Themed Book Baskets for Easter

If you’re like me, it took months to recuperate from the Christmas bustle and stress. Did Valentine’s Day even happen? Now it’s time for Easter? How can that be?

My kids love Easter. They enjoy the egg hunts and the candy. But their hearts are in it for the real reason. And because of that I don’t just wing Easter, buying pre-made baskets, or filling baskets with dollar aisle toys and chocolate bunnies. I try to really make it special. But, I have to admit it’s tricky. And let me tell you, I just can’t handle another book about the real reason for Easter. So, what are we to do?

Last year I bought caterpillars, with a netting enclosure, from a local caterpillar/butterfly nursery. I also bought scooters for them. But the caterpillars were the big hit! We spent weeks after Easter learning about the butterfly life-cycle and drawing our observations of the little critters each day, until we released our Painted Ladies. It was a gift that lasted longer than one day, and helped us explore God’s world, and how He transforms us.

This year I can’t do caterpillars again, because we’re preparing to move. And I can’t be the only one still figuring out Easter gifts. I’m brainstorming for all of us! I’m a theme lover, and a book lover. So, I’ve been brainstorming spring-themed or new beginning-themed baskets involving books, but nothing that detracts from the true meaning of Easter (our Savior). Here’s what I’ve got. Hope it helps!

1. Butterfly Basket: Include caterpillars from a local nursery or ordered online; a butterfly themed book such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, A Butterfly is Patient by Diana Hutts Aston, Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado; a related small toy or puzzle such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar lacing cards or magnetic sculpture butterflies.
2. Flower Basket: Include a pre-made gardening kit or packets of seeds, gloves, spade, and trowel; a garden themed book such as A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson or Planting A Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.
3. Rabbit Basket: You could be adventurous and get an actual rabbit. Or you could settle for a plush stuffed animal rabbit, as well as a classic bunny book such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit or The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, both by Beatrix Potter, or The Runnaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.
4. Coloring Basket: A new pack of high-end colored pencils or markers, a fancy coloring book such as Spring Garden Colouring Book by Dee-ann Black, Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book by Johanna Basford, or Inspirational Coloring Book for Girls by Christian Art Gifts.
5. Adventure Basket: A compass, a new water bottle, or a bandana, along with an adventure-inspiring read such as The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden or The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. And don’t forget the Adventure Bible from Zonderkidz!

I haven’t yet decided what theme to use this year. If you plan to use a theme with a book in this year’s Easter baskets, let me know in the comments! I can’t wait to hear your plans!