10 unique, multicultural goodies for your Easter baskets

When I was a little girl, my mama was very intentional to find unique gifts and treats to include in my brother and my Easter baskets. She was a teacher so she always incorporated educational and creative gifts we could use, in addition to the usual chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. When I had kids of my own, I also tried to look for unique goodies to include for my girls. The following is a list of books, toys, and goodies that features kids from diverse backgrounds. It’s important to our family to celebrate God’s creativity in how He made humanity. We also love to support small businesses owned by people of color.

1. The Celebration Place book by Dorena Williamson makes a sweet addition for baskets for kids of all ages. This beautiful picture book illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks highlights how church is more than a building. It’s a gathering of God’s people to celebrate who he is and all that he has done.
2. Mochi Kids started out as a hobby and grew into a family-run business featuring apparel, toys and more that celebrate Asian culture. Since their founding, Mochi Kids has used their platform to raise money and awareness for causes from racial equity to voting rights to women’s health. Check out their Easter collection! They have puzzles, stickers, cool art supplies and more!
3. Every person’s skin has a particular shade—or hue—that we can appreciate. Children naturally wonder: Why are there so many skin colors? Why do I look a lot like some people and different from others? Which words best describe my skin color? The Hues of You activity book by my friend Dr. Lucretia Berry helps kids learn about and appreciate their unique skin, hair, and eyes. My 10-year-old snatched this book up as soon as it arrived and started the activities immediately.  Inside these pages, kids will get to explore the ways each of us is uniquely designed and discover positive, creative ways to think and talk about the wonderful diversity of hues found in humanity. 
4. Greentop Gifts features a beautiful collection of multicultural gift wrap along with other products featuring kids from all different cultures! They bring diversity to your celebrations with apparel, home decor and stationery too. 
5. Are you looking for a way to teach your child about Holy Week and Easter? What if your child could also receive, open, and read his or her own personal mail from God to make the lessons come alive? Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist contains seven beautifully-illustrated Bible stories, each accompanied by a special Bible verse and an encouraging letter tucked away in its own lift-the-flap envelope that can be personalized to your child.
6. If you’re looking for a fun game for little ones, check out the Joyful Carousel – Memory Card Game for kids ages 3 years and up. This game includes 24 matching pairs featuring kids from different cultures. When I was a little girl, Memory was one of my favorite games. My daughters loved Memory too. I love that this version is both educational and multicultural!
7. Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs is a beautiful picture book by Melody Carlson that details the story of a boy named Benjamin who meets Jesus. When Jesus comes to Jerusalem, Benjamin first thinks he is a teacher, then a king. But as he follows Jesus throughout the week, filling his wooden box with special treasures along the way, he finally learns the REAL good news—Jesus is all about love. You can also buy a set of Family Life Resurrection eggs to go along with the story. My girls loved listening to my mom (their Nana) share about the Resurrection eggs each year.
8. Check out these gorgeous Organic Soy and Beeswax Crayons from Yinibini Baby. These are a colorful and natural addition for Easter baskets for little ones coupled with a coloring book or drawing paper. This black-owned business also features stylish clothes for baby and other toys that are age-appropriate and unique.
9. These Superhero Capes (For boys & girls) by Darlying & Co. are fun for creative, imaginative types. They were inspired by Darlyng Amir who loves pretending to be a superhero with his Darlyng & Co.’s blankets. Designers made him a real superhero with his custom cape and mask, celebrating diversity and also empowering all kids to tackle the new normal of the pandemic!
10. And last, but not least, I have to recommend my children’s book, Cora Cooks Pancit, which celebrates food, cooking together, and time with family around the table. This book features Cora who learns to cook a traditional Filipino dish with her mama. The recipe is at the end of the book if readers want to try their hand and making pancit! This book is a fun readaloud to add to a home library for girls and boys.