This probably isn’t going to be the Easter you planned. Brunch will be shared via Zoom and church services will be watched on the computer. That doesn’t mean the Easter fun has to stop. The Easter Bunny can still show up. He just needs to leave the baskets on the porch and wash his paws between every house.
This year, our Easter Bunny will be filling baskets with gifts from small businesses instead of the Bunnyland Dollar Store. With the cancellation of Spring markets/evets, lots of makers are counting on online sales to stay afloat. Here are some of the places I requested the Bunny to check out.
Candy
Ruby’s Chocolates- Truffle cake and buckeyes and chocolate covered pretzels are way better than having to pick through jelly beans to avoid getting the black ones. You can order online or, Cincy-area folks can get curbside pick up from their Hamilton or Oakley locations.
Aglamesis Bro’s- A Cincinnati favorite for over 112 years, Aglamesis has some of the best ice cream in town as well as handmade assorted chocolates and Easter candy. They have online ordering and offer local pickup/carryout from their Oakley and Montgomery stores.
Toys
The Happy Groundhog Studio Get handmade and eco-friendly huggable art from a Cincy-area Momma. I mean, how cute is this sloth? The Happy Groundhog is currently offering free shipping on all Etsy orders!
King Arthur’s Court My kids are spoiled because under normal circumstances we can walk to King Arthur’s Court and play in the store. Unfortunately, they are not open to in-store shopping but you can still order via phone. Cincy-area delivery is available and they can ship. Not sure what to get? King Arthur’s staff know their toys and can help you find the perfect gift for your special somebunny.
Picadilly This play cafe and toy store out of Columbus, OH comes highly recommended by multiple friends! While the play cafe is obviously closed, you can still order toys and craft bundles to be delivered in time for Easter.
Books
Blue Manatee Literacy Project and Bookstore Due to the Ohio shelter-in-place rules, my favorite children’s bookstore is closed but you can still order online. For every book purchased, a book is given to a disadvantaged child to promote literacy.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers The new Joseph-Beth website has lots of great options for both big and little readers. Currently, they offer a service where they design an entire Easter basket for you! Perfect for those of us who just don’t have the energy for one. More. Thing.
Clothing
Rocco Bee Collective Your child will be the coolest kid on the class video chat when wearing a shirt from Rocco Bee. Chicago area-momma (and someone I first met in Kindergarten!) Allison, has great designs featuring some of my favorite things like tacos, Mr. Rogers and visual puns.
Together Textiles Together Textiles offers super soft handcrafted Turkish towels that can be used as blankets, wraps, and scarves. They also sell luxurious robes for adults and the super snuggly children's robe pictured above. If you’re sitting around the house anyway, why not do so wrapped in luxury?
Stitches and Sass- Need something for baby’s first Easter basket? How about hand-sewn bibs, blankets, burp cloths, and teethers? And while you’re there, you can also pick up adorable scarves and bowties for your pup! Sharon, the owner, and maker of Stitches and Sass is currently sewing like mad to create free face masks for local healthcare providers. Buying from Sharon will help her continue this awesome endeavor.
Other Stuff
Mini Miscellaneous- While not exactly “toys” my kids are OBSESSED with the adorable food magnets I picked up over the holidays from Mini Miscellaneous. My youngest uses them at doll tea parties when they aren’t being used to hold up the massive amount of art created while stuck at home.
Stella Chroma- Did you know nail polish can be handmade? I didn’t until I got to know Pam of Stella Chroma. Her polish is better than anything I’ve purchased from a big box store and it is free of the “big 5” dangerous ingredients you usually find in nail lacquer.
Shameless Self-Promo- The Oakley Soap Co And of course, since your kids need to wash their hands incessantly, why not make it fun with colorful soaps by me! Born This Way, Tutti Frutti and Yo Ho Ho are all kid faves!