Easter Basket Ideas

[corkyanige]

We will be staying at a hotel pre-cruise over Easter. Sailing with husband and 2 kids (15 & 17) -- kids' first cruise. Has anyone done anything unique for their kids' Easter baskets for their cruise? I usually try to include practice things in the kids Easter baskets (Christmas stockings, etc) along with some treats. I've seen a few ideas for younger kids... but not really much for teens. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated????

 

An idea that I've been tossing around --- use big to-go type cups as their "basket", this way they could use it on the cruise and it wouldn't be something that we'd have to worry about storing in the cabin or pitching prior to the cruise like we would with a tradition "basket". And I'd fill the cups with some cruise "snacks" for them that they like but won't be readily accessible on the ship (jerky, candy bars, nuts, granola bars).

 

BUT, I don't know if Royal allows people to use their own cups? I plan to purchase the pop cards for them... will they fill these types of cups?

 

Any other ideas???

[Warm Breezes]

Last year I used those draw string back pack type bags for my kids baskets, thinking they could use these for our cruise in July (they were 12/14 then). Some items I included were disposable water cameras, disposable cameras, flip flops, lanyards, sunglasses, and swim suits/cover ups.

[6rugrats]

I usually try to include practice things in the kids Easter baskets (Christmas stockings, etc) along with some treats. I've seen a few ideas for younger kids... but not really much for teens.

 

 

You give your teens Christmas stockings in their Easter baskets?

 

Sorry, no suggestions, as when the kids no longer believe, we stop with the Easter baskets.

[corkyanige]

You give your teens Christmas stockings in their Easter baskets?

 

Sorry, no suggestions, as when the kids no longer believe, we stop with the Easter baskets.

 

No, I put practical things in their Easter baskets (as well as IN their Christmas stockings).

[notentirelynormal]

Maybe a gift certificate for on board credit. Or for an excursion they wanted to do but you told them they couldn't because it was too expensive. Cool sunglasses.

[carolinesmom]

I always try to limit the amount of candy, though I do include some. I have put swim suits, t-shirts, flip-flops, books, jewelry (nothing expensive), nail polish, play doh (for the younger ones), and other small things that they would like. Since you'll be away, I think the idea of something other than a basket makes sense. The cups are a possibility and I thought the idea of the small draw string backpacks was really good. You could fill it with things they could use on the cruise.

[newbiecruiser09]

On our last cruise (on RCI) I saw lots of folks walking around with cups that were not from the cruise line. At least on RCI, I think as long as they have the sticker on their sea pass they can have any container filled with soda. Like all the other ideas thrown out. Could also include some "arcade cash" or gift of OBC if they are into that.

[imsulin]

My five kids are long grown, and we still do Christmas stockings and Easter baskets, even though the contents tend to be on the humorous side! A family tradition, which we enjoy. Here's a thought - which may sound dorky - but it worked for my almost 3-yr. old DGD when I visited for a few weeks last month. I brought a bag of "stuff" (new books, candy lipstick, a cute pair of socks, bathtub crayons, a coloring book, goldfish crackers, a MM DVD, my old cell phone, etc.), which I hid under my bed. These were given out daily after nap to occupy her during the late afternoons while waiting for Mom and Dad to get home from work....and give me some peace. Maybe one item per day could be placed in the Easter Basket, to be given during crucial times. At least it would be a new surprise each day, and would get their attention. I know when mine were little, cramming a lot of stuff into a stocking was counter-productive, as they'd "ooh and aah" for half an hour and then forget about it. You could also pack larger items that wouldn't fit into a basket with a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, just an idea. I apologize for the dorkiness!

[imsulin]

Forget my previous post - boy, do I ever feel like a dork!! I tried to edit it after I mis-read your kids' ages, but apparently I took too much time. (Watching the Olympics) Here are some more age- appropriate ideas: Cash inside one of those plastic eggs which is superglued shut. A toy cell phone that makes noise so they can pretend. A gift-certificate to the local multi-plex movie theater. An IOU for a portion of your Bingo/Casino winnings. A coupon for Mom-done laundry which includes smelly socks. Bathtub crayons so they can leave "friendly" sibling messages on the shower walls. An inflatable brightly colored kiddie innertube for use at the beach. And so on. Sorry about my previous post - I really thought your kids were 5 and 7! Enjoy your cruise.

[corkyanige]

Thanks for all of the ideas!! I think I will start looking for some cute larger-sized cups... and definitely like the underwater disposable cameras!!

[Onessa]

If the pre-cruise hotel has internet access, you may want to consider an iTunes card for some last minute downloads. A "certificate" for internet access on-board can also be a big hit. (did that for a St. Nick gift on our last cruise at the begining of December).

 

DH is going to be 60 in a week and I still get HIM stocking stuffers and Easter basket stuff. Life is too short not to celebrate!

[In2why]

I live at the beach and we never have Easter Baskets. Instead I buy the large sand buckets and fill them will beach toys and what not. Of course that might not work for your teens (smile) But you could get a beach bag and use it as a "basket". Put in a cheap beach towel, sun screen, a frisbee, sunglasses, magazines, and flip-flops. Another neat idea is those water bottle thingys that spray water and have a fan. I don't know what they are called...but walmart has them and I love them on humid days.