Two Fantastic Non-Food Easter Treat Ideas #Partner

***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

Easter is right around the corner, and I've seen a lot of talk about limiting candy in favor of non-food gift ideas for kids. I am all for this idea, since candy isn't exactly healthy, and other gifts could get much more enjoyment. I'd love to share a couple toy lines that offer the perfect springtime gifts that kids are sure to love! 

Have you ever found one of those toys that is just bound to become an instant classic, that kids both young and old will absolutely love? 

That is exactly how we felt when we discovered the Calico Critters from Epoch Everlasting Play.

Calico Critters is a line of miniature animal figures, with homes, furniture and accessories. The animal figures are unique because they are made of a special flocked material that gives them an endearing quality. They were introduced in Japan in 1985 and are distributed worldwide. 

Calico Critters are sold as families, with Mothers and Fathers, sisters, brothers and babies. The homes and furniture are quite life-like are have incredible detail. The Critters live in the community of Calico Village. All the citizens in Calico Village have hobbies and jobs. The underlying theme is giving, friendship and happiness. Calico Critters are wholesome, never trendy.

My son, Xander, is 8 years old, and Calico Critters are actually some of his favorite toys. He was super excited to receive some new additions for his collection, just in time for Easter! 

I'd love to tell you more about these new arrivals! 

The new Nursery collection features sweet new Baby Critters and specially-designed environments –all packed with play for the little ones.

Blind Bags - Baby Shopping Series Ages 3+/ $4.95 each/Available Now
Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play! Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Shopping critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed grocery and shopping accessories. To add to the surprise, the series includes one extra secret style critter. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to tag along the shopping trip: Hopscotch Rabbit Baby
with Bread, Buckley Deer Baby with Shopping Cart, Wilder Panda Baby with Popcorn, Outback Koala Baby with Shopping Bag, Polar Bear Baby with Ice Cream, Sweetpea Rabbit Baby with Eggs and Juice, Tuxedo Cat Baby with Shopping Cart, Silk Cat Baby with Cash Register, and an exclusive secret style baby to join the fun at the Grocery Market!

Blind Bags - Baby Band Series Ages 3+/ $4.99 each/ Available Now
Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play! Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Band critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby critter and a uniquely designed musical instrument. The collection includes eight new collectable babies to complete the band: Shiloh Yellow Labrador on
xylophone, Daisy Maple Cat playing the Trumpet, Jason Cuddle Bear with cymbals, Henry Sweetpea Rabbit on the drums, Milo Toy Poodle with accordion, Grace Hopscotch Rabbit playing the violin, Joseph Tuxedo Cat on the piano, and last but not least, Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk playing the tambourine.

Baby Ferris Wheel Ages 3 +/ $17.95/ Available Now
Children can take the Baby Critters for some outdoor fun at the amusement park on this sweet little Ferris Wheel. They can open the gondola doors and have the Baby Critters hop on the carts for a ride on the spinning wheel. The Ferris Wheel includes three gondola doors and Toy Poodle baby Milo who is ready to play!

Nursery Friends Set Ages 3+/ $ 12.95/ Available Now
Children can now get a few of their favorite Baby Critters ready for nursery
school. The Nursery Friends set includes three Baby Critters with their school
uniforms, along with some accessories for the day: Grace Hopscotch Rabbit
wearing a cute red hat, Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk with a water bottle and Bonnie
Persian Cat with her pink backpack.

How adorable are these Calico Critters?! We love how wholesome and cute they are. This just goes to show that kids don't need violent toys or video games to have a good time! 

Another great, non-candy Easter gift idea are these fun Aquabeads! These beads don't require irons or other heat tools, they stick using the power of plain old water! 

Box of Fun - Safari - is a perfect set for those who love animals - especially animals at safari! 2 new flip trays on the pallette enables you to take off your bead design from the tray instantly after spraying water. With 3000 beads you can have endless fun making over 30 safari themed bead designs. Comes with 10 bead stands so you can display & play with your creations when they are dry. Play mat also included so you can enjoy safari adventure with your creations. Suitable for children aged 4+ 

Here are some pics of the finished designs: 

We are going to donate this kit to a local Children's Hospital so kids who are sick around Easter have something fun to do, too! 

Connect with these Brands :

You can check out this and other Calico Critters toys on their website. 

You can also connect with Calico Critters on Facebook and on Instagram to stay on top of their latest news, products, and promotions. ​

You can learn more about Aquabeads on their website.

You can also follow Aquabeads on Facebook and on Instagram!