Easter was one of my favorite celebrations when I was little, although I was not a huge fan of the itchy tights. Now that I am a mama, I like to look for longer-lasting, more eco-friendly goodies to share along with the giant chocolate bunnies.
| For an Easter basket that will survive beyond the big day, these lovely fabric Easter baskets (Blue Morpho – $14) are available in playful and chic patterns. |  |
| Start your basket off on an earth-friendly note: forget the plastic grass that gets everywhere (including the toddler’s mouth) and grow real grass for the Easter Bunny. With the Easter Grass Kit from Spots and Ladybugs ($10) you will have a lush basket of green grass in just seven days. |  |
| No Easter basket at my house is complete without a chocolate bunny–so how about a fair trade chocolate Easter bunny ($18 from Turning Life)? Theo Chocolate has a scrumptious-looking Easter Basket that is fair trade and gluten and soy-free. Global exchange also has a great selection of fair trade chocolates. For those, like me, who find themselves in the supermarket at the last minute, try picking up some Cadbury and then send them a note to extend their fair-trade sourcing policy to their chocolates available in the United States. |  |
| For Easter favors with a tad more sophistication, the adults (or future foodies) on your list will love TCHO carrots by the bunch (Tasting Pack – $32). You’ll get a carrot-shaped cone of chocolate-drenched honey roasted cashews, macadamia nuts, and rich cacao nibs. (H/T Help a Mother Out) |  |
| These foundling bunnies (Rosie Hippo – $16 small, $29 large), are handmade in the USA from organic cotton–the next best thing to adopting your own hippity hoppy friend. Possibly better, since you don’t have to clean-up after these long-eared friends. Use Rosie Hippo Coupon Code MAMA10 for 10% off until end of April 2010. |  |
| These bunny crayons (Colorfun on Etsy – $12 for a dozen) make a perfect Easter gift–plus they’ll keep the kids creatively busy after the egg hunt. |  |
| This plush Color Zoo Rory the Rabbit Stuffed Animal by Allen Ave will put a spring in your step with its vivid patterns. ($13-24) |  |
| Yes…one more plush bunny. How could I resist? These hand-embroidered wool bundle bunny dolls (Little A Shop – $15) would be the perfect cuddly friend. You can even have your bunny customized. |  |
| For a little educational Easter fun, toddlers will enjoy this handcrafted wooden duck puzzle, also available as a rabbit. ($10 – Rosie Hippo) Preschoolers will have fun with the more challenging Duck Pond Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle, which also features a dog and a rabbit and is made in the USA. ($19 – Rosie Hippo) Use Rosie Hippo Coupon Code MAMA10 for 10% off until end of April 2010. |  |
| What a great concept! The Funky Farm See Me Bunny Mirror By Skip Hop ($9 – Kangaroo Boo) combines two things a baby loves–a plush friend and his own adorable face. Plus it kinda has a space-age mod feel. |  |
| Stitching cards are a favorite of young children. This relaxing activity boosts fine motor control. I love the design of this Threading Rabbit from Estia (Kangaroo Boo – $14). |  |
| Don’t forget a toy for the baby! The Springy Rabbit by Hess (Kangaroo Boo – $13), Wooden Duck Ring (Rosie Hippo – $14), or Plush Bunny Rattle Ring (Rosie Hippo – $12) are sure to keep your bunny buddy entertained! |  |
| Our favorite gifts are books–they are always the right size and always in style. Debbie recommends The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes ($11) as an inspiring tale for young girls. Owen’s Marshmallow Chick ($10) is a sweet tale of friendship for babies and toddlers. And Grandpa Bunny (Little Golden Book) ($4) is a clever story about nature’s preparations for Spring. |  |
| A Mother’s Crochet has crocheted bunny ear hats in every pastel color $13. So, if you are suddenly seized by an Anne Geddes moment, you’re prepared. |  |
| I’m a complete sucker for a cute hooded towel and this funny floppy eared hooded bunny towel (SDKDesigns on Etsy – $30) also has a cotton tail. |  |
| While shopping for adorable new spring togs for your sprout, don’t forget the dolly’s wardrobe! Most of our dolls are Corolle and this Pastel Pants Set ($23) even has a cute little bunny! |  |
| If rabbits and bunnies are a year-round obsession at your household, you will love this David Klein “Bunny” – Limited Edition, Rosie Hippo exclusive print ($175 – available with other animal designs). Bright and engaging for babies, yet funky enough for animal lovers of all ages, these prints by award-winning artist David Klein are a unique mixture of the psychedelic and the traditional folk arts. Use Rosie Hippo Coupon Code MAMA10 for 10% off until end of April 2010. |  |
Whether you celebrate Easter or not, we hope you have a great start to the Spring season with your family! Enjoy!
