Three Things : Easter

Starting to think ahead and do some planning for Easter baskets. Looking for fun, colorful additions that are not necessarily all about candy. Here's three things so far:

Pack Your Bags : This year I am planning to skip the basket and go with a more fun +  functional suitcase (will be used to carry goodies on the airplane for spring break). Check local thrift stores or antique stores for vintage options. Paper Source also has similar suitcase boxes available.

Something to plant together : Chris thought of this cool new tradition to bring into our home this Easter: include a couple of packets of seeds (vegetables or flowers) as an activity to do together.

Customized Pencils from Sweet Papery : 25 pencils with your favorite saying or name printed right onto the pencil. Love this idea especially for a little guy who happens to love pencils. More pencils available here (through the main entry to her etsy shop).

Other goodies to include: books about Easter/spring/etc, toothbrush + mini toothpaste (a classic addition), and felted eggs (I really want to try to make some of these).

Speaking of Easter, Martha has a great selection of Easter crafts on her site. I also love all the ideas for dying eggs. In addition I am fond of the rubber band technique in this month's issue of Real Simple (couldn't find it online yet). Also considering trying some natural dyes this year - I liked how this person went with an overall experimental approach.

You can join in a free Easter Workshop through Martha's site here.