Five Great ... Spots to Find Unique Gifts for Easter Baskets

With Easter coming up on Sunday, it seems a perfect time to highlight five places to find gifts for Easter baskets beyond the typical chocolates from the drugstore.

Photo courtesy of Peaceful Parlour.* Peaceful Parlour in downtown Geneva sells beautiful, handmade Bolgatanga baskets from Ghana, West Africa. The baskets are made from a grass local to Ghana and help supplement farmers’ incomes. The shop also offers silks (dyed in Batavia) that you could substitute in a basket in place of plastic grass, as well as eco-friendly egg decorating kits. A makeup-loving teen would appreciate the store's recycled pewter compacts, made in the USA and decorated with fun sayings.

* Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream in downtown Geneva and downtown Wheaton carries a chocolate bunny carrying an umbrella, a chocolate bunny carrying a basket, two chocolate bunnies riding a motorcycle. What? Oh nevermind. It’s all delicious Graham’s chocolate. The shop also offers jelly bean "carrots," chocolate suckers, Easter-decorated oreos, etc. I waited in line more than 20 minutes to buy chocolates here a couple days before Christmas, so I’d recommend stopping by early in the week.

* If you’re trying to cut down on the sugary treats, how about a book in the Easter basket? Maybe “The Velveteen Rabbit” or a collection of Beatrix Potter stories? Town House Books & Cafe in St. Charles and Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville are always great choices if you’re looking to support an independent bookshop.

* Eliza Jane in St. Charles has a bunch of goodies for big and little girls, including t-shirt scarves made by a local teen; body wash, shampoo, condition and lotion made by a Wheaton mom; personalized onesies and accessories that can be personalized with “bling” letters.

* The Fresh Market in Geneva has a large display of fun Easter treats near the deli counter. They included a "decorate your own lollipop kit," edible Easter grass and a family of decorated chocolate ducks. 

Go West readers: Do you have any special traditions you’ll be keeping when it comes to Easter baskets for your children? Any special candy that just has to be in the basket? For instance, fudge-filled chocolate eggs from Springfield's legendary Pease's candy shop are a must-have on our list!