I may not believe in the Easter Bunny anymore, but I do believe in waking up on Easter morning to find wicker baskets overflowing with plastic grass, Peeps, and chocolate bunnies — even as a so-called "grownup." This year, up the ante with these Easter basket ideas for adults. I mean, as long as you are putting together a basket for your nieces, nephews, and younger cousins, you might as well get in on the fun, too. Sure, you aren't eight-years-old anymore, but you can still appreciate the fluffy goodness of a sugar-coated marshmallow chick just like anybody half your size, right? Right.
Even when I was in college and would go home to visit my parents on Easter, my mom would always make sure to have an Easter basket waiting for me. It was almost like stepping back into time back to my elementary school days — I would wake up early to find chocolate eggs wrapped in colorful foil, countless jellybeans buried at the bottom of my basket, and the crowning glory of any Easter basket, a solid milk chocolate bunny. Sometimes, she would also sneak in other treasures too — Gelly Roll pens just like the ones I used to obsess over as a kid, movie tickets, and gift cards to my favorite store. Heck. Yes.
The last couple of Easters, I've spent away from family — but that doesn't mean I've turned my back on Easter baskets altogether. Whether you are putting together a basket for friends, relatives, or yourself (I mean, why not?), here are some ideas to make it feel worthy of a true grownup.
1. Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
Cadbury Creme Eggs, $24, Amazon; Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, $22, Amazon
Why should kids get all the delicious fun here? Go ahead and load up that basket with lots of goodies — and we're not talking about those cheap hollow bunnies. Everyone knows that, in the hierarchy of Easter candy, Cadbury Creme Eggs reign supreme. When I was little, I was lucky to find one or two in my basket. As a grown woman who's not afraid of a little sugar rush, I might just include a whole dozen. Oh, and Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. Because those are amazing, and because I deserve them. All of them.
2. Alcohol
Why not? Honestly, I can't think of a better way to class up an adult Easter basket than by throwing in a bottle of Prosecco, but feel free to mix things up with a sampling of nips bottles. If you really wanna get festive, you can try hiding them in those candy-colored plastic eggs that open up.
3. Some '90s nostalgia
Tamagotchis, $15, Amazon; Lip Smackers, $9, Amazon; Fun Dip, $11, Amazon
Part of the appeal of having an Easter basket as an adult is that it instantly reminds you of those sunny, care-free days of your childhood — so go ahead and give your basket a little nostalgia boost. Like I said, I was always thrilled to find Gelly Roll pens in my Easter basket — sometimes, the simple things have the greatest impact — but go ahead and handpick items from the '90s and early 2000s that mean the most to you. Tamagotchis? Go for it. Lip Smackers? Yessssssss. And don't forget to include a few throwback candies as well, too. You know you used to be ALL about Fun Dip, so throw some in to the mix.
4. Lottery tickets
These aren't terribly expensive, and they can literally pay off. Plus, win or lose, everyone loves scratch-off tickets (there's something oddly satisfying scraping at that silver overlay with a quarter), so go ahead and stick a few in there. You won't regret it.
5. Makeup
When you were younger, you were all about finding 99 cent nail polishes in your basket. As an adult, your tastes have improved somewhat. Hit up your fave makeup counter, pick out one or two items you've had your eye on, and splurge. After all, this is a holiday, and you deserve to have something nice.
6. Gift cards
I don't understand people who turn their noses at gift cards, or claim that they're too impersonal a gift. Personally, if people would just give me gift cards for all holidays and birthdays from here on out, I would be the happiest human on the planet. They don't even have to be worth that much money — any little bit takes the edge off of paying full price for something at your favorite store
7. A Chipotle Gift Card
Speaking of gift cards, all anybody really wants anytime of year is more Chipotle right? Or am I just speaking for myself right now? Throw in a piece of plastic good for one free meal at your basket recipient's favorite restaurant or coffee shop. Free food always wins as the best gift of them all.
8. Movie tickets
Movie tickets are always something I want, but never want to buy myself. Hit up AMC or Fandango to purchase gift cards good for two tickets. That way, the next time a rainy spring afternoon comes around (and it will come around), you and your basket's recipient won't be bored.
9. Fresh flowers
You know what having fresh flowers in your home says? It says you're grownup AF. And, with the spring season upon us, you get to have your pick. Go with white lilies if you're sticking to the Easter theme, or stock up on breezy daffodils for an extra bit of sunshine.
10. Whatever the heck you want
One of the best parts about being a grownup is being able to do whatever you want. No need to let the Easter Bunny bring the surprises — fill up those adult baskets with whatever strikes your fancy. This year, the Easter spotlight is all yours.
Images: Getty Images; Kathryn Kattalia; Giphy
