When did Easter turn into a gift giving holiday?

[BoardWalkBelle]

when i was a kid i recived the requsite Easter basket filled with candy and a chocolate bunny.I usually also received a stuffed easter bunny or a doll. One year i got a hippity hop! Remeber those. I have pics of me, apparently it was the first yr my parents did the easter thing for me.i was three.i had the easter basket, easter egg hunt and a toy baby carriage abd a few dolls.. Imade out that yr lol Then when i got older, my parents would usally just get me a chocolate bunny and it would be sitting on the dining room table when i woke up in the morning

 

[goofyredraider]

This works great when your kids are young, but you can probably anticipate the future problem: You're setting up an expectation in the kids' minds, and it won't be too long before you really can't make $30 look like a big deal.

Nah, they don't *expect* anything...they aren't raised that way at all. They never ask for anything...and are always grateful for what they get. Seriously, these are the kind of kids that have saved every cent they have received to have spending money on our trip this year including their pressed penny $$. When they thought they had enough in their banks, I've caught them putting money in my change jar. These are the kind of kids that cry tears of joy when you take them to see Star Wars Episode I in 3D..even though they own the blu-ray. I work my butt of to make sure they are grounded, loving, and thankful for what they have. So, no offense, but I know my kids...you do not.

I anticipate only a few more years of this anyway...once the "cat is outta the bag" on the Easter bunny...they'll get a chocolate bunny and a stuffed animal or something like that like my mom did when I "knew the truth". They aren't going to play with Legos or toys in a few years anyway.

I take it back. They *expect* to color eggs the day before Easter as a family as we always have. But, I'll take that expectation any day. And yes, I can make $30 look like a big deal. I'm creative, a super sale shopper, and crafty that way.

 

[polkadotminnie]

I always put a swimsuit and goggles in my girls' baskets. We have a pool so we buy them each year anyway. I also put in some candy and sometimes a book.

 

[la79al]

My kids will get plenty of candy from church, etc egg hunts and grandparents/greatgrandparents so we will probably be doing tic-tacs and chocolate coins (the current favorites). Then I'll most likely add some packs of fruit snacks, crackers, etc, easy to grab snacks for longer carrides we'll take over the summer. I'm planning on swimsuits and summer shoes for those that need them. I have one kiddo with a spring birthday but I have one with a fall birthday so I use Easter as my chance to give her anything for summer. It's going to be smaller stuff but if I had a water table for example, I would probably throw that into the Easter mix so it's age and seasonally appropriate.

 

[Janepod]

No gifts at all, maybe $10 worth of candy, will stop baskets when kid stops believing in Easter bunny.

The day is all about church and family for us. Basket is totally unimportant and no one makes a big deal about it.

 

[amyr1]

Personally I think many people go WAY overboard.

For me, my Mom (and I'm 41) would always fill our Easter baskets with several small toys--crayons, bubbles, chalk, etc and a summer short set--instead of a bunch of candy.

When I had my ds 12 years ago I wanted to follow in this tradition. His birthday is October so March/April is about 6 months later. I just felt it was kind of a good time to give him age-appropriate toys that he was too young for on his birthday. Giving larger toys kind of sprung from that.

In the past I have put things like: Ds games, pencils, pens, notebooks, stuffed animals, Tonka trucks, hotwheels cars, Lego sets, stickers, etc. I usually collect clearance things I find after Xmas and save them for Easter.

I enjoy it and if anyone has a problem, then they don't need to be at my house on Easter morning.

Amy

 

[earthfaries]

Easter is different for each person and family. I know that I am in my mid 30's and I have pictures of my first Easters, in the 70's ~ with HUGE Easter baskets filled with candy and toys. I know my mom liked to make all our holidays extra special (she still does!), not only by being together but by giving us things we'd like too, and luckily she was able to, she could afford it.

It has rubbed off on me and I've always done BIG holidays. Easter, Valentines Day, Christmas, Halloween ...

My kids know that the best thing of any holiday, and every day, is being together but they also enjoy getting gifts (who doesn't?) and I LOVE giving them .

I have to admit I'm guilty of over doing it sometimes ... by some people's standards. But to me, I'm not. I'm doing it my way, the way I like to do it. The way it was done for me. As long as I'm able I will. My kids know that it's not a requirement getting lots of stuff and they don't expect it either. I actually always tell them that they won't be getting many gifts but then I always go overboard and end up buying a lot, lol. It just makes me so happy.

