Ideas for a Greener Easter Basket

Looking for something other than the same old Easter basket filled with tiny, toxic trinkets and loads of refined sugar? Want to avoid the less-than-original, mass-produced baskets so easily found at "Big Wally?"

My daughter has had the same Easter basket for the past 3 years and it's one she uses every day. As an alternative to a store-bought Easter basket that just gets tossed the next day, consider buying one of these bolga baskets from A Toy Garden lined with green wool roving for grass.

And what should you put in it? I'm so glad you asked! Here are a few ideas from a couple small, independently-run stores that offer fun, safe alternatives.

• hand-knit Easter eggs, wooden eggs that you can decorate or leave au naturale, or, for an older child, glass eggs
• organic cotton toy bunny
• spring flowers reusable Sigg bottle
• rolling duck, bunny, or turtle toy

For even more springtime fun, check out A Toy Garden's selection of toys that honor the season and Our Green House's picks for a green Spring celebration.

My toy wonderland

LivingPlaying, an online toy store I just lucked upon the other day, has the best selection of fun, interesting puzzles I have seen anywhere so far. You can get this Weeping Willow puzzle for just under $25 and it will keep kids from 3 to 13 happily engaged. Choose from 10 different 3D puzzles, ranging from a sweet Nativity scene to a terrifying T-Rex and a cozy family of kitties or puppies. All of the puzzles are hand-cut of eco-friendly hardwood and hand-painted with child-safe paints. And of course they have a ton of other great Waldorf and Montessori style toys. I really love their stock of pretend food too.

Use code MAMATOYS for 10% off orders of $75 or more. Good until 10/31. Free shipping on orders over $100. Can anyone say "one-stop gift shopping?"
Confused by all the recent toy recalls? Check out the store's blog for their take on the situation.

Our favorite stores for mama, baby, and the planet

Here are Punkin Pockets' favorite stores, all in one place! Looking for something simple and unique? Need a gift for that special birthday girl? Don't forget to check back for updates on big-time coupons and the latest hot finds. Click below to view a selection of delicious items from your favorite category. Go here if you want to see this list simplified alphabetically. Need coupons? No problem! I'm working away on that list too!

These stores are hand-picked by me to offer to you and I get a small percentage of what you spend at most of the stores on the list. So, thank you for shopping through us!

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Baby Carriers
Attached to Baby :: Stylish, comfortable baby slings for modern parents
EarthyBirthyMama :: Natural products for baby and family
Mom4Life :: Products for the journey ahead
Punkin Pockets :: Stylish baby slings and baby wear CLEARANCE PRICES!

Books
Alibris :: Over 60 million used, new, rare and out-of-print books!

Children's Apparel
BabyStyle :: The best for your belly, baby, and booming new family
Dimples and Dandelions :: A chic children's boutique
DuckDuck Goose :: A children's boutique & FREE shipping on all orders over $60
Kee-Ka :: Eco-chic apparel and gifts for the littlest and most significant people in your life
Modern Seed :: Fresh and innovative furniture, fashion, design for kids
Pink Olive Boutique :: A graceful assortment of baby, gift, and getaway items
Tea Collection :: Fashion for little citizens of the world

Cloth Diapers
EarthyBirthyMama :: Natural products for baby and family
Nurtured Family :: Your source for cloth diapers, baby slings, nursing bras and more

Decor
Craftsbury Kids :: A breath of fresh air in a gadget-filled world
Modern Seed :: Fresh and innovative furniture, fashion, design for kids

Eco-friendly
BabyStyle :: The best for your belly, baby, and booming new family
Earth Mama Angel Baby :: Gifts from the earth for your gift from heaven
EarthyBirthyMama :: Natural products for baby and family
ReusableBags.com :: Better bags for a better planet and more
Kee-Ka :: Eco-chic apparel and gifts for the littlest and most significant people in your life

Health & Beauty
MamaMio :: Deluxe pampering for supermamas
Mom4Life :: Products for the journey ahead
Native Remedies :: The Natural Choice for herbal & homeopathic remedies
Smallflower.com :: For bath, body, and home

Maternity & Women's Apparel
BabyStyle :: The best for your belly, baby, and booming new family
Earth Mama Angel Baby :: Gifts from the earth for your gift from heaven
EarthyBirthyMama :: Natural products for baby and family
MamaMio :: Deluxe pampering for supermamas
Mom4Life :: Products for the journey ahead
Skirt Spot :: An uncommon store for women's skirts

Office & Stationery
See Jane Work :: The destination for office style and organization
Tiny Prints :: Hip, Modern Birth Announcements & Other Baby Stationery!

Playthings
Craftsbury Kids :: A breath of fresh air in a gadget-filled world
HearthSong :: Toys you feel good about giving
Magic Cabin :: A delightfully simple assortment of heirloom quality, all-natural playthings
Three Sisters Toys - Toys for true creative play, toy tips by age, and ideas on setting up your child's playspace.