I was scrolling through my phone, waiting for my two older kids to be dismissed from school. My feed was flooded with Easter basket images and questions. One mom posted a kiddie pool, full of green Easter grass, with all sorts of candy and a bicycle — yes, a bicycle — in the center. She wanted to know what other moms thought about her creation for her 6-year-old.
As a mom of four, my first reaction was: This is a bit much. And by “bit,” I meant way over-the-top. Now, I’m not going to tell another mom how she should spend her money, and I’m well aware that each of us have our own budgets and expectations surrounding holidays.
I want you to know that if your child’s Easter basket is simple and inexpensive, that’s perfectly fine
My mom always made a big deal out of holidays, a tradition I’ve continued with my own children. We love to wear a special outfit, get out themed decor, and buy and receive gifts. However, I do have four kids, and we have a Target budget, not a Pottery Barn budget.
Over the years, I have learned that the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive or elaborate. Kids may be perfectly happy with a marshmallow-chocolate egg, a book, and a cute tee. In fact, we, as the parents, set the holiday expectations.
Moms, we don’t need to compete with influencers or even non-influencers
We know who we’re talking about — the ones who post their kids’ overflowing Easter baskets (or, er, kiddie pools) on social media. If that’s the vibe that mama wants to put in place, so be it. However, this isn’t the norm, nor should it be. Moms face enough impossible standards on a daily basis. We don’t need more. It’s perfectly fine to clap-back with a simple, thoughtful Easter basket for your child to enjoy.
Furthermore, as someone who loves holidays, why have Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and other holidays become Christmas morning’s competition? Every holiday’s climax doesn’t need to be a mountain of gifts for our children.
There’s so much more to holidays than piles of stuff
If you’ve been a mom for almost any amount of time, you quickly learn that more doesn’t make a child happy. They will often pick that one-off item, attach to it, and completely dismiss the rest. I want moms to give themselves permission to set a standard that works for their budget and their family values.
Here’s a simple, inexpensive idea: Easter baskets can be themed. For example, outside fun: Load up on bubbles, flip-flops, sidewalk chalk, a stomp rocket, and a kickball. You can also set rules on number of items or a firm budget per basket. Our kids typically receive a book, something to wear, a favorite snack, and a toy, such as a Lego set. We want our kids to have the same number of items, keeping the basket content as even as possible.
You do not have to break the bank for your child to have a happy Easter
It’s perfectly fine not to purchase video games, designer clothing, handcrafted toys, or gourmet candy. It’s highly likely that a chocolate bunny, some coins in colorful eggs, and a small toy is all they need to keep them perfectly content.
If you find yourself feeling guilty or jealous of the elaborate Easter baskets posted online, do yourself a favor. Take a break from scrolling. Brainstorm what it is you want to give your children and also what standard you want to put in place for your family. Remember, holidays are about so much more than material objects. Planning a meal together, decorating, and simply spending time as a family will leave a beautiful lasting impression on your kids.
