First, purchase an affordable Easter basket that can be reused year after year. Fill the basket with colored tissue paper (your child's favorite color, of course) instead of the typical grass. Then, create a theme—something your child is interested in right now, such as painting, sports, or video games. Place five items related to the theme in the basket. Gather lovely spring flowers, whether out of your garden or purchased from a flower shop, and sprinkle them throughout the basket. Finish it off by enclosing the basket in a gift bag made of cellophane or another transparent fabric. Secure the top with a decorative ribbon in your child's favorite color.

If you want to stay away from sweets this year, fill your kids' baskets with the following:
toys
books
DVDs/CDs
crayons/coloring books
healthy sweets like fruit, dried fruit, chocolate-covered raisins, homemade treats (they don't contain preservatives)
money

If your kids are older but you're not ready to give up the Easter basket tradition, give them the following:
printable coupons for movie tickets
gift certificate for a movie rental
gift certificate for gas or car cleaning
mall gift certificate
nail polish/lip gloss
a new toothbrush
a journal
a book
sunglasses
magazines
hair bands/hair supplies
bath products, such as salts and lotions
money

For more ideas on how to personalize your Easter baskets this holiday season, see "Baskets of Fun," on page 48 of the March/April issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine.

For ideas on Easter treats for your holiday celebration, see "Easter Delights," on page 40 of the March/April 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine.