Easter Sunday is a holiday much anticipated by kids. After all, they get to hang out with friends and family, play games, eat candy and other treats, and even get presents! Of course, unfortunately for us adults, we’re the ones who have to provide all the fun. Instead of carefree enjoyment of the holiday, we get responsibility. It can be exhausting to have to find the perfect Easter kid’s gifts, and make sure we come in within budget. Luckily, this article is here to help. Here you’ll get fun ideas for Easter presents, which can either be wrapped individually or put together in a great Easter basket!
Sweets, Candy and other Goodies
Easter is a great time of the year for candy. Tasty, holiday-appropriate treats are released in droves. There are chocolate eggs, jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and that all-important staple: the chocolate Easter bunny. In fact, if you’re just giving out small favors, the chocolate Easter bunny can be a great choice. Another option would be to fill a medium-sized plastic egg with jellybeans, or some other treat. The possibilities are endless. Candy is also a great filler for an Easter basket, whether you want nothing but treats in the basket, or want to fill the edges around another gift. Candy is something that both kids and adults would enjoy, so it’s hard to go wrong.
Games and DVD’s
Games and DVDs can of course be given as an individual present, but they are even more fun as part of an Easter basket. And although Easter movies are not as popular as Christmas movies, properly themed films and shows are available. For example, Chicken Little, Dora the Explorer, and many other cartoons do have Easter specials. In fact, if you know what the child’s favorite cartoon or television show is, you could find the corresponding Easter special and have a fantastic gift. Alternatively, Easter-themed games can also be a great addition to any basket. And once the child hasn’t gotten the gift, they have instant entertainment for your Easter get together, giving all the adults a break!
Activity Books and Art Supplies
Easter is a holiday that can really spark some artistic creativity. After all, egg painting is probably the number one holiday activity among children. So getting activity books and art supplies can be a great follow-up. Put together a box of crayons, some colored construction paper and craft kits and you have a great gift. Or, there are many Easter-themed pop up activity books or coloring books. For example, a coloring or activity book that follows the Easter Bunny on an adventure, or one that shares the story behind Easter. Once again, these items can be given individually, or part of a basket. Either way, it’s another great way to keep the kids entertained and make you their favorite gift-giver.
Easter Outfits
This can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to find the right size, but it can be a lot of fun as well. For example, get them a pair of cute bunny ears, because most of these would come in one size fits all. Or you could get them adorable Easter printed dresses or t-shirts. There are a lot of choices available, and most of them are very budget friendly. Don’t forget that children love costumes, so this could be a really fun, really unique, gift idea!
Stuffed Animals
Who doesn’t love stuffed animals? We’re definitely saving the best for last! Plush toys are hugely in demand during the Easter season. The most obvious example of a good stuffed animal gift would be a plush bunny. After all, Easter is personified with the character of the Easter Bunny, what better way to represent him then with a small, furry, doppelganger? In fact, a rabbit would make a great centerpiece for your Easter Basket. But if the bunny isn’t for you, there are other animals that are traditionally associated with Easter. These are chicks and ducklings. In fact, if you are making a smaller basket, this can be a great option. A baby plush chick or a little baby duck would make a very cute basket centerpiece. Any of these plush animals can also be given as a great individual present. But don’t forget, there’s no reason you have to be this limited when it comes to stuffed animals. Pick one that you’d know they’d like and you’ll have a super fun gift!
So there you go, all those ideas should give you something to work with and take some of the stress off for us adults! You can find an individual gift or a gift basket for practically any budget, and have a truly happy Easter!
Spring is a wonderful time of the year. Not only does it herald the return of sunshine and warmth, but it also brings one of the biggest holidays: Easter! Easter is loved by both adults and children. Adults get to visit with friends and family and eat great food, while children get to go hunting for eggs left by Easter Bunny and receive fun presents. And though the egg hunt is a really great, traditional activity, it is unfortunately not enough to keep the kids happy and busy all Easter Sunday.
Luckily, there are other activities and games you could put together to keep children entertained. So here are some fun Easter activities to keep the kids happy!