Anyway, Easter is not about money or gifts or big Easter baskets. It's about what YOU make it. It's YOUR choice, and mine. Everyone is different .

Enjoy your Easter and everyday!

​

 

[klineyqueen]

I am not low key or overboard....more in the middle. They get things they will need for summer. They each get a new swim suit. DD needs shorts so the bunny will bring a few pairs. DS needs new pj's so the same for him. A bit of candy and a few dollars.

This year there will be Disney trading pins in the eggs that the bunny hides. That way they will be set for our trip.

 

[gr8leg8]

This year we fly out to Disney just before Easter.
So my mom (we're celebrating her birthday) will get
a basket in a "nest egg" theme.

One of her plastic eggs will include a Disney gift card for her counter service meals.

Yes, it's a bit overboard.

My dad used to spoil her rotten.

He used gifts/tokens as expressions of love.
When I was an exchange student he gave me a pack of gum at the airport
to help unplug my ears. Translation: I love you, I'll miss you & have a great time.

He passed away in 2001,
I miss him.

happy Easter everyone.

 

[squirrel]

For my niece's and nephew I bought them each a pair of water wings (Speedo that were clearanced at $1 after summer) and some pool toys to use at Nana and Grandad's pool. I also have some bubbles for them.

I try not to get them candy as they will get plenty from their parent's and grandparent's.

I buy after the holiday/season and purchase for the next year. I save a lot of money.

 

[disneymom3]

We keep it low-key like your family. Will be putting a chocolate bunny in each basket and I like the idea of putting socks in the plastic eggs and a dollar in about two eggs, a quarter in the rest.

I LOVE the money idea! Have never even heard of that. I give candy and in the past have done a few small items but this year I am doing money! Maybe water balloons and bubbles too. I just don't want more stuff around. They already have more than they need.

 

[disneymom3]

For my niece's and nephew I bought them each a pair of water wings (Speedo that were clearanced at $1 after summer) and some pool toys to use at Nana and Grandad's pool. I also have some bubbles for them.

I try not to get them candy as they will get plenty from their parent's and grandparent's.

I buy after the holiday/season and purchase for the next year. I save a lot of money.

But that's the point of the thread. Why a gift at all? Not bashing, I really don't get it. My MIL will give the kid's a candy bar, a seasonal plastic cup and three gold coins. But she's grandma and that's just what she does. Can't imagine my SILs and I giving gifts to each other's kids.

 

[sissy_ib]

But that's the point of the thread. Why a gift at all? Not bashing, I really don't get it. My MIL will give the kid's a candy bar, a seasonal plastic cup and three gold coins. But she's grandma and that's just what she does. Can't imagine my SILs and I giving gifts to each other's kids.

This is pretty common with my friends who have nieces and nephews but not kids of their own. One friend has all three of her nieces over for sleep-overs about once a month. She always goes way overboard, not just on holidays. I think it is a little silly but I don't have kids or nieces and nephews yet.

 

[squirrel]

But that's the point of the thread. Why a gift at all? Not bashing, I really don't get it. My MIL will give the kid's a candy bar, a seasonal plastic cup and three gold coins. But she's grandma and that's just what she does. Can't imagine my SILs and I giving gifts to each other's kids.

I supose I don't have to give them anything. I see my niece's quite a bit as they live about 4 blocks away. I don't have any of my own children so I get them things on holidays. I've taken my niece's to WDW twice each. They come over for sleepovers too, but seperately!

 

[kimsuenew]

It depends on the person making baskets I suppose. Growing up are were given small candy baskets, no "goodies" were in them but I can remeber getting an Easter dress yearly (besides school clothes this was our only outfit yearly).

I absolutely love making baskets and giving them! It brings joy to me!

I do not like much candy and have never given much. My baskets have more "things" than "candy" which drives up the cost. The candy portion always includes a Reeses Egg and Peeps, often a Nerd Rope when I can find them! Oh yeah... and a Pez Dispenser that is Easter themed!

For the neices and nephew my cost is about $20.00-$30.00 each (10 total).

For my students (8) I averaged about $10.00 last year for really small baskets (just a token really). I made need to spend a dab more this year but not much.

