Here’s a fun twist on a traditional Easter gift-giving: Think outside the basket. Spin it into a surprising Military-themed treasure trove that both boys and girls will enjoy finding on Easter morning. Fill it with classic holiday candies and items that make a unique Military connection — either by color scheme (navy blue, olive green, etc.) or texture (rugged, smart, etc.) or job-focused (search-and-find, on-a-mission, etc.)… all in fun kid-like ways.
Choose Your Easter Basket
Start with a camouflage bag, backpack, basket or bucket — whether you use traditional Military colors — such as sandy tones or olive green — or cute blue, pink or purple version is up to you and your kids’ personal preference. Be sure to choose a size that you can easily fill… without overfilling it. In other words, keep in mind the items you want to put in the container when you’re choosing the style, shape and size.
Shop for Easter Basket Fillers
Here are some potential gifts you can find in camouflage and Military-esque and patriotic colors, designs and patterns at your local dollar store or big box store:
- Throw Blanket
- Shorts
- Tshirts
- Swimwear & Swim Accessories
- Sleepwear
- Slippers & Socks
- Stuffed Animals
- Bouncy Balls
- Toy Soldiers
- Toy Cars & Trucks
- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
- Coin Purse
- Hair Bows & Barrettes
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Lip Gloss
DIY Your Easter Gifts
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the stores, make it. Whether it’s crafty or simply altering a current recipe to emulate the Stars and Stripes or Military branches, making or assembling goodies from scratch can give your Easter treats a clever edge.
Camouflage Cake Pops
Camouflage Cupcakes
Camouflage M&M Mix
Camouflage & Military-Themed Cookies
Assemble Your Easter Gifts
Your assembly will depend heavily on the size and style of your container. For instance, if you choose to use a traditional Easter basket, you will want to decide if you want the gifts to be equally visible from all sides or just from the “front”. If you want the view to be perfect all the way around, place the largest objects in the center of the basket and the smaller items in a circle around it. If you choose to have a “front” on your basket, you can put the larger objects against the “back” of the basket and incorporate all of the smaller items in front of them.
On the other hand, if you choose a non-traditional container, such as a camo backpack, you can stuff the large, central portion with your larger gifts, such as a blanket, stuffed animal, etc., and put smaller items — candy, toys, and accessories — in the smaller outside pockets.
If you’ve dyed eggs or made cupcakes or cookies, you will want to wrap those up individually in containers that keep them safe from making a mess or breaking before small hands can get to them. For example, cupcakes can be presented in clear, short plastic tumbler cups from the supermarket, then wrapped in cellophane or plastic wrap and tied with a bow. Cookies can be slipped into mini food bags and sealed with a sticker or bow.
Your Easter Basket Design Is All Up to You
Ultimately, the way you create your Easter basket, bag, bucket or backpack — and the things you put in it — will be completely unexpected. Whether or not your kids are Military-minded, giving them something that reflects the life they lead helps to incorporate it into their lives and remember their loved ones who may be away from home. So have fun putting your baskets together and making the day special for your family.
Have any other awesome Easter basket ideas? Share them with us in the comments below.