Easter Egg Piñata
Pinatas come in all shapes, sizes, and themes, and luckily that includes themes that are appropriate for Easter! Easter is a big holiday, so your local party goods store is sure to have piñatas that are egg, bunny, duck, or chick shaped. Or if you don’t want to buy one pre-made, you could always make your own into any shape you desire. Once you have your piñata, fill it with Easter candy. This can include candy eggs, jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, or something else holiday themed. Or, if you’re worried this is too much sugar, you could mix in some little Easter stuffed animals, like stuffed chicks, plush baby ducks, or stuffed bunnies.
Before actually having the kids take turns trying to break the piñata, you have to set it up. Remember that you must have it at a safe height, because if the objects inside fall from too high of a height there could be an injury. Also, attach it to something sturdy so the whole structure doesn’t come down, because you don’t want the piñata itself falling down and hitting someone. Just remember these tips and you’ll have a fun, safe way to entertain everyone.
Pin the Chick on the Egg
While we’re all aware of the game pin the tail on the donkey, it pays to remember that there are other holiday variations. Pin the chick on the egg is one of these variations. To create, all you need to do is draw an egg on a piece of cardboard. To make it look nicer, you could paint the egg, or cover it with some tissue paper. Then, tape some tweed on the back of the egg so that you have a small hoop to hang the cardboard with. Or you could use hooks you already have for paintings and frames. Hang it someplace that works for you. Some good places are the inside of a door, like the front door or a basement door. Then all you need is the chicks. Get a few small plush chicks, put tape on their bottoms or beak, and lie them down in a box and you are ready for the game.
Obviously, the game is almost the same as pin the tail on the donkey. Tie a blindfold around the first contestants eyes, a small piece of cloth or a clean dishtowel will often work find, and spin them around until they are disoriented. Then tell them they have to find the egg, and pin the chick to its top. Pinned correctly, and it looks like the chick is coming out of the top of the egg. Let the other kids cheer them on and yell out guidance as they try to pin the chick. This game has the advantage of being easy to play and set up, and can keep the kids entertained for a fair amount of time. For a prize, you could give the little chick to the child who manages to pin it correctly at the top of the egg.
So there you go! These two fun and simple to set up games will keep the children at your Easter gathering happy and entertained. Not only will these activities be fun for everyone to watch, but they will also create memories of a great holiday that these children will remember for years to come. Happy Easter!
Another Valentine’s Day is coming up, and it’s time to plan the perfect day for you and your sweetheart. This isn’t always easy, so that’s why this article is here to help you with the gift portion of the evening.
A teddy bear is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, and it does a great job showing how special you feel your significant other is. Whether you want to get them a teddy bear on its own, or pair the stuffed bear with something, like flowers, nothing says “I love you" better. Here are some tips to help you put together the perfect Valentine’s day, along with five reasons why teddy bears are the perfect gifts.
1 - Very Romantic
There is nothing that personifies romance quite like a teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers. This is the archetypal “I love you” gift for a reason, and will therefore convey your strong feelings perfectly. It also has the added benefit of being a flexible gift. You can buy a stuffed animal and the flowers together in one package, or you can buy them separately and customize everything. If you customize you can get any flowers you want, in any size you want, and you can get a teddy bear that fits your needs. For example, get their favorite flowers with a teddy bear in their favorite color!
2 - Lots of Fun
A special occasion like Valentine’s Day should always be as fun as possible, which is another reason a teddy bear, is a such a great gift. You can make a great statement with the bear, and really make your significant other laugh. Here’s an example, though remember, if you use your imagination you can do all kinds of things! Get a few red ribbons that are holiday appropriate and tie them around a nice teddy bear in such a way that they look like ropes. Then get a card and write “I’m a prisoner of your love!” This will be sure to get a laugh, as well as being an adorable sentiment. You can do a variance on this too if you have a bigger budget by getting a piece of jewelry like a gold or silver chain and wrapping it around the bear. Then your sweetheart will have two great presents in one great package.
This idea can also be personalized if your significant other has a favorite animal, because there’s no rule that says you absolutely have to get a teddy bear. Maybe they’d prefer a plush cat, stuffed tiger, or some other stuffed animal. The more you personalize the present to their hobbies, likes, or personality, the more well received the gift will be.
