Date Published: 02/29/2008

The ultimate Easter basket will help you spread the joy of this new season, and Consumer Guide shows you how to build the ultimate Easter basket.

Let's face it, Easter is not really a big gift holiday -- regardless of religion or tradition. However, many people choose to give little gifts in celebration of religion or the arrival of Spring. The winter gloom starts to wear away and with that people want to enjoy the sunny atmosphere and everything that goes with it.

An Easter basket is a good way to surprise someone and brighten their day with something small. The choice is all yours when it comes to what goes in the basket, but we've come up with some suggestions for an old-fashioned basket that will make anyone smile. Even if the younger kids forego the toys and go straight for the candy, rest assured that older siblings and parents will get some entertainment out of cool toys that are traditional Easter basket staples.

The ultimate Easter basket is the perfect Spring treat!

The Basket

The basket itself may or may not be all that important. Depending on who will be receiving the basket, it could be viewed as a symbol of Easter tradition or it could merely be something that holds a bunch of cool stuff. So take your pick of Easter baskets from Consumer Guide.

Nowadays, there are many different baskets to choose from. If you are old-fashioned, you can use a classic woven basket or colorful pail. These can be found in a large array of colors: pastels, solids or rainbow. Or you can opt for a new plush basket. These are very familiar to the most recent Halloween pails -- a plush basket in the form of a popular character such as Spider-Man or Dora the Explorer. Regardless of what type of basket you choose, don't forget to stock up on some traditional plastic eggs and Easter grass!


The Candy

Although some kids and adults might get excited over any candy, there are some folks out there who expect some very particular types of candy in their Easter baskets. Jelly beans are very common for Easter -- you may or may not want to take not of the brand, colors and flavors of the beans since there are a lot of choices out there. Peeps are also popular treats. The yellow marshmallow-like chicks have multiplied over the years to include various colors and different shapes, but still remain fluffy favorites.

Let us not forget the chocolate. Oh the chocolate of it all! Look for chocolate malt eggs to toss in. These eggs often come with a speckled candy coating to resemble robin eggs -- very fitting for Spring. Cadbury eggs are also very popular this time of year because of their creamy fillings and entertaining commercials. And above all, do not forget the chocolate Easter bunny. There is an art to finding the right bunny. Today, a lot of companies make their bunnies with high wax contents. To ensure that your basket buddy gets the best bunny, you may have to spend a bit more and go for a solid chocolate bunny.

Bunglie Bunny by Jellycat

The Toys

The toys are where the fun comes in. Remember who you are shopping for when putting together an Easter basket. Try to personalize the basket with little items you know the person will smile at. Coloring/activity books are always entertaining for younger children. And don't forget the crayons! Stickers are also excellent small gifts that can be used for decorating fun.

An Easter basket can be filled with goodies that can get kids and adults outdoors together. Kites are excellent Spring toys that can create bonding time between children and parents. After being cooped inside for the long winter, kids need to get outside and run around. Include jump ropes and bouncy balls in baskets for the perfect outdoor incentives. Sidewalk chalk is another great little item that will get kids out and about and spark their creative sides at the same time.

After you've filled the basket with toys and candy, consider giving them something soft and fuzzy. A plush rabbit, duck or lamb is very suiting for Easter and Spring. Or you can get personal and pick up your basket buddy's favorite character or animal in stuffed form. This is a much better option than getting them a live rabbit or chick which can lead to some serious issues. A plush toy is best since it stays small, cute and fuzzy and never needs food or extra care.

The ultimate Easter basket is so simple and easy to create. Just think of your basket buddy's favorite things when you're making it and you can't go wrong. Make baskets for your family members and friends and watch the spring smiles bloom!