trying to make Easter less commercialized in my house so I was excited last year to find these wooden eggs that can be filled and used over and over again.

Easter is all about rebirth and I love teaching my children to nurture and protect. Nothing I know does a better job than babies and baby animals. I have been known to occasionally surprise the kids with a couple rabbits to care for but most often it is something soft and adorable but not living. Something warm and cuddly to care for. 

At our house we love books. We love finding books new and old to teach lessons, stimulate creativity, or simply tell a story. The stories of Easter are uplifting and full of hope. Stories of animals, people and plants help children become aware of the life being lived around them. Stories of fairies, Easter bunnies and garden trolls add mystery, wonder and imagination. My favorite part about giving a book on any occasion is that it usually creates a pause in the bustling activity of anticipated holiday clamor to settle down and cuddle up. 

Of course, a few surprises are always in store. Something to play with, puzzle over or get active. We are big fans of surprise balls around here for multiple reasons. They take time to un-ravel and help with creating a pause in consumption. They are easy to make or buy so any family can enjoy them. The items in our surprise balls have their own level of nostalgia, discovery and magic. I like that one item is packed with so much fun so that it doesn’t overwhelm the senses all at once or contribute to the mentality that more is better. These golden eggs or clementines are a lovely addition to any basket. 

While Easter traditions and Easter baskets may look very different in each of your homes, we hope that the real outcome of any effort you put into this holiday or any other is true connection with the people closest to you. If nothing else, we invite you (and ourselves) to use this time of year to give those you love an extra dose of hope, love and encouragement. The future is bright and new life is always waiting to spring forth from a little warmth and a ray of light. 

May I also invite you to check out our sister store Blickenstaffs for some delightfully sweet, carefully curated and very kid friendly, play inducing treats and toys? Check out the Easter collection there and stay tuned for some exciting news in the works regarding Blickenstaff’s and Heirloom Art Co. As always we would love to hear from you. Some of our favorite traditions have come from you!