Tag: Easter

12 Easter Basket Ideas for Your Dog

Let’s face it; your dog is a valuable member of your family. For many, a dog or two is your constant companion. Creating an Easter Basket for your four-legged friend is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

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Easter Basket Ideas for Your Dog

  1. New Collar: After the long winter, your dog’s collar may need replacing. Consider a brightly colored one for the warmer months ahead.
  2. Bandana: A new, holiday-themed bandana to wear around on Easter Sunday is the perfect addition to your dog’s basket. When you’re picking out one, grab a couple extra for summer. Bright colors are always fun for the upcoming warmer weather.
  3. Squeaky Toys: A new squeaky toy may annoy you but your dog will love it.
  4. Dog Biscuits: Nutritional value dog biscuits are an ideal snack for your favorite dog to enjoy.
  5. Dog Bones: Dogs love bones. If you are uncertain on the type to buy your favorite four-legged friend, consult your veterinarian.
  6. Dog Treats: A bag of your pup’s favorite dog treats are perfect for the Easter basket. Or feel free to make your own.
  7. Doggie Fashion Wear: Shirts, coats, hats, and even pajamas are all available for your dog to enjoy.
  8. New Ball: A ball or a Frisbee is perfect for playing catch with your pooch. The extra exercise is good for your dog and you.
  9. New Stuffed Toy (Dog Approved): A stuffed bunny or other dog toy is fun for your dog. In many cases, the dog is not really stuffed. But you get the idea.

Okay, these do not technically fit into your dog’s Easter basket but you get the idea.

  1. Visit the Doggie Park: A trip to the doggie park, a hike or a walk is a great way to release energy. The extra exercise will tire your dog (and you) out for a good night sleep.
  2. Attend a Pet-Related Easter Event: Many pet food suppliers or other pet-friendly establishments host Easter community events for dogs. Try something new. Due to COVID restrictions, remember to call ahead to get details of the event and social distancing guidelines.
  3. Photo with the Easter Bunny: Many organizations host Easter Bunny photos for pets as a way to raise funds. As a pet owner, you will get a memorable photo of you and your dog. At the same time, the price of the photo goes to a good cause.

Whatever you do for Easter, take time to cuddle and love your faithful companion.

Celebrating Easter at Home

Celebrating Easter at home may not have been your original plan. Yes, the big family gatherings will not happen this year. Canceled Easter Egg hunts, church services, and other events are inevitable. The pandemic brings changes to protect your health.  But there are still numerous ways to make Easter special.

Start by turning off the news. Unplug from your devices. Set your cell phone to vibrate. Simply enjoy the quality time with the ones you love.

Make a Family Meal

Dust off your baking skills and cook a homemade family meal to enjoy together. Do not forget dessert. Bake some cookies or other special treats to celebrate Easter. When baking, ask your children to help. Even younger children can help pour, measure, or stir the batter. The quality time will turn into a lasting memory. For added fun, decorate the table together.

Do you want to do something different than a traditional Easter meal?

  • Pull out the grill and BBQ for Easter.
  • If the weather is warm, consider an outdoor picnic. Or set up a picnic in your living room.
  • Order from a local restaurant. Many food establishments are still open for delivery and curbside pickup.

Dress Up for a Family Photo

Most cameras come with a self-timer, which is perfect for a family photo. Dress up in your Sunday best. Yes, you can take off your good clothes after the picture. The photo will be a lasting reminder of celebrating Easter at home.

Set Up a Photo Booth

 Using a sheet, tablecloth, or bare spot on the wall for background creates an instant photo booth. Pull out hats, scarves, beaded jewelry, and other accessories to add to the fun. Use a poster board, index cards, or construction paper to make photo props. Bunny ears, an Easter 2020 sign, mustache, big smiles, or glasses are easy to make. Place your prop cut-outs on wooden dowels, popsicle sticks, or hold with a clip clothespin.

Dye Easter Eggs

Even if you do not have any Easter dye, you still can color eggs. Use food coloring, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and boiling water to make a color mixture of your choice. Stir the solution, allow the contents to cool, and dye your eggs.