For my husband and son... always much more.

Husband probably ranges $30.00-$50.00 (things like a DVD, shirt, cologne in there).

Son probably averages about $100.00 (sometimes more) and always has. He gets things like DVD's, CD's, video games, cologne, clothing, and nicer writing instruments. This year I will include tablets for his Smart Pen which are pretty pricey. When he was younger DVD's, CD's, videos, video games, Legos, GI Joes, and RC Cars were his "norm".

I am excited because I have a new baby niece (she was a surprise baby for her parents and us)! I get to make a girly, infant Easter Basket so I am having a ball!

 

[JaymeC]

The baskets I give my children are very similar to ones I got as a child... to me they've always included small gifts. I don't get that they seem to have spread to giving gift baskets to someone other than your children, but to each their own. Having said that, when I was a child our toys were new balls, jump ropes, chalk, etc. My children get... new balls, jump ropes, chalk... and now a wii game or a movie. I don't think it's so much a sign of it becoming more a gift giving holiday as the world just changing. Kids want different things now. Usually my kids get one movie along with their other toys and as minimal on the candy as I can get (one chocolate bunny, one peeps, one cadbury egg and maybe a couple other small treats).

Our family tradition is to try to make baskets out of things besides baskets. Hats are popular. This year the boys are getting their Easter 'basket' in a pirate hat. It's something my mother didn't do, but something I've enjoyed a lot

 

[kimsuenew]

But that's the point of the thread. Why a gift at all? Not bashing, I really don't get it. My MIL will give the kid's a candy bar, a seasonal plastic cup and three gold coins. But she's grandma and that's just what she does. Can't imagine my SILs and I giving gifts to each other's kids.

Everybody is different!

My oldest nephew is 25. I call him my "practice baby"! He was the first nephew/grandchild and the only for nearly five years. My baskets for nieces/nephews started with him!

I simply love making and giving baskets! My n/n range from four months to age 25 and they all get baskets! The reason for the season is always made clear and the cards included are spiritual. Generally at some point they all have gotten (son included) or will get a Bible/Bible carrier as part of their baskets. I have included my n/n since before my DS was born. I love them and appreciate them and enjoy sharing my blessings with them as well!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I once had the opportunity to give several children baskets at Easter. I made baskets with candy, bunnies, fruit, and small gifts. Also bought each child a new outfit that was hanging by their basket. The little darlings responses? "Is that all we get?"

Huh? No real reason to share that, I suppose other than the memory of that returns every now and then.

Fast forward many years...

A little one that I'll be making a basket for this year clearly does not get into candy too much. The child still has Christmas candy! So, I'll be making a basket with a few candy bits (the required chocolate bunny) but some other things, too. Maybe a small book, a few little toys like cars, or whatever catches my eye.

I guess it mostly depends on the framework of the individual celebration, doesn't it? If the focus is on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, then the basket is almost unnecessary, although not "wrong" in any sense. If the focus is on the renewal of the seasons, spring... then the basket can reflect that. Whatever works for your family or for whom you are doing the basket!

 

[VAfamily1998]

When I was a kid, my parents never put a lot of candy in the baskets. On easter, we usually had a lot of extended family over for dinner, and the small amount of candy we did get, my mom would put in a big bowl out for the guests to snack on. When Cadbury creme eggs came out (I don't remember them being readily available until I was about 7 or 8 years old) , my siblings and I would get one each. My parents would cut one three ways (there were 3 of us kids) and we woudl each get a piece. We'd get to do that (have 1/3 of a creme egg) 3 different days.

I will not do that to my kids. I tend to go a little overboard on the candy to make sure I don't.

So my kids are getting a ton of candy in their basket....and maybe one wii game each...not positive about that though. My kids are all boys between 5-12.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree in our family the focus of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ...just like the focus of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. How many people do not give their children Christmas gifts??? It's about balance and tradition. We would never tell our boys that the reason for Easter is for a bunny to bring you gifts, we do not even tell them the Easter Bunny is real, but its a fun way to celebrate the Holiday. We go to church twice on Easter, have a egg hunt and dye eggs AND throughout the day remind everyone why we have Easter. My boys do not get something every time we go shopping and I LOVE planning and creating baskets so it works for us.
Just to make this thread even better......who all follows the tradition of the Easter Bunny?