Easter is a time of deep meaning for Christians all over the world. It is, of course, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, as children, our focus was probably more on the Easter Bunny and what he would leave in our baskets come Easter morning. Spotting those baskets full of goodies would make our faces light up with joy.

So why can’t we celebrate both the true meaning of the day and still have some of the fun we remember as kids? After all, adults appreciate surprises as well.
Once my stepchildren grew out of the whole Easter Bunny and basket tradition, I still found myself filling one every year for my husband. I enjoy finding unique and exciting foods and other items for him to wake up to on Easter. Instead of candies and toys as I used to buy for the kids, in his basket are bags of trail mix and protein bars, flavored popcorn, maybe a book or movie, and possibly even some clothes. Of course, I still get him a chocolate Easter bunny since it wouldn’t be a true and complete Easter basket without one.

How about doing an Easter basket for a special adult in your life? If you have a best friend or partner who loves to knit or crochet, fill it with yarn, needles, and some patterns. Or, if there is a music lover in your life, put in some CD’s or a gift card to download some songs from the internet. If you really want to go upscale, include a couple of tickets to a concert or a nice pair of headphones.

If your favorite someone likes wine, fill up that basket with a couple of bottles and maybe some gourmet cheese and crackers, a whimsical wine stopper and a bottle opener. If there’s room for more, include a couple of festive wine glasses and candles.

For those who like to read, books, magazines, colorful bookmarks, and a book light can easily fill a basket. Have a sports nut in the house? How about some beer and delicious snacks for that upcoming game on ESPN, or an autographed picture or jersey of their favorite player? Tea lovers would appreciate an oversized colorful mug, a tin of fresh tea leaves and a tea strainer. If you want to go fancier, there are a ton of pretty tea pots and cozies. Many of these items can be found right in your local stores.

Give the adults in your life a wonderful surprise to wake up to on Easter morning. However, they may love the basket so much that you’ll have to do one for them every year. But that’s okay; they’re worth it. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll wake up to your own basket of specialties next year.

Written for The Country Register published across the U.S. and Canada