You made it through the major year-end holidays including Halloween and Christmas. However, once again, your child with braces may feel a bit left out as they’re asked to avoid many of their favorite Easter candies that are hard, sticky, chewy, and high in sugar to protect their teeth.
Putting a braces-friendly Easter basket together can be quite a challenging task. Not only are these easter basket ideas braces-friendly, but each one will make orthodontic patients of all ages feel included in celebrating.
Gift Cards
Who says Easter treats must be edible? Replace some of the unacceptable candy with other treats like a gift card to your child’s favorite clothing store at the mall, or a gift card for some new music. Not only do gift cards last longer than jelly beans, but they will add a special braces-friendly touch.
Bath Bombs
Fizzy bath bombs are the perfect way to get anyone excited about bath time. Magically transform your child’s bathwater into different colors and relaxing scents. Follow these instructions to make your own egg-shaped bath bombs, or pick up some already-made bath bombs at your local drugstore.
Gardening Seeds
Consider starting a fun new springtime tradition with your child, and gift packets of planting seeds. Spring is the perfect time to give packets of flowers or vegetable seeds to plant, help water, and watch their garden grow. Gardening seed packets are packed with future fun!
Silly Putty
Whether you smash it, stretch it, knead it, or roll it…kids love silly putty. This stretchy toy has been molding the imaginations of children since the 50’s, and it still makes for a classic easter-egg filler.
Colorful Socks
Filling your child’s Easter eggs with different pairs of colorful socks is a fun way to sneak in these otherwise boring wardrobe necessities. Roll up different pairs into small bundles and tuck them into plastic eggs.
Tickets
Depending on what interest your child has, tickets to a movie, the zoo, or a museum make for the perfect non-edible Easter treat. Turn tickets into a special bonding experience by going on a special outing just the two of you.
Money
Opening plastic eggs to find coins or folded dollar bills is always a sweet surprise. Make a money-hunt extra special by including silver dollar coins or two-dollar-bills that you can get from your local bank.
Chocolate
Because chocolate is soft, it’s safe for kids with braces, especially the hollow bunny varieties. Avoid any chocolate with nuts, raisins, caramel or other chewy or sticky centers or ingredients. Don’t forget to emphasize how vital it is to brush and clean their teeth afterward and keep the sweets limited. Don’t forget: When it comes to chocolate, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for your teeth.
Fun Easter Activities
Consider turning your egg hunt for older kids into a night-time hunt. Hand each teen a flashlight to find the hidden eggs in your backyard. Coat plastic eggs with black-light paint from glow sticks for an egg-hunt everyone in your family is sure to enjoy.
Take your teens egg hunt to the next level by including items like:
- Movie tickets
- Puzzle pieces
- Earrings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Keychains
- Chapstick
- Socks
- Shoelaces
- Lip gloss
- Eyeshadow
- Money
Easter Basket Bonus Items
Think outside the basket and channel your stocking-stuffer creativity when searching for candy substitutes that everyone will be able to enjoy. Why not have the Easter bunny drop off a family basket that is filled with items to promote excellent oral health for everyone? Fill the basket with toothbrushes, new toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.
Despite all of your best efforts, chances are, your child will end up eating their fair share of Easter candy this year. Be Vigilant to remind them how important brushing and flossing is in keeping their teeth clean and healthy, and keeping their orthodontic treatment with Thomas Orthodontics on track!