3 - Customizable for Every Budget
Luckily for our pocketbooks, teddy bears are an item that can easily fit any budget. Depending on brand and size, they can vary from 10 dollars to 500 dollars. And as mentioned with the chain idea above, you can pair them with many other items for a truly special, but still affordable gift. You can keep things small and cute, or you can really go all out and get them a 90 inch teddy for an extravagant gift.
4 - They Make a Great Keepsake
Candy and chocolates are great, but teddy bears have the added benefit of sticking around after Valentine’s, so we will have a constant memento of a special day. This way, your sweetheart will always remember how much you care for them.
Here’s another fun idea. Give your significant other a teddy bear that is holding a bottle opener. They may be confused at first, but then you should pull out a nice bottle of champagne or wine from behind you. Make a toast to the two of you and your sweetheart will certainly remember such a cute stunt with the bear around to remind them.
5 - A Classic Gift for a Reason
Practically no other gift embodies Valentine’s Day and the concept of love like a teddy bear! There’s a reason this classic gift has never gone out of style, and never will. Teddy bears are sweet, cuddly, and sentimental, making them the perfect gift to commemorate such an adorable day.
6 - Bonus Reason!
Even people who are without a sweetheart can enjoy getting or giving a teddy bear on Valentine’s Day. Give them to your friends and family for a thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking about them. After all, a teddy bear doesn’t always have to symbolize just romantic love. It can represent love of all kinds, and still be appropriate and much appreciated!
Remember, no matter what kind of love, a teddy bear will make a great gift for Valentine’s Day! It’s a consistently classic gift that can be romantic, fun, affordable and a great way to mark a special memory. A teddy bear will be sure to make your Valentine’s Day extra special!
Another Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so what are you getting your sweetheart this year? Many of you have probably already made up your mind to go with the old classic, a stuffed animal. This is a great gift, but there are so many choices. To help you decide, here are the top five picks for most popular plush toy, plus some extra tips to make your Valentine’s Day truly special this year!
#5 Stuffed Bunnies
What could be cuter than a cuddly rabbit? A bunny may not be synonymous with Valentine’s Day like it is with Easter, but this cute critter is a surprisingly enduring plush toy for any time of the year. Pair the stuffed bunny with a box of chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or some other gift, and you’ve got a sure-fire winner.
#4 Stuffed Lions
The ferocious lion may not seem like the perfect gift on the sweet and lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day, but you’d be surprised! It helps that this animal can easily send a message beyond just that of love. They can show your sweetie that you think they are powerful, beautiful, courageous, or royal, and do it in a way that doesn’t require words! Not all of us can handle poetry after all, so why not let the lion do the talking for us? A stuffed lion is a great way to create a unique metaphor that describes your admiration perfectly.
#3 Stuffed Tigers
This can be a particularly great gift for the man in your life. After all, stuffed tigers are powerful, but still soft and cuddly! (Just like your significant other). You could even place the tiger somewhere with a clever message. For example, leave it in their car or have it delivered to their home with a message on it along the lines of “Can’t wait to see you tonight, tiger.” This could be a fun and flattering way to show that your thinking about him.
#2 Plush Pets
If your sweetie is an animal lover who has a favorite pet, this is sure to be a hit. For example, maybe your girlfriend loves cats. Get her an adorable stuffed cat and sure her that you know her well. To spice things up even more, and impress her with your attention to detail, have the cat hold a bouquet of roses, or a box of gourmet chocolates. Or if the plush cat is small, you could actually hide it in the bouquet of flowers. No matter which way you decide to go, it’s sure to make her smile and have an extra special Valentine’s.
#1 Teddy Bears
You had to suspect that this classic would be on the list, and it’s number one for a reason! No other stuffed animal embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day better than a teddy bear. This classic will never grow outdated. Just imagine pairing it with a box of chocolates or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. In fact, if you wanted to be more adventurous, you could have the bear hold all kinds of things, such as a ski or hockey tickets. The teddy bear is sure to be the perfect gift.
Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember by giving your sweetie one of these popular stuffed animals. After all nothing will warm his or her heart more than a sweet and cuddly plush toy!
Easter is a wonderful holiday, especially for children. Family and friends have a great excuse to get together, and there’s great food and games. The games are key, as Easter is a time of the year that children really look forward to. After all, every year they expect the Easter Bunny to hide eggs, baskets, and/or treats, that they can than go and find.
So with such high expectations, what can we do to keep the kids happy and entertained? Why, games of course! Here is a list of some of the best Easter day games, guaranteed to meet both kids and parents expectations for a wonderful Easter.
The Egg Hunt
As already mentioned above, one of the most anticipated games of Easter is the Egg Hunt. In fact, it doesn’t matter if you have a small home or the weather isn’t cooperating for you to hide the eggs outside. An egg hunt doesn’t actually need a lot of space to still be fun. All you really need is creativity, and a half hour to an hour to play the game.
Just remember when you’re hiding eggs: don’t make the game to difficult! Hide them in easy to reach places, such as under bed or couch pillows, or behind the stuffed animals in a child’s room. This is a great hiding place because these soft toys are safe for children to be around, as stuffed lions, teddy bears, and other plush animals don’t have sharp corners or require kids to climb to get to them. The inside of shoes can also be a really fun hiding place, just make sure that the shoes you put the eggs in aren’t going to be worn, or you may find yourself with a mess! Remember, it’s very important to hide them in places within a child’s reach, because climbing sets them up for a fall, and safety should always be your foremost concern for children.
Also, just because the game is called an “egg hunt” doesn’t mean you have to just stick with eggs. Hide a stuffed rabbit in the home also, and tell them that the Easter Bunny left them a cousin of his to play with. In fact, you can use many things besides eggs. One really popular idea is hiding an Easter basket or baskets. You can fill the basket with candy (chocolate bunny rabbits, jellybeans, etc) and toys, like another stuffed bunny or a plush duckling. If you’ve got several children, and you want to make sure that they each get a basket, put each child’s name on one basket and tell them that they have to find the one that’s for them. This will most certainly be a great start to your Easter holiday!
Easter crafts
After the excitement and chaos of the Egg Hunt, it’s nice to have an activity for the kids that will wind everyone down, which is where doing Easter crafts come in. This is also great because it doesn’t require as much supervision as the egg hunt, and so is a little break for everyone. All you really need is some paper and crayons and the children can create all sorts of Easter related masterpieces. You can even give them some artistic inspiration by creating a display for them to base their pictures on. The display could have painted eggs, some chicks and a bunny.
Then you can make things as structured or unstructured as you’d like. Let them use their imaginations and draw anything they want about Easter, or tell them what do draw, such as painted eggs with chicks cracking through the shell, or a picture of the Easter bunny hiding eggs. You could even turn this into a contest, with the first prize drawing winning the bunny in the display, the second prize winning the chick, and everyone else getting the eggs as a consolidation prize.
The egg hunt and the arts and craft projects are very traditional Easter games, but you can make them more fun than usual by adding plush chicks and a stuffed bunny to motivate the children even more. Remember, there’s a lot you can do to make your Easter holiday one that all the kids will have fond memories of, just follow some of these simple ideas!
Easter is a big holiday, but few know all about its origin. We know that the Easter bunny comes on Easter and delivers eggs, but where did such a tradition come from? The following article will answer those questions and satisfy our personal curiosity, and give you the knowledge to answer children’s many questions on the holiday. Here is some general information on Easter itself, the Easter Bunny, and the tradition of Easter eggs.
Easter
Easter, while gaining popularity as a secular holiday with the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs, is primarily an important Christian holiday. Easter is connected to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which happened over a three day period according to Christian faith. The day Jesus was crucified is called Good Friday, and Easter Sunday itself takes place on the day he came back to life.
Unlike the other big Christian holiday Christmas, Easter does not have a fixed date. Instead, according to Wikipedia, it falls on or after the winter equinox, March 21. From there it is calculated following the cycle of the moon. Because of this volitality, sometimes different types of Christians celebrate Easter on difference days, depending on if they are Orthodox, Catholic, or something else.
