It’s no secret that we keep things low key around here when it comes to Easter baskets… Longtime readers may recall that I took quite a bit of flak a few years ago when I shared the budget-friendly Easter basket that I built for my kids to share!
Yes, it still blows my mind that there were some readers who were appalled that I “forced” my five kids to SHARE a single Easter basket, but I can assure you that they were NOT scarred for life when they all came tumbling downstairs on Easter morning. In fact, as soon as they found all of the plastic eggs hidden throughout the house, they were beside themselves to get their shoes on and head outside to play with the bubbles, bouncy balls and sidewalk chalk. Not one. single. complaint…
It’s not just Easter, though — we lean heavily toward gifts that spark creativity and imagination and family activities for all holidays that we celebrate. Example, just last week we made these cute “carrot” strawberries and turned them into Carrot Patch Oreo Dirt Cups. I’m pretty sure that the time we spent together creating and making messes, while talking and laughing, will stick with them for years to come.
Before we made them, my kids and I stopped by Walmart after soccer practice to pick up a few ingredients we needed. We ended up in the Easter section to pick up the Wilton Orange Candy Melts, so we took a look around. They really have some very cool items stocked right now!
Some of my favorite finds:
While I was drawn to the wide selection of willow, bamboo and woodchip baskets (starting at $7.98), my younger kids headed straight for the licensed character Easter baskets pictured above. I can’t say that I’m surprised, since they feature some of their favorite characters, like Frozen, Transformers, and Disney Princess.
We contemplated picking up one of the Spraytastic! egg decorating kits, but we had so much fun making these Rubber Cement Dyed Easter Eggs, that we’ll probably use that technique again.
I may sneak back to get a box of those cupcake candy-filled “eggs” for my girls, and I’ll admit to tossing a package of the Sour Patch Bunnies in my basket. What can I say? I’m not really big on candy, but Sour Patch Kids are totally my weakness…
Peeps Taste Test Easter Basket
I also ended up tossing several packages of Peeps into my cart after my kids came up with this idea for a Peeps Taste Test Easter basket. Even though I *really* try to limit the amount of candy that we bring into our home (ahem, perhaps I should have left the Sour Patch Bunnies on the shelf), after seeing the large assortment of flavors, they started chatting about how much fun it would be to do a blind taste test and guess the flavors — especially once they saw the Mystery Peeps (a Walmart exclusive)! Their enthusiasm was contagious, so I caved.
Since a package of Peeps is only a dollar, this is a really budget friendly idea. We had a sleep mask at home that we used as a blindfold, but you could also tuck an inexpensive color-coordinating bandana into the basket.
They set everything for the taste test up themselves and asked me to videotape it, so I got to witness the fun firsthand. I’ll warn you it’s a little long, but I thought I’d share the results with you:
I’m sure you’re probably wondering just what flavor are the Mystery Peeps? And the truth is, we’re not sure! Everyone in the family tried them, and we all agreed they’re pretty fruity — but the actual flavor varied from fruit punch to strawberry to cherry. Hopefully we won’t have to wonder for long — I have it on authority that Peeps will be revealing the flavor on national TV sometime before Easter. Let me know if you see the announcement!
Whether you want to build this Peeps basket or have your own ideas, Walmart has all of the hottest Easter offerings at everyday low prices!
Leigh
What a cute video!! It didn’t seem long to me for I was waiting in anticipation for her guesses. One suggestion tho. If others decide to take the challenge, they might also want to use a nose-clip as well as the blindfold. The scent can be a giveaway before taking that first bite, eh? LOVED her popcorn guess!! Now, was that plain, butter or w/ caramel? *hee*
Now, in regard to you making one basket for your kids to share — which I say do what you need to / want to & boo-hoo to the haters — to make you feel better, I’m not a fan of Peeps. Yes, I LOVE sweets (just ask anyone that knows me. *hee*) but, Peeps just don’t “do it” for me. However, I wish I did for all of the new flavors look & sound so yummy!!!
Which flavor was her favorite? It’d be interesting to also hear all of the kids & yours too. For only a $1, I might just have to pick up the best of the best.
Tara Kuczykowski
Thanks, Leigh! I’m not a huge fan of Peeps, either, but my kids love them. I did taste the Birthday Cake flavor, and they weren’t too bad. I think Addie liked the Sweet Lemonade the best, and they all agreed that the Bubblegum was probably their least favorite.
Leigh
Hmmm…I’ll look for the birthday cake next time I’m at Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, I just went. I agree by name only that bubblegum sounds icky. I just doesn’t sound like it should be a flavor. I have a 20 year old & I bet he’d like to do the taste test. He could then take the ones I didn’t care for back to school w/ him. We’ll see about that &, if it transpires, I’ll let you know the results.
Leigh
The one flavor I wanted,(BD cake) Wal-Mart didn’t have. Just my luck. Also, my son never replied to the taste test idea so I didn’t buy any.
Sandi Woods
I am from PA and we love our Peeps..Thanks for all and I love your Easter imagination…you just added some fun to the day…who wants to raise obese children who just look forward to a day of sitting around a basket full of candy. mine never did! We had Easter egg hunts without candy inside but clues to where the real goodies and fun were. Some people just can’t handle those with an imagination! Don’t ever lose yours especially because of other peoples opinions…you know what they are like and we all have one! Happy Easter!