According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans buy more than 700 million pieces — about 120 million pounds — of Easter candy annually. That is nearly half a pound of candy for every man, woman and child in the country! And as a nation, it is estimated that we consume 16 billion jelly beans during the Easter season. If those jelly beans were placed end to end, they would circle the globe almost three times.

Before you stock up on chocolate eggs, and jelly beans think about alternatives to traditional Easter candy. Get creative and fill Easter baskets with items that will make your children giggle, run around outside, or play dress-up with their cousins. It’s OK to hide a few of their favorite Easter treats in the bottom. The key is moderation.

To limit your child’s candy consumption, try some of these healthy and fun alternatives to Easter candy.

  • Healthy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, whole-grain graham crackers and dried fruit wrapped in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons. Add a personal touch by making your child’s favorite homemade snacks such as whole grain muffins and fruit dipped in dark chocolate.
  • Art supplies such as markers, crayons, coloring books, paint, stamps, stickers and Play-Doh will keep them entertained for hours.
  • Outdoor toys that are inexpensive and easy to find at the dollar store, such as bouncy balls, jump ropes, water toys and sports balls will get your children outside and moving.
  • Mini alternatives to candy that you can hide in plastic eggs instead of candy such as Matchbox cars, marbles, Legos, necklaces, bracelets, rings, bubbles and money are all affordable treats.
  • Easter-themed Legos so they can build their own Lego chick, or Easter basket complete with Lego eggs.
  • Budding fashionistas with love small dress-up accessories such as sunglasses, lip gloss, hair accessories and colorful featherweight scarves — which are also great for playing catch indoors on a rainy day.
  • Stuffed animals such as rabbits, chicks, and lambs, to complete their barnyard family.
  • For the chefs, buy a child-friendly cookbook such as “Kid Chef” by Melina Hammer.
  • Create a Coupon Book. Find a template you like online and let your creativity soar. Think about what your children loves or dislikes and create a coupon deck just for them. Some ideas: no chores for one day, one trip to the movies and one day to stay up late.

Brenda Viens is a Community Life Skills Dietitian for Backus Hospital and Thames Valley Council for Community Action. Email her at Brenda.Viens@hhchealth.org.