We celebrate Easter because He is Risen! Jesus. We prepare for Easter by first going through Lent. Opening our hearts and making more time for Christ. Showing as much love as we can, so that when Easter is here, we can be full in our hearts.

I have two little ones. My two-year-old absolutely loves Jesus, and especially any toys that are named after Jesus. She is currently really into learning all the Saints’ names, as many as she can. She already knows about fifty, and I’m being serious. We have these flash cards, and she matches them to the Saint magnets we have on the fridge, that I bought from Shining Light Dolls. I highly recommend you shop there for all your little kid toys. My daughter doesn’t need any candy. I have given in a few times, more than I should have, and given her a Kit-Kat bar. It takes her a week or so to finish the whole thing, though.

Shining Light Dolls has some really nice toys. I will say they are the most played with toys by my toddler. The magnets are a huge hit, and we play with them every day. The dolls and plush dolls are the perfect size. The wooden toys are a huge hit as well. Then, the stickers! Stickers give what seems like hours of being occupied for my busy little girl. She loves stickers. Especially during each season, and each holiday. Shining Light Dolls make the stickers related to the other toys.

If you want to gift some fun things for littles, go with Play-Doh, bubbles, chalk, crayons, paint, some new Honest pajamas, or a specific clothing item they are in need of. You can find the Honest pajamas like the ones below on Amazon here https://amzn.to/4kSoRnb.

Tip: Wash any clothing item ahead of time so they can wear it right away, especially if it’s an Easter outfit.

Lastly, all kids love stuffed animals and books. Books are wonderful gifts for littles. Some great ideas for books are:

The Story of Jesus Little Golden Book https://amzn.to/3QWGtAj

You’re my little blessing by Natalie Marshall https://amzn.to/3FhfPjb

A Saint a Day by Meredith Hinds https://amzn.to/3FhbBrH

Jesus Loves Me Songbook by Ginger Swift https://amzn.to/3FeAvs0

My daughter has been holding onto the Saint magnet and flashcard of St. Clare of Assisi. I can tell she just adores her by how she lights up. She will be thrilled when she sees there’s a doll too. These are some great ideas to help bring your children closer to Jesus during Easter.

If it’s not sold out already, Shining Light Dolls has an Easter morning magnet set! Wonderful way to teach your kids about Easter.

If you don’t want to put a bunch of candy in those plastic eggs for an Easter Egg Hunt, you can put some of their favorite little toys in them and hide them. My daughter has actually played with these eggs all year round. She loves putting toys in and closing them. I like to buy the bigger eggs because the small eggs are too small for kids under three.

They do make some really big eggs you can hide bigger items in too. Toddlers love these! Find them here https://amzn.to/3DzYZLV.

We are still in Lent, so as you’re planning for the kids Easter baskets, check out Shining Light Dolls. I like to get the kids Easter gifts early because a lot of the magnet sets sell out fast. If you have older kids, maybe take them to see The Chosen in theatres at the end of this month. Highly anticipated!

Also, now is the time for helping others out if you can in special ways. If you can, give more money in the basket at Sunday mass. Look through your pantry, and if you have any extra food items, donate them to the local food pantry. Many times the boy scouts come around and will pick them up. A local post office will usually take food items in a bin as well. Just ask. Donate clothes to St. Vincent de Paul’s. Focus on not buying unnecessary items. Be intentional with your time and money. Help out a friend or family member that you know of. Make time for Jesus. Love and give to others.

Have a blessed Lent and Easter!