Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way! Don’t get caught off guard by the early date – March 31 will be here before we know it, so now is the time to start prepping your kids’ Easter baskets. Spring into these ideas for supporting local Manhattan area businesses and organizations while also finding treats your child will enjoy Easter weekend and beyond.
Faith-Based Gifts
For those who celebrate Easter as part of their faith, Twelve: A Fellowship Boutique has something for everyone’s basket. Consider incorporating a new age-appropriate Bible or devotional into your child’s Easter basket every year. Devotional titles specific to moms, dads, girls, boys and even Baby Believer board books will ensure there’s a match for your entire family. An armor of God plastic water bottle or Blessed in Manhattan glass can will keep your playground enthusiast or teen well hydrated as we head into spring and summer heat.
Let these silicone cross bracelets remind you of the miracle of Easter as you go about your daily life. These gel highlighters won’t bleed through ultra-thin Bible pages, and with a set of six you can split them between multiple kids or keep some for yourself. Cross jewelry will make an elegant addition to an older girl’s basket. Shop online or in person.
For the Adventurer
The Flint Hills Discovery Center gift shop is adventure central, with options appropriate for all ages of explorers. Once all the candy eggs are cracked open, crack open a geode that will sparkle in the spring sunlight. A variety of sizes are available to fit any Easter basket. Curate a bag of colorful rocks perfect for a terrarium, fairy garden or homemade sensory bin. Hide them in your own plastic eggs for an egg hunt surprise! Pick up a pair of eclipse glasses in anticipation of the April 8 solar eclipse. While we are not in the path of the total solar eclipse, a partial eclipse will be visible. Shop in person during regular museum hours.
The MHK Play Studio boutique also has a strong nature focus for your outdoor explorer. Get up close with bugs, plants and rocks with a dual magnifier that offers 5X and 10X magnification. Make your own motor boat with this kit, then set sail for a leisurely afternoon or race a friend. Shop online or in person.
For the Animal Lover
Bring out the wild side in everyday life at the Sunset Zoo gift shop. Choose from animal-themed journals and pens, keychains, soccer balls, color changing cups and more. Add a bookmark painted by a zoo animal, including guinea pigs and ball pythons. At the Flint Hills Discovery Center gift shop, choose from an array of small stone and plastic animals that would be right at home in a Lego farm pen or as dollhouse accessories. Shop both locations in person during regular operating hours, note that Sunset Zoo is currently on winter hours.
For the Gamer
Manhattan has two local game stores, Goblin Games and Village Geek. Both stores offer fan favorites like Pokemon and Magic the Gathering booster packs, and their knowledgeable staff can make recommendations based on your child’s interests, age and skill level. Party games are ideal for a family game night. Cooperative games put everyone on the same team. Some games only use cards and could tuck easily into an Easter basket. Shop online or in person for both businesses, note that Goblin Games has recently relocated to Fort Riley Boulevard.
Goblin Games also has an extensive selection of items beyond games. Pick up a pocket tin of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, or a spring-themed Lego set, including cherry blossoms, daffodils and a bird’s nest. Puzzles start at 24 pieces and go up to multiple thousands, including Disney designs.
At Village Geek, treat yourself to a coffee, tea or hot chocolate while you browse the value section for games under $35. Squeeze a Dungeons & Dragons plush toy and browse the kid’s section. Bring your child’s favorite franchise into the mix with Disney princess and Jurassic World versions of the classic Spot It game.
For the Gardener
Nurture your child’s green thumb with gardening essentials from Blueville Nursery or Horticultural Services. Assemble their own set of small hand tools so they can garden alongside you. A small watering can ensures that it won’t be too heavy once filled. Select a decorative pot in their favorite color and add a packet of seeds for a shared experience that will take you through the spring and summer. Ask about plants that attract butterflies or hummingbirds to bring even more nature to your home. Shop in person at both locations.
If you don’t have a lot of space to devote to gardening, try a growing kit from the MHK Play Studio boutique. This mint culinary garden in a glass jar or basil garden in a bag offer a double benefit with their cooking possibilities. Let your garden inspire another project with a fresh flower necklace kit or pressed flower frame kit. Shop online or in person.
For the Wildcat
Regional pride is on full display at Acme Local, sister store to Acme Gift. Stickers, hats, buttons, keychains, shirts and more celebrate K-State, the Manhattan area, and the Midwest at large. Shop both stores online or in person.
Purple on Poyntz is ready to outfit Wildcats young and old with temporary tattoos, hair ties, keychains, jewelry and drinkware celebrating purple pride. Check out their self-adhesive letter patches available in purple, white and black to add initials or a name to hats, belt bags or anything else that needs a little sparkle. Shop online or in person, Purple on Poyntz shares store space with Twelve: A Fellowship Boutique.
