How to Make a Tooth-Friendly Easter Basket
Easter is the second most important candy eating occasion of the year for Americans. It is projected that 2015 candy sales topped over $2 billion.
90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced each year. Chocolate bunnies should be eaten ears first, according to 76% of Americans. Five percent said bunnies should be eaten feet first, while 4% favored eating the tail first.
Each Easter season, Americans buy more than 700 million 
Marshmallow Peeps, shaped like chicks, as well as Marshmallow Bunnies and Marshmallow Eggs, making them the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy. As many as 5 million Marshmallow Peeps, bunnies, and other shapes are made each day in preparation for Easter. In 1953 it took 27 hours to create ONE Marshmallow Peep. Today it takes 6 minutes. Yellow Peeps are the most popular.
Americans consume 16 billion jellybeans at Easter. If all the Easter jellybeans were lined end to end, they would circle the globe nearly three times. 70% of kids aged 6-11 say they prefer to eat jellybeans one at a time while 23% report eating several at once. Favorite jellybean flavor? Cherry.
For parents worried that their children might eat too much Easter candy, we found a few tips that will delight and satisfy their sweet-tooth!
Tip #1 - Instead of making a huge chocolate bunny the centerpiece of your Easter basket, replace it with a stuffed bunny or a really meaningful toy that your child will be very excited about.
Tip #2 - Reduce the amount of candy in the Easter basket by mixing the sweet treats with healthier alternatives such as sugar-free gum, fruit, graham or cheddar bunnies, applesauce pouches or sugar-free candies. If you opt for chocolate, remember dark chocolate is a healthier choice.
Tip#3 - Make candy an after-dinner treat. Freeze your leftover Easter candy and make a game out of giving your child a piece or two after they finish their meal.
Tip #4 - Give out some homemade coupons. This is especially great for older kids. They can redeem them for awards, privileges or freedom from chores!
Tip #5 - Create an Easter basket around a theme. Is there a favorite sport, cartoon character or hobby?
Still looking for ideas? Here are a few of our favorite Easter basket fillers:
- Beach Toys
- Flip Flop Fashion Kit
- Mini Lego Sets
- Hair Accessories
- Nail Polish
- Bath Crayons
- Brain Quest Cards
- Bubbles
- Stationary Set
- Books
- Ingredients for homemade playdough and directions on how to make it with your family
- Stickers and Sticker Book
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Matchbox Cars
