Easter & Amigas: Celebrating Mom Friends with an Easter Basket

As a kid I loved getting Easter baskets. There was always silly putty and chocolate and maybe a crisp $5 bill.

But that’s when I was a kid.

We don’t really celebrate Easter as a family these days. There are many reasons why for that but that’s not what this post is about.

Easter is a time for a renewal, starting over – a rebirth. And this year, I want to celebrate Easter by honoring my friendships.

Over the years, having a kid with autism, I’ve had to let go of some friendships. But I’m grateful that some friendships have strengthened and to have formed others.

One of those friendships is with Ruby of GUBlife. She was the first blog friend that I met in real life. That was 2012 and our friendship has grown ever since.

During Hurricane Sandy, we were stranded in Texas. I shared a picture of us on Instagram with a caption saying: If had to be stranded in Texas with anyone, I’m glad it was with this woman. She is the real deal.

 Even though Ruby lives in Jersey and I live in The Bronx – it’s hard for us to meet. We rely on conferences, social media and Face Time to connect.

Most recently we spent time at Disney Social Media Moms (that’s for another post) and we had a blast! Ruby and I always have a good time together. We make each other laugh. She’s one of the few friends I have that understands this social media thing. She’s fun to be around and she’s someone that I can talk to. We get each other.

One of the things I appreciate about her friendship is her creativity. She’s cute and crafty and she loves to send snail mail. In this day and age where it’s all about social media and texts, Ruby will still send out a hand written note. That inspires me.

Ruby reminds me of a time before social media. There was no Facebook, Twitter or Instagram when I was a teen. One summer I was grounded and the only communication I had with my BF was by mail. I know, I’m dating myself. 

When I get mail – that’s not a bill or a solicitor – I am grateful. It shows me someone cares. I’ve been making more of an effort to do that for my friends.

When Ruby suggested an Amiga Easter Gift Basket Exchange – I immediately said yes. Moms loves gifts too. Why shouldn’t they get an Easter basket filled with goodies? We decided to exchange baskets under $25.

Putting together an Easter Basket for Ruby was easy. I kept it simple, sweet and thoughtful.

Suggestions for Easter Basket exchanges with Your Amigas 

Simple

Don’t over think when it comes to gift giving. What do they like? What are their hobbies? I know Ruby loves planning, notebooks and washi tape. The moment I saw the Hustle highlights, I knew Ruby would love them. And I also included 2 notebooks and a roll of washi tape.

Instead of a traditional basket, I purchased a cute gift bag because I know Ruby is crafty and will find a way to repurpose it.

Sweet

What’s an Easter basket without sweet treats? There’s something about Easter that screams Jelly Beans and Chocolate. I got Ruby a bit of both. Like me, Ruby is also a Hello Kitty fan, so I knew she would appreciate this Hello Kitty chocolate egg.

Thoughtful

As moms, we’re all busy and often put self care last on the list. I wanted to include some goodies that support self care and pampering. I know Ruby loves to polish her nails and when I saw this polish set, it screamed RUBY. I also included one of my favorite self care skin care items. Warmer weather is coming, we gotta keep the feet correct.

I’m also about setting a mood during self care time. Ruby got me into Gossip Girl and Blair’s favorite flower was the Peony. I found this Peony Petals candle and thought it was appropriate.

What I loved most about doing this, is putting something special together for my friend. It’s easy to like a post or drop a comment. Picking up the phone, sending a note or simple gift is truly meaningful.