Patch Picks:10 Great Easter Gift Ideas

Monday's Patch Picks column was dedicated to all the placed to go in the area to enjoy . Now we show some great gifting ideas for those close to your heart.

1) A traditional way to celebrate the Easter holiday is with flowers such as Easter Lilies and similar springtime favorites. Think tulips, daffodils, hydrangeas and daisies. Stop by to gather some great ideas and beautiful selections.

Tip: If you are fortunate enough to have some growing in your yard then just use those to save a little cash this holiday. Arrange them together or separately depending on the type of look you want. Any way you choose to display, it’s sure to delight!

2) They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach so this Easter win them over by making some great homemade recipes such as super Eggs Florentine Casserole or a variation of Deviled Eggs. If you’re too busy to get stuck in the kitchen then take the family out for a nice family dinner at Longhorn or whatever you’re in the mood for. Relax with an Easter drink over dinner.

 3) A really great place to make homemade gifts is pottery studio on Howdershell. There are endless choices guaranteed to please whoever you are shopping for. Paint or stencil a mug, plate, tile….the list goes on. Ask your gift recipient their favorite colors and with that in mind, make them a wonderful and truly one-of-a-kind gift. The studio fee (which is waived a couple hours in the day) is only $5 and some projects can be completed for just another $5.

 4) Have an Easter picnic in the park while you hunt for those eggs. White Birch has a free egg hunt for the kiddies this Saturday morning, and afterwards lay out a blanket, have some food and go through your sweet candy. There’s always fishing attoo for some wholesome family fun time.

 5) Have someone that’s super active on your list this year? Buy them a gift certificate to Curves workout center or enroll in Zumba with them at the or Community Center. They offer many different classes at very reasonable prices sure to fit any taste and budget.

 6) For a unique and thoughtful gift, fill plastic eggs with handwritten notes/phrases that are dear to the person. Describe a quality that you love and admire in them or simply recall a great memory you’ve shared together. Add little trinkets to the eggs for added significance and place all the eggs in a cute basket or hide them for the person to find. Guaranteed to make smile and feel special.

 7) Pick up some delectable treats at . You can never go wrong with creamy carrot cakes and egg-cellent cupcakes!

 8) Don’t forget your pets when you’re out doing your Easter shopping. They’ve been your loyal companions and deserve a little something special too. Get Fido and Felix new collars or some treats at the Dollar General or General Pet Supply Midwest then take them on a walk to show your appreciation.

 9) Know a gardener on your list of egg-ceptional people? Go to Waldabart and Sons Nursery or Teson Farms Greenhouses and Landscape and get them a sweet surprise. Buy some plants and seed packets and place in a basket for them to grow at their leisure, or give seeds for herbs along with some recipes to use them with. Then every year they can look at their beauties and remember what a great Easter gift they were.

 10) And the all-time tried-and-true Easter gift is always a themed Easter basket. This gift can be enjoyed by recipients of all ages. For a baby, pack the basket with nick-nacks, clothing with ducks and bunnies on them, religious jewelry, or floral headbands. A ducky bath set is always a plus too. For toddlers pack bubbles, sunglasses, hats, sidewalk chalk, kites, or butterfly nets. And for older kids grab a set of Beverly Cleary books at Books-A-Million or Word A Flame Book Store coupled with a stuffed bunny or other toy they will like. Teens and adults will enjoy baskets filled with magazine subscriptions, gift cards, movie passes, and blank CD’s to burn.