The Easter Bunny
The legend of the Easter Bunny says a rabbit brings gifts to children the night before Easter Sunday. Specifically he brings colorful eggs and candy. As for where this idea originated, that is unknown. One theory, according to Wikipedia, is that the bunny originated with a spring children’s game in the 1700’s where a being named the Oschter Haws would leave colorful eggs for good children in a nest they had built out of garments. Supposedly, over the years this idea has evolved into the more famous egg hunt.
You may have noticed that Easter decorations overwhelmingly involve the bunny rabbit, with stuffed bunnies, bunny figurines, and tons of other bunny-related items. As for why a rabbit was chosen to represent Easter, this is because few animals symbolize the season of spring better. The bunny is known for its extraordinary fertility, and spring is a time of new life, as everything begins to bloom again. This is why the Easter Bunny seems so appropriate for this spring holiday.
The Easter Eggs
Fertility really is one of the main themes of spring, which is why eggs are also an icon of the Easter holiday. The new life theme is so important that people didn’t stop with just eggs, many decorations also include little chicks and plush ducks too.
Though fertility seems to be something of a pagan idea, the egg tradition also has its roots in Christianity. The blood of Jesus was said to have spread over some eggs that were placed at the bottom of the cross he was on, where it painted the eggs red. So that’s where the idea of painting the eggs came from. In fact, further in to the tradition, once the eggs have been painted red, Christians were supposed to tap them and say an Easter incantation praising Jesus’ resurrection.
Obviously, the color choices for the eggs have evolved from the original red to multi-colored, and often pastel, but you can see where the tradition originally came from. In fact, the egg tapping itself has transformed into a different game where you tap until you find the hardest egg. In this game, the egg that survives the most taps without breaking wins.
So there you have it! The holiday of Easter has a long and interesting tradition that has evolved greatly overtime. Now that you are armed with the knowledge, you’ll be able to answer any questions those curious children you know may have. This will also help you find the most appropriate stuffed bunnies and bunny figurines to mimic the Easter Bunny. Have a happy holiday!
There are some great games out there that you could put together for a children’s party, and this article has two great ideas for you! One of these would be a trivia game on children’s toys. In fact, there is some great information out there. For example, there is the story of President Theodor Roosevelt’s compassion and how it led to a popular toy.
Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was known to the public affectionately as "Teddy." An outdoor enthusiast, “Teddy” was once on a hunting trip to Mississippi when he was told to shoot a black bear that had been captured alive by his hunting crew. He refused, on the grounds that killing an already helpless animal was unsportsmanlike, and not proper hunting. This act quickly captured the imagination of the public, and was portrayed again and again in many newspaper drawings and caricatures. And according to Wikipedia, this story inspired a toy maker to design a little cute plush bear, which he named "Teddy's Bear." So this is how teddy bears got their name. In fact, they are called the same thing in many other languages.
This would make a great piece of trivia at a child’s party, as its both interesting and educational. When you are telling the story, get a toy soldier and a realistic appearing teddy bear so you can make the scene come alive! Then have crayons, pencils, sticker letters and paper so the kids can draw the scene, and then create their own newspaper page on the historic event! Have them assemble their drawings on the big piece of paper and then let them create a fun headline that they can put as the front page news. You could even cut out some paragraphs of newsprint from a real newspaper to make theirs look more authentic. Then, give each of them a little black teddy bear as a door prize that they can play with.
If you want to add a second idea, here’s another fun activity you could make using stuffed animals: create a boardwalk!
Create a few stations throughout your home. One of them could be a basketball station. Get those wall hopes that will stick on any surface, assign a certain number of tries and a line from which they must throw the ball, and you have a fun game! Just remember not to make it too difficult, but not too easy either. As a prize, have plush toys, like a big stuffed tiger, stuffed lion or even a teddy bear. This will definitely be a hit for your party guests!
The fishbowl game would make another great station. Get different sized containers (these could be something as big as a cereal bowl or something as small as a water bottle, use whatever you have on hand) and arrange them relatively close to one another. Then let each kid have three chances to throw a small soft ball through the containers openings. The smaller the opening of the container the bigger the prize they can win. The smaller prizes could be things like crayons or stickers and the grand prize could be a teddy bear or other large stuffed animal.
