Remember in December when we talked about my two marvelous friends and their done-for-you holiday magic? Persnickety Gifts sources stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, birthday gifts, and more so that you can celebrate as a family with ease. If you love the idea of shopping small, curating thoughtful gifts, and creating everyday magic for your littles, but don’t have the patience, know-how, bandwidth, and/or desire to make it happen, this is for you! Just like their stockings, their done-for-you Easter baskets couldn’t be easier: you choose your child’s age and gender on their website, and they send you a neatly-packaged bundle of goodies ready to tuck into their basket. No paying shipping from 15 retailers or breaking down 15 boxes – just handpicked delights from small and lovable businesses. (And no weird surprises, either – you can see everything that will be included right in the listing!) So fun, yes? And lucky for us, Persnickety was kind enough to let me give away one done-for-you basket bundle! Just leave a comment here with which basket bundle you’d choose (age + gender – though of course they’re just suggestions – you know your kids best!). Consider following Persnickety on Instagram or signing up for their newsletter for a little holiday magic throughout the year, if you’d like. I’ll choose a winner on Wednesday! (Updated to add: Congratulations to our winner, Carolyn!) In addition to inviting me to host a giveaway, my pals were kind enough to send me a few items from their add-on collection. And friends, don’t sleep on this under-the-radar part of their business! It’s perfect for someone like me – who enjoys collecting things throughout the year and likes to include basics like shoes and pajamas, but loves the opportunity to round out what I’ve collected with fun items from small businesses (again without

Is it too late to talk about Easter baskets? (Nah – you’ve still got a weekend and a week to prep, if you need it! :)) I know they’re not for everyone, but I’ve really grown to love the opportunity they give me to highlight an important holiday in our faith, support small businesses, replenish basics at the turn of the season, and create some magic for my little ones. And personally, as a creative person, they’re just really fun for me to collect, curate, arrange, and fluff! I might enjoy them even more than the kids. (If you’re curious, I’ve written extensively on my feelings about Easter baskets in the past – this post captures why I love them and feel they’re an important part of our faith tradition! This post covers some of my tips for keeping baskets budget-friendly.) Onto the stuffing! Before I get into the 2022 specifics, here are a few things I consider including each year: — A Bible or faith-based book to add to our library. I’ve rounded up some of our favorites here. (I try to buy these from a local source when possible, like Quail Ridge Books or McIntyre’s Books!) Of course, Write the Word Kids is also a perfect pick for 5-12-year-olds. — Pajamas. These usually come from Hanna Andersson, Old Navy, or my favorite consignment sale. — A bathing suit or beach item. Again, Hanna is our go-to, along with Boden and Target. Also love this terry striped cover-up! — A fun accessory or clothing item, like a Little Poppy hair bow, stick-on earrings, a Harding Lane needlepoint hat, the best kid sunglasses, or a twirly dress from Alice & Ames. — Summer shoes. In our house, that’s usually a pair of Saltwaters and a pair of Natives, if they need the next size up. — Something fun to play with, like a DIY magic wand, MagnaTile cars, a mini play mat, color-changing ponies, a sticker activity

This weekend, I spent some time putting together our kiddos’ Easter baskets. Gathering the treasures I’ve collected over the last few months, ordering a last few pieces, arranging everything neatly, fluffing a big bow on the side… it was just the sort of feel-good, expectant project I needed right now. Though Easter baskets weren’t a thing in my family growing up, I have really embraced them over the last few years. I want my kids to look forward to Easter as much as they do Christmas or any other holiday, and though of course I want them to love Easter for what it means for our lives and our faith, resurrection is a big idea for little ones to grasp. I am not above playing up the celebratory and exciting aspects of the holiday; to me, they make perfect sense when framed in an explanation of why we’re celebrating. That Jesus would come to bring hope to the whole world – everyone, everywhere – that he would choose to die so that we – everyone, everywhere – would have a guarantee that the worst thing is never the last thing… that is worthy of celebrating. In his book Parenting, Paul David Tripp writes, “Your job [as a parent] is to do everything in your power, as an instrument in the hands of the Redeemer who has employed you, to woo, encourage, call, and train your children to willingly and joyfully live as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.” I like to think he’d include Easter baskets as something in my power :) And this, from my favorite Sally Clarkson: On a totally different note, Easter baskets feel especially important to me this year since they are one of my favorite opportunities to support the small businesses I love. I don’t

Anyone else working on Easter baskets? It feels odd to look ahead to Easter when we’re still at the beginning of Lent, but the alternative is… buying things the night before? Can’t do it :) We chatted last year about Easter baskets – whether celebrating with them takes away from the religious significance of the day – and I loved reading your thoughts. For now, we’ve landed here: Jesus is the best gift we could ever be given. He is love. The day of his resurrection should be the best day of the year. These are hard concepts to illustrate to a three-year-old, but tangible excitement can help – so a basket, given with love from her parents to celebrate the happiest day, is where we’ve landed, along with lots of discussion leading up to the day! (We just added this book to our collection.) A few budget tips: 1) Save crinkle paper from boxes that arrive throughout the year to line your baskets instead of buying it new. 2) Include items you’d be refreshing for the spring/summer season anyway – pajamas, a bathing suit, sandals, sidewalk chalk. Maximize the impact of money you’re already spending! 3) Though the ideas I’m linking here are all new, use them as inspiration to buy secondhand, if you can. I often pick up toys or clothing at a favorite church consignment sale, including the little wooden bus I included in June’s basket from last year, above. 4) Don’t be afraid to include toys they already own! I love to tuck in June’s two stuffed bunnies, and she thinks it’s so fun to see them hanging out in her basket! :) 5) Presentation is key. Take a minute to arrange things nicely, tie a big bow on top, choose things in their favorite color