Easter baskets matched to the recipient

An Easter basket need not be built around candy. A small activity, book, or note can make the gift more personal. Decide who will use it and where before choosing toys, treats, or decorations.

For children, start with age labels

Read the manufacturer’s age recommendations and inspect small pieces, detachable decorations, and loose filler. CPSC guidance explains the small-parts hazard for children under three. Keep packaging and labels for the adults who will supervise use.

Sources: CPSC: Small Parts Ban and Choking Hazard Labeling

For adults, choose a shared moment

A garden-starting theme, a recipe exchange, or a spring walk invitation can be more useful than novelty objects. If adding food, ask about preferences and allergies. FDA advises people with food allergies to read packaged-food labels, so retain those labels when you repackage anything.

Sources: FDA: Food Allergies

Set up one activity

A seed-starting activity can pair seeds suited to the local season with a simple instruction card for an adult recipient. A child’s basket could include an age-labeled book and a planned egg hunt, with small objects kept away from children who could swallow them. An adult who does not want sweets might prefer a spring walk invitation.

• Check the age and supervision needs for each activity.
• Use enough filler to protect items, not a loose layer that hides small pieces.

Keep the presentation simple

A reusable container can hold the items without excessive filler. Put any activity instructions in a short note. If you are mailing the basket, pack breakables securely and verify the destination and current seller terms. The gift can be given before or after the holiday if that better suits the recipient.