Holidays are always short and full of activities and even though we may sweat out a bit physically they get us back mentally refreshed and all ready to go. The important part though is stay away from the fatigue and enjoy life to the fullest. Keeping us physically fit with a bit of proper planning including meal plans is the key. The wonderful EASTER RECIPES and Good Food of course, are not to be missed ! And whether you are vacationing in Disneyland or the Phillipines, it pays to know secrets to save whilst enjoying all the goodies.... CHOCOLATES ANYONE ?

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

EASTER GIFT BASKET ideas

A gift basket is versatile. It can be adapted for any occasion and the types and sizes of the basket items can range from the frugal and small to the extravagant and large. It all depends on the gift giver and the basket receiver. Try on a few of these ideas for Easter for the wee ones in your life.
Newborns are so small and adorable. They rely on mom and dad for everything that they need. Make life a little easier for new parents. The gifts in an Easter basket for babies are mostly for the parents and others who will be sharing in the care of the child.
Let’s start with the layout of the basket. Depending on how many gifts you plan to give, make sure that the basket is deep and wide enough to accommodate all of the goodies. Keep in mind that the season is spring and the holiday is Easter. Instead of the traditional green grass that normally lines an Easter basket, fill the bottom of the gift basket with a layer of rolled up washcloths and baby bath towels in spring pastel colors. The towels should be lined up along the outer edge of the basket and the washcloths should fill the center.
Put in the bigger items starting at the outer edge of the basket and working your way towards the center. Include coffee mugs in pastel colors and a jar of instant coffee along with a box of sugar packets. Getting up in the morning is hard with a baby that wakes several times during the night. Slippers for mom and dad would help during those long nights. Include an outfit for baby that can be worn on Easter morning if they choose. If you have any pictures of baby, have them mounted in a lapel pin or brooch so that the proud parents can showcase their precious little one on Easter Sunday morning.
Young children get store-bought Easter baskets each year. Surprise them this Easter with a homemade creation that comes from the heart. Be mindful of the age of the child when choosing edible additions and toys.
The Easter gift basket itself can be use all year round after the goodies are gone. The basket can hold clothes, toys, or other items in the child’s room. Instead of the usual grass, use pastel tissue paper to line the Easter basket. Cut several sheets into thin strips. Use the sharp edge of a pair of scissors to curl them.
Fill the gift basket with coloring books and crayons, small plush rabbits or baby chicks, and, depending on whether you are giving to a girl or a boy, action figures or small dolls. Since it is spring, the addition of a pair of plastic binoculars, a butterfly net, and/or bubbles would give children something to do during playtime outdoors. Fill plastic eggs with fun size packs of M&M® candies and small candy bars. Include small boxes of raisins and dried fruits for a change from jelly beans and marshmallow treats.
Easter gift baskets are an excellent idea for babies and children. The children receive a greater variety of gifts than they ever would from a pre-made basket. Gift givers have to do a little more work, but the smiling faces will make it worthwhile.
Krasen Tomov is the owner of My Gift Baskets Mart. For more information about easter baskets and easter baskets for baby, visit us at http://www.mygiftbasketsmart.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krasen_Tomov

GIVE GREAT EASTER GIFTS

If you want to give Easter gifts to the special people in your life, now is a good time to consider what makes a great Easter gift. Think back to a time in your life when you received a gift that meant a lot to you. Likely, the person who gave you the gift gave thought to what you would like, and then also took care in the gift's presentation, so that the whole experience would be memorable for you. To give your Easter gift recipients that same experience, take a little time now in the planning stage, and no doubt your family and friends will be thrilled with the results.
Easter baskets are the traditional gift given at this time of year, and they provide an opportunity for you to personalize the contents so that it will contain items that the recipient will be sure to enjoy. Everyone likes food treats, and items such as gourmet chocolates, candies like jelly beans, and baked items including decorated cookies or chocolate-covered pretzels will make everyone smile regardless of their age. When Easter baskets are given to children, they could also include toys that the child would have fun with, like soft and cuddly stuffed animals, or perhaps sidewalk chalk for hours of delight.
Sometimes an Easter gift can serve a practical purpose as well. If your gift recipient is an adult, why not include some gourmet chocolates along with gifts such as luxury soaps and bath gels, bath sponges and other appreciated items that can be enjoyed long after the holiday is over.
The way the items are presented in the basket also makes a big impact. You will want to do a little sleuthing to discover your recipient's favorite colors, and then use them in terms of gift wrap, ribbons and bows, and gift cards. There are many lovely clear plastic wrappings that come in beautiful colors to give an exciting accent to your Easter basket before your special someone even opens it. Ribbons and bows can be mixed to create layers of color, and can be shaped when they have wire edges. You can make wonderful Easter-themed pastel blends of the items inside the basket, suiting it specifically to what the recipient most enjoys. Chocolates can be decorated with colored icings, and colorful candies can be placed in bright plastic eggs for a pleasant surprise. Stuffed animals such as rabbits and chicks can help carry out your desired color theme as well. All of the gift items in the basket will need a soft bed of Easter grass, and this comes in several beautiful colors to add yet another impressive highlight to your thoughtful gift.
Anne Harvester is a homemaker extraordinaire with years of experience creating spectacular events and gifts. See her favorite Gift baskets, Easter gift baskets, Childrens Easter gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester