When Did Easter Become Second Christmas?

Easter is right around the corner, and so are egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and Easter baskets. It’s a fun way for kids to welcome springtime, and for parents? Well, for some parents, it’s a another trip down Debt Lane. I saw a post in a Facebook group recently where one mama asked how much we spend on Easter baskets. The answer was a little … alarming.

Many moms didn’t set a spending limit. Others estimated $100 or more, depending on what they get. Some moms have ditched the baskets in favor of a mini vacation (which, sign me up please). The average cost of an Easter basket, regardless of age, was $50-$75. PER basket, PER kid, even in multiple kid homes.

There was a rare post that set a limit of about $20 per basket. And other outliers estimating $200-$350.

If you’re curious how an Easter basket can be worth $100 or more, it gets filled with swimming suits, shoes, video games, toys, clothes, books, and/or candy. Sometimes bikes. Not that those fit in a basket.

When did Easter become Second Christmas? Mamas, and I ask this sincerely, why?    

On the one hand, many moms noted that what drives up the price of Easter baskets are clothes or shoes that they would need to buy for spring anyway. But on the other hand, that doesn’t necessarily need to be a special occasion. The Easter Bunny doesn’t need to bring my kid new shoes. There doesn’t need to be a holiday for him to get what he needs for the season. Just go to the store and call it a day.

On the other hand, some moms were very open and honest that they go overboard. Some remarked that they know they need/want to scale back, and others owned the decision to spend a car payment on their kids’ Easter baskets. Go big or go home! I admire their honesty.

Image may contain: food
Photo Credit: PMB Contributor Liz H.

 

I am in the camp of $15 or $20 to spend on candy, treats, and a small toy. Gotta have the little plastic eggs along with the hard-boiled ones that were usually dyed the day or two before. It was always a treat growing up to see what was inside the plastic eggs: a piece of candy, some change, and sometimes, a $5 bill. To a kid, that’s exciting! They don’t care more about their Easter basket when it costs more. Do they?

I am also in the camp of “If I forget to do an Easter basket, oh well!” We’re kind of Scrooges when it comes to the Easter Bunny, because it’s just not that important to us. That’s not to say we’re not also getting our kids new outfits for spring or summer. But we’re not making a big deal about it and pretending like a giant rabbit brought something extra special and hid it in the empty dryer. Or for fairness to the teenager who obviously doesn’t believe in the Easter Bunny, we’re not using Easter as an excuse to lavish him with gifts. Memorial Day sales are right around the corner anyway; we’ll get his summer outfits then. Maybe we’ll do a Memorial Day basket. ?

On a side note, I remember when I stopped believing in the Easter Bunny. Third grade. Heard my parents shuffling around in the hallway outside my room at night. In the morning, lo and behold, there was a colored plastic egg right in that same corner. 

Image may contain: one or more people and people standing
Photo Credit: PMB Contributor Michelle W.

 

Tell me, Pittsburgh moms … what’s in your Easter basket?