Another great station would be a bowling arena. Split the kids into two teams. The team who knocks down the most pins is the winner after a certain number of tries. Have a consolation prize for the runner up so that no one feels bad. Because after all, hurt feelings ruin parties. For example, the winning team could get a stuffed tiger while the other team would get a box of crayons.
So there you go, trivia, boardwalk games and stuffed animal prizes and you have the perfect kid’s party. You’ll probably find yourself having just as much fun planning it as the kids will have playing with it!
February 14th is right around the corner, and we all know what that means! It’s time for another Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s is a great day to show your significant other that you really care about them, or if you find yourself single this season, it can also be a great time to show friends and family how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Whether or not you’re having a traditional Valentine’s Day, a gift is a fantastic way to show how you feel. Below you will find some ideas to help you get the ball rolling and to help you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Dinner and a Movie
This is a classic suggestion for a reason. Instead of, (or in addition to) getting someone a gift, you can insure that the both of you will have a great time. Tailor the night to their tastes by taking them to a restaurant they adore and go to a movie that they want to see. Maybe they want to see a chick flick or an action movie that’s not your thing; take them anyway and you will certainly receive brownie points! You can class up the evening further too be taking them to a live performance, like their favorite play or a musical. Remember, dinner and a show may be rather traditional, but taking them to do things they enjoy shows that you’ve been paying attention.
Name a Star
If you want a truly unique gift, you could name a star or a galaxy after your loved one! Now available are certified websites that allow you to do this truly romantic gesture, and they include a lovely certificate with the naming. The certificate will have the new name of the star or galaxy, its location, and possibly even a picture! Just double check that no one else had this romantic idea in the past, because just for an example, you wouldn’t want to get your girlfriend the same thing her ex-boyfriend got her in the past!
Stuffed Animals
This can really be a great gift because you can do a lot with your own inventiveness and have many variations. Obviously you can give a plush toy on its own, but you can also pair it with another gift in cute and fun ways. For example, get a plush cat or a stuffed lion to hold a box of chocolates or a red rose (or many roses!) You can get them to hold anything that you think your loved one would enjoy and it will make your present even more special. Just make sure if they have a favorite animal or pet that you get the stuffed equivalent, because people appreciate personalization, and it’s important to show that you know someone well. You can also make a great big statement by getting them an extra-large plush toy. Some stuffed animals are made to be 90 inches! Just imagine the surprise and delight someone would feel when they receive a present that’s as big as they are! When you give someone a 90 inch teddy bear, they will definitely have a “wow” reaction.
A Pet to Share
Valentine’s Day can also be the day to take your relationship a step further by getting a pet that you two can own together. You would both take care of it and enjoy its companionship. Of course, this gift option can be fraught with perils. First, you have to be very sure that they would want a pet, and know what kind to get them. Or if you want a dog and she wants a cat, maybe this wouldn’t be the best idea for you. And of course, if someone has allergies this obviously would not be the way to go. But, if you know that you both love the same type of pet, and you know that you both are ready to take an extra step in your relationship, this can be an incredibly special gift that they will remember forever!
A Heart to Make Every Moment Special
Luckily, because of the proliferation of Valentine’s Day, you can now find hearts everywhere, not just in the flower and chocolate business. Many other industries have realized they too can provide for Valentine’s Day business. Almost anything can be made into a heart shape on February 14th, which makes a great option when you and your loved ones don’t feel like being very fancy. For example, talk to your local pizza store and have them make you a heart-shaped pizza. It can be a great nod to the holiday without going overboard, or a great way to acknowledge the day in a non-romantic way, say if you are single and celebrating with friends. And of course, you can do this with practically anything. Get some heart-shaped coffee cups and start the day on a romantic note when you serve your sweetie in bed. Be creative, and you can make the day just that much more special.
As you can see, these ideas run the gambit from romantic, expensive, affordable, unique or traditional. This is all you need to have a great February 14th, happy Valentine’s Day!
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