A gift basket is versatile. It can be adapted for any occasion and the types and sizes of the basket items can range from the frugal and small to the extravagant and large. It all depends on the gift giver and the basket receiver. Try on a few of these ideas for Easter for the wee ones in your life.

Newborns are so small and adorable. They rely on mom and dad for everything that they need. Make life a little easier for new parents. The gifts in an Easter basket for babies are mostly for the parents and others who will be sharing in the care of the child.

Let's start with the layout of the basket. Depending on how many gifts you plan to give, make sure that the basket is deep and wide enough to accommodate all of the goodies. Keep in mind that the season is spring and the holiday is Easter. Instead of the traditional green grass that normally lines an Easter basket, fill the bottom of the gift basket with a layer of rolled up washcloths and baby bath towels in spring pastel colors. The towels should be lined up along the outer edge of the basket and the washcloths should fill the center.

Put in the bigger items starting at the outer edge of the basket and working your way towards the center. Include coffee mugs in pastel colors and a jar of instant coffee along with a box of sugar packets. Getting up in the morning is hard with a baby that wakes several times during the night. Slippers for mom and dad would help during those long nights. Include an outfit for baby that can be worn on Easter morning if they choose. If you have any pictures of baby, have them mounted in a lapel pin or brooch so that the proud parents can showcase their precious little one on Easter Sunday morning.

Young children get store-bought Easter baskets each year. Surprise them this Easter with a homemade creation that comes from the heart. Be mindful of the age of the child when choosing edible additions and toys.

The Easter gift basket itself can be use all year round after the goodies are gone. The basket can hold clothes, toys, or other items in the child's room. Instead of the usual grass, use pastel tissue paper to line the Easter basket. Cut several sheets into thin strips. Use the sharp edge of a pair of scissors to curl them.

Fill the gift basket with coloring books and crayons, small plush rabbits or baby chicks, and, depending on whether you are giving to a girl or a boy, action figures or small dolls. Since it is spring, the addition of a pair of plastic binoculars, a butterfly net, and/or bubbles would give children something to do during playtime outdoors. Fill plastic eggs with fun size packs of M&M® candies and small candy bars. Include small boxes of raisins and dried fruits for a change from jelly beans and marshmallow treats.

Easter gift baskets are an excellent idea for babies and children. The children receive a greater variety of gifts than they ever would from a pre-made basket. Gift givers have to do a little more work, but the smiling faces will make it worthwhile.