Excited about the idea of different things to put in my child’s Easter basket this year, I was very disappointed upon learning that, after clicking link after link, every idea was just as commercialized as the last. These really aren’t that different from buying a bunch of candy for our kids, other than the lack of calories involved.

If you’re looking for some truly different ideas for your child’s Eater basket and eggs to get away from the commercialism of the holidays, here are a few things you might wish to try.

Rocks: Paint your child a set of rocks with special words that describe him or her on them. Or include paint so that he or she can create his or her own.

Handmade “Grass”: Instead of grass, make a paper chain or other decorative hanging featuring your child’s favorite colors. He or she can then hang it in his or her room.

Living Items: Include a special plant for his or her bedroom, or seeds to create a new one. Capture a ladybug or other critter from outside (the night before) and let your child let him go in your garden. Include a few worms in some dirt to let your child play with for a while, then let them go in the compost bin.

Handmade Gifts: Last year I filled my daughter’s basket with a homemade rain stick, little animals I’d made from toilet taper tubes, a CD I made for her, and a few treats. She loved all of it! If you’re particularly good at one special craft, such as sewing, consider creating a new favorite lovey, stuffed animal, or outfit. If you know how to make something really cool from “days gone by,” such as a special handmade instrument, include that. Or include a long stick and some carving materials and teach your child how to make his or her own walking stick.

Photo Collage: Make a tradition of collaging a few photos taken since last Easter and presenting them in a handmade frame or a shadow box.

Craft Kit: Assemble a kit from things around the house—from toilet paper rolls and pompons to scraps of cloth and googly eyes. Include a handwritten sheet of instructions or let your child choose what to do with the kit.

Coupons: What kid wouldn’t love a coupon to skip out on his chores for a day? Include coupons for extra stories at bedtime, a surprise sundae run, or a day out with Mom, Dad, or another caregiver.