Fun Alternatives to Candy for Your Child’s Easter Basket
The weather around Fuquay-Varina is getting warmer and the department and grocery store shelves are loaded with candy, which can only mean one thing – Easter is just around the corner! We know it’s tradition for Easter eggs and baskets to be loaded down with sugary treats, but more and more parents are searching for alternatives that are a bit healthier and safer. Instead of Easter being a sugar-filled holiday, our pediatric dentistry team is sharing some fun ideas for a sugar-free holiday that’s sure to be a hit!
Candy-Free Easter Egg Fillers
Those little plastic eggs are perfect for hiding tiny treats, including Skittles, M&Ms, and jelly beans, but sticky candies, hard candies, and hard-shelled chocolates are some of the worst foods for your child’s teeth. Not only is the sugar damaging to the enamel and can cause decay over time, in some cases, they can be too hard for children to bite. This causes breaks or can stick and pull loose teeth before they’re ready to come out.
For your up-coming Easter egg hunt, fill your eggs with these prizes instead:
- Bouncy balls
- Lego figures
- Mini nail polish/lip-balm
- Nickels and dimes
- Erasers
- Miniature toy cars
- Keychains
- Sponge capsules
- Self-inking stamps
- Stretchy figurines
- Mini Play-Doh
If you have toddlers and you’re worried about choking hazards, try:
- Goldfish crackers
- Cheerios
- Stickers
- Mini pretzels
- Small animal figurines
Or you can take your Easter egg hunt a step further! Put anywhere from one to five paper clips in each egg, and whoever gets the most paper clips wins a grand prize, then a runner up, and so forth.
Family Dentist-Approved Easter Basket Ideas
Now that your Easter eggs will get the approval of your Fuquay-Varina family dentist, what about your Easter baskets? Let’s trade out the chocolate bunnies, nougat-filled eggs, and marshmallow chicks for something a bit less cavity-causing!
Outdoor Fun
Get your kids outside and into the fresh air by loading their baskets with items that foster outdoor play and activity. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump rope, and sandbox toys, like pails and shovels are fun all summer long. Be sure to add in some sunglasses and a sun hat, too!
Budding Artist
If your child is artistic or creative, consider an art-themed basket loaded with everything they need to create their next masterpiece. Art supplies like markers and watercolors, stamps, and construction paper spark creativity. Magnetic doodle boards and On-the-Go arts and crafts books by Melissa & Doug are both perfect for passing the time at a waiting room or on a road trip.
Beauty Basket
For the child or young adult who loves self-care, make up a beauty basket! Nail polish and nail care items for at-home pedicures, single-size face masks, and sample sizes of shower gels and make-up work well for older children, while younger kids can enjoy flavored lip balms and hair accessories.
Of course, you don’t have to go with a theme for a sugar-free basket! You can simply add gifts, books, and small toys that are perfect for your child!
Moderation is Key to Healthy Teeth
While we wanted to provide some alternatives to candy, we also know that a bit of sugar isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, at our Fuquay Varina pediatric dentistry office, we believe that teaching moderation in what we eat and drink, coupled with good habits, including regular dental checkups and appropriate teeth brushing, are all essential to long-term dental health.
Contact Our Family Dentist for Your Child’s Checkup
If it’s time for your child’s regular checkup and teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment for him or her at Hamby Family Dental Center. Our team provides pediatric dentistry services in Fuquay Varina in addition to working with adults and are here to care for your whole family. You can schedule an appointment by filling out our form or feel free to call us at (919) 552-2431.