Listen to a Church Service

Numerous churches are hosting services online. Listen to an Easter service before starting your day. The words may bring you comfort and joy this Easter season.

Do Easter Crafts

Spend the afternoon, crafting as a family. Do not know where to start? Pinterest has numerous ideas for Easter crafting.

  • Paint or Draw an Easter scene
  • Cut out Easter eggs from construction paper or plain paper to design.
  • Make collages out of everyday materials, including cotton balls, magazine pictures, cloth scraps, etc.
  • Paint Easter eggs.
  • Make placemats for your meal.

Call Loved Ones

Easter is definitely different this year with social distancing and self-isolating. But, you still can keep in touch with loved ones. Call, text, message, or video chat with friends and family.

 

Easter Week Bucket List

The week of Easter is generally busy with preparations for dinner and other events. Creating an Easter week bucket list helps you to enjoy the holiday week.  Gather your family or friends to find the perfect Easter activities to celebrate this time of year.

Easter Week Bucket List Ideas

Do you need help coming up with Easter bucket list activities? Consider the following ideas:

  1. Make Homemade Easter Decorations: Spend time creating your own Easter decorations. Use construction paper to make Easter eggs and other related decorations. The process is a fun family activity for everyone to enjoy.
  2. Make and Deliver Homemade Easter Cards: Homemade Easter cards adds a special touch to the greetings. The activity is an ideal family time activity.
  3. Go to a Local Easter Egg Hunt: Many community organizations hold Easter egg hunts. Or you can host your own Easter egg hunt in your backyard.
  4. Go to the Library or your Local Book Store: Checking out or purchasing Easter books helps set the mood for the holiday week.
  5. Decorate, Fill and Deliver an Extra Easter Basket: Do you know someone who could use some Easter cheer. Make an extra basket for a family member or friend.
  6. Watch Easter Themed Movies: Check out Netflix or purchase a new Easter DVD. Make popcorn and host a family night.
  7. Buy Easter Peeps: Peeps are an Easter tradition. For extra fun, try placing the Peeps in the microwave.
  8. Make an Easter Diorama: If you do not eat the Peeps, you can always add them to an Easter themed diorama. Creating an Easter diorama is a perfect decoration piece for your holiday weekend.
  9. Attend a Good Friday or Easter Service:  Many churches host special Good Friday and Easter services. Even if you do not regularly attend, the service may be an uplifting experience.
  10. Host an Easter Dinner or BBQ: Plan a dinner or cookout for your family and friends. Gathering people together for Easter makes the holiday more memorable.
  11. Buy Easter Candy: Everyone loves holiday candy. The wide selection allows you to find the perfect treat for your family to enjoy.
  12. Dye Easter Eggs: Gather your family or friends together to dye Easter eggs. Dying eggs is a long standing Easter tradition.
  13. Photo with the Easter Bunny: Many community events host Easter bunny photo opportunities to help raise funds. The photo instantly becomes a memento. At the same time, you will be supporting a valued community organization.
  14. Professional Easter Portrait: Dressing up and getting a professional portrait is a perfect Easter activity.

Participating in different Easter activities is fun for the whole family. Cross one or all of the ideas off your bucket list.

75 Non-Candy Ideas for Easter Baskets

Are you getting ready to purchase Easter basket supplies? Keep in mind, Easter baskets do not necessarily need to be filled with lots of candy. Non-candy basket fillers provide fun alternatives to sweet treats.

