How to Avoid Clutter Around Easter

Easter is almost here, and it's the perfect time to rethink those traditional baskets filled with plastic trinkets. Opt for gifts that are both fun and eco-friendly, while also keeping the clutter at bay! Focus on purchasing items you would have purchased anyways, rather than last minute dollar tree bits and bobs that will hold their attention for one day and then break or go in the trash.

Clutter-Free Basket Ideas

1. Swimwear & Flip Flops
   Spring means warmer days! Surprise your little ones with new swimwear or flip flops, gearing them up for sunny adventures at the beach or pool. They probably don’t fit in last year’s gear anymore, anyways. Do they need an upgraded or bigger pair of googles before summer camps start?

2. Books
   Spark their imagination with a good book. My oldest is getting more books in a chapter book series he started and loved. My younger one is getting a Minecraft themed learn-to-read set.

3. Water Bottles & Lunch Boxes
   A bright, new water bottle or lunch box is both practical and personal (not if you already have 25 water bottles though…). We only have one stainless steel lunch box per kid that’s four years old and starting to loose its tension to stay closed. I was hoping it would make it to summer, but looks like a replacement is going to end up in the baskets. Opt for durable designs to make them last. We loved this so much the past 4 years, I’m rebuying the exact same thing.

4. Art Supplies
   Encourage creativity with a fresh set of art supplies. Whether it's new sketchpads, colored pencils, or watercolors, art supplies are always in need of restocking. Tape is always a big hit with my boys since I hide mine from them before they can use an entire package on one creation (although tape is not the most eco-friendly). Play-Doh and bubbles are also a big hit with the Littles.

5. Gardening Kits
   Seeds and their own pair of gloves to help you in the yard are a big hit.

6. Experiences Over Things Gift a memorable experience with a day pass to a local museum or zoo. It's educational and entertaining for the whole family.

By the way, as a professional organizer, let me just say that I really hate the gigantic baskets people buy that are too big to fit in a plastic bin in the garage. Here’s what I use that fits easily in most garage bins without taking up allll the room (bonus was it arrived super fast and was only $10).

Egg Hunt Ideas

• Coins for Treats
  The easiest way to avoid clutter during an egg hunt is to just fill with candy or fruit snacks, OR only hide real eggs that you’ve decorated just for the fun of the hunt. If you’re candy-adverse (or hiding eggs in a forest while camping like me, and therefore can’t hide food), fill eggs with coins to go towards a special treat, like an ice cream outing. It's a delightful surprise that also teaches saving.

• Arcade Tokens
  Swap tiny toys for arcade tokens, and enjoy a day of family fun and laughter.

Ideas for babies

(Or give them nothing or very little—they don’t know what Easter is 😉)

You can fill their basket with a remote, some cooking utensils from your kitchen, and a couple of silicone eggs to reuse year after year. If there are older kids, the baby can receive feeding supplies (like a new plate or cup, if you don’t already have plenty), or a new outfit or swimsuit.

What gifts have you given that were appreciated but didn’t end up filling your house, and soon after, the landfill, with a bunch of cheap plastic junk?