Easter Gifts

This is probably a bit late, but maybe some of you have been procrastinating like me :).

We all know that the chocolate that is bought for Easter (and other holidays) is not very environmentally friendly. Even if it is fair trade and organic, it is not even close to locally grown (at least, not for most of the consumers who buy it). And the deforestation that comes from the palm kernel oil found in the cheaper brands is deplorable. Even if you choose other candy, like jellybeans, there are similar issues with the sugar.

But what are the alternatives?

Instead of buying pounds and pound of it, buy just a small amount of high-quality chocolate and/or candy, then add some other gifts to the stash, such as:
- vegetable and flower seeds
- insect nets
- bubbles
- a sport ball, frizbee and/or kite
- a sun hat
- a skipping rope
- a sketching book and sketching pencils (for nature walks)
- a bandana
- school supplies (which are often running out at this time of year!)
- a magnifying glass
- a mini herb garden
- sidewalk chalk
- a hula hoop
- a nature field guide
- homemade slime or playdough (recipes can be found here)

For older kids:
- sports balls
- bus tickets/bus pass
- bike accessories
- t-shirt
- a memory stick
- camera memory
- rechargeable batteries
- Itunes store credit
- SPF lip balm
- a novel

This is also a good time to check to see if any outdoor sports equipment needs repair or replacement, and to check to ensure that everyone's bike helmet still fits.

Have a great holiday everyone!