75 Non-Candy Easter Fillers

  1. Bubbles/Accessories
  2. Umbrella
  3. Kite with String
  4. Rain Boots
  5. Stickers
  6. Markers
  7. Gel Pens
  8. Crayons
  9. Easter Coloring Books
  10. Art Paper
  11. Colored Pencils
  12. Water Color Paints
  13. Lip Balms/Lip Gloss
  14. Books
  15. Comic Books
  16. Journal/Diary
  17. Make-up
  18. Nail Polish
  19. Hair Accessories
  20. Play Dough
  21. Movie Tickets
  22. Puzzles
  23. Sidewalk Chalks
  24. SD Cards
  25. DVDs or Coupons for Digital Downloads
  26. Barbie Doll and Clothes
  27. Die Cast Cars
  28. Sunglasses
  29. Stuffed Bunnies and Animals
  30. Balls
  31. Lego Mini Packs
  32. Bubble Bath
  33. Action Figures
  34. Jewelry
  35. Ear Buds
  36. Marbles
  37. Flashlight
  38. Pool or Other Outdoor Toys
  39. Slippers
  40. Uno or Playing Cards
  41. Sports Trading Cards
  42. Bookmarks
  43. Small Bags of Chips or Crackers
  44. Granola Bars
  45. Gift Cards
  46. Video Games
  47. Plastic Farm Animals
  48. Magnifying Glasses
  49. Baseball Cap
  50. Ball and Glove
  51. Animal Crackers
  52. Reusable Travel Cups
  53. Pail and Shovel
  54. Jump Rope
  55. Socks
  56. Slinky
  57. Silly Putty
  58. Expandable Washcloths
  59. Key Chains
  60. Balloons
  61. Punch Balls
  62. Yo Yo
  63. T-Shirt
  64. Jerky
  65. Reusable Straws
  66. Glow Sticks
  67. Glow in the Dark Stars
  68. Temporary Tattoos
  69. Pokemon Cards
  70. Compass
  71. Craft Kits
  72. Posters
  73. Ink Pad and Rubber Stamps
  74. Kid Garden Tools
  75. Magazines

Mix and match different items to make the perfect Easter basket for your child.

Tips for the Perfect Easter Celebration

The Easter holiday is almost here. Are you considering hosting an Easter dinner with family or friends? Take a deep breath and do it. Life is short, celebrate every moment without hesitation. Gathering friends and family around the dinner table is all you need for a joyous occasion.

Tips for a Perfect Easter Holiday

Depending on your individual tastes, an Easter dinner can be formal or casual. Preplanning will help you Easter day celebration go smooth. Consider the following tips to assist you as you plan the perfect Easter celebration.

1. Guest List

Creating a guest list is necessary to help you plan. Due to the short time frame, you may need to make some phone calls or use the Internet to help. If your guests are on Facebook, consider making a private event page to help you plan. The creation of an event allows you to invite your guests, correspond about the meal and other activities.

2. Menu

After confirming the number of guests, planning the menu should be your next step. Menu planning can be extremely elaborate or simple

  • Cater: Local restaurants generally offer catering service for the holidays. Catering allows you to leave all the cooking and baking up to the restaurant. If you decide to cater, call as soon as possible to ensure availability.
  • Cook Yourself: Cooking and baking a large meal is a lot of work. But the personal satisfaction of a job well done is the best reward. Take the time to plan the meal, shop ahead of time to ensure you have all the ingredients, and enjoy the process.
  • Pot Luck Style: Easing some of the cooking demands, ask your friends or family members to bring a dish to pass. A variety of dishes can actually add to the holiday fun.
  • Desserts: If you do not have time for a full course meal, consider a dessert bar. Invite friends and family over later in the evening after they have met their family commitments.

3. Decorations

Decorating your table or home always adds to the holiday cheer. The decorations do not need to be elaborate. Making decorations is a perfect family time experience. Using construction paper, consider making placemats, name cards, or a centerpiece.

If you are doing decorations, your imagination is the limit. Pinterest and other crafting sites show all sorts of Easter decorating ideas. Due to time constraints, purchase decorations or Spring flowers for your centerpiece.

4. Kid Stuff

How many children are going to be at your event? Do you have a plan to keep them busy while you make last minute preparations? Keeping children busy with holiday-related activities, allows you to concentrate on cooking without worry. Children love to create and take items home. Setting up a children’s area or planning outdoor activities is the perfect solution.

  • Host an Easter egg hunt.
  • Easter coloring books and crayons
  • Dye Easter eggs
  • Set up a crafting table with Easter themed supplies
  • Make small Easter baskets to hand out as take-home gifts

Hosting an Easter dinner does not need to be stressful. Planning and asking for help from friends and family will help you have a joyous occasion.