I haven’t stopped thinking about Elder Stevenson’s conference talk from last April in the back of my mind…
“The more I thought about our [Easter] celebrations, the more I found myself wondering if we are inadvertently shortchanging the true meaning of this holiday, so central to all believers in Jesus Christ.
“During December, we somehow manage to incorporate the fun of “Jingle Bells,” Christmas stockings, and gifts alongside other, more thoughtful traditions… Our family celebrations at Easter, however, have been somewhat different. I feel our family has relied more on “going to church” to provide the meaningful, Christ-centered part of Easter; and then, as a family, we have gathered to share in other Easter-related traditions…. But the First Presidency letter was a wake-up call. Not only did they invite all of us to make sure our celebration of the most important event to ever happen on this earth—the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ—includes the reverence and respect the Lord deserves, but they also gave us more time with our families and friends on Easter Sunday to do so.” – Gary E. Stevenson
So… do you have a plan for this year? I’m here to help! Easter is coming up soon on March 31st! Whether you already have great ways to remember Christ and make Easter a “big deal”, or whether you’re hoping to get started this year, I’ve compiled a list of resources that I know will help.
First, I’m sharing resources to help you and your family prepare for or celebrate Easter in a meaningful, Christ-centered way. (Skip to RESOURCES now.)
Second, I’m sharing Christ-centered (or faith-building) gifts you can give to kids, family members, or friends for Easter time. (Skip to GIFTS now.)
So whether you’re filling a kid’s Easter basket, or buying for in-laws, ministering sisters, friends, a spouse, or even yourself (hey – you deserve it!) there’s something for everyone on this list!
One note: since some of these gifts are from some incredible, talented small businesses, order soon to make sure you have them in time for your Easter celebration.
(Some of the links bellow may be affiliate links, meaning I get a small payment for each purchase with no extra cost to you! But all of these opinions are truly my own– I’ve really used and love them all!)
Resources for Celebrating a More Christ-Centered Easter
He is Risen: Lessons from Holy Week
This will become an Easter tradition in your family that you’ll wish you started sooner! Each day during Holy Week, your kids (of any age!) will love setting up the “scene” and reading the accompanying page in the “He is Risen” book. This has been our go-to ZERO PREP Holy Week guide because I love how interactive it is while also starting meaningful conversations with my kids! Use code CALIBLACK for 20% off your order (using this link will automatically apply the code).
Holy Week Flip Book
This flip book is seriously gorgeous. I’m a big fan of whatever Olivet Designs produces, and her new book includes a page for each day of Holy Week, each with inspiring artwork and information. You learn, you celebrate, and you are focused on the Savior. It doubles as both a decoration and a new family tradition you can pull out year after year. Hurry! Since it’s a new product, it’s on sale for a limited time.
Christ is Risen Easter Advent Set
One of my favorite Christmas traditions I’ve loved including in my Easter celebrations is having beautiful decorations that help tell the story of Easter. This set is GORGEOUS and is made of steel that can have a white, black, unfinished, or silver finish. Our family has the white finish, and I got comments on how beautiful it was every time we had a visitor last year. I love that it feels both classic and modern in design, and my kids love that it can help in telling the story of Easter in a more interactive way! Buy this for your own family, or as a gift to brighten someone else’s Easter. Use code CFM30 for a whole $30 off your order!
From Jericho to Jerusalem by Tamara Uzelac Hall
This book is basically your tour guide as you examine the final week of Christ’s life. It is a brand new book by the amazing Tamara Uzelac Hall, and she takes you day by day through Holy Week to help you understand important historical context and spiritual applications. It is short and sweet, and will enhance anyone’s Holy Week as you come to know more about the Savior’s final days on earth.
The Easter Connection by Kerry Muhlestein
Dr. Kerry Muhlestein is one of the world’s top experts on ancient scripture and Egyptology, and yet his writing is so applicable and down-to-earth! I am truly one of his biggest fans and have many of his otehr books, and his latest book, The Easter Connection, is a powerful but quick read to ponder on this Easter season. This is definitely intended for adults to read, but I can’t help think of how your entire family’s perspective on Easter could change if just one adult really studied this short book. You’ll learn how we can be more unified with Jesus Christ, and you’ll study themes of unification and wholeness that are woven throughout the final week of Christ’s life.
Easter Gifts
Easter Gifts for Adults
Christ-Centered Easter Jewelry
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I LOVE this small business. Nichelle Lora makes the most BEAUTIFUL and meaningful jewelry that make the perfect gift. And this year, she just came out with 5 new pieces that center around Easter. First, a bracelet that has the phrase “It is Finished” in Greek. Second, a beautiful necklace with an oval Christus. Third, “The Lord is My Light” necklace. Fourth, the powerful yet delicate “Jesus Wept Teardrop Necklace”. And finally, “The Garden Tomb” necklace with two charms symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can also browse the rest of her shop for more beautiful options, like the reversible hymn necklaces or jewelry with affirmations or other spiritual phrases. She is a small business, so make sure you get those orders in soon. Use the code CFM25 for 25% off your entire order! (This link will automatically apply that discount.)
One Minute Scripture Study in the Book of Mormon
Not to toot my own horn but… This book is a MUST-BUY if you don’t already have it! My fabulous co-host of the One Minute Scripture Study podcast, Kristen Walker Smith, and I wrote an engaging and simple daily devotional book for the Book of Mormon! While we may officially be a few months into studying the Book of Mormon, this devotional book can be used for years to come whenever your family (or just you!) read(s) this book of scripture again. Plus, this book includes special entries at the back of the book for Holy Week (and Christmas week!). This is absolutely the perfect gift for everyone, from teenagers to families to any individual looking to boost their scripture study.
Book of Mormon Adult Coloring Book
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! I honestly pay attention better when I am able to doodle on something, and this is a fun book to focus my scribbles on! This GORGEOUS adult coloring book features inspiring quotes from the Book of Mormon and is a great way to relax while listening to Conference, a podcast, or even watching a comfort TV show.
Inspirational Quotes from Jesus the Christ
This is one of those gifts that is both spiritually useful AND beautiful to look at! The entire original “Jesus is the Christ” is quite a hefty read, so I love that this little leather book is filled with just the most important quotes and highlights from James E. Talmage’s work. It won’t be released until March 26th, so pre-order now to get it just in time for Easter!
Amber Oil Vial
When was the last time the men in your life got a new oil vial? Well, let me tell you why this one is a big upgrade! First, it’s made of amber, which means no more rancid-smelling oil when giving a blessing. Second, it actually has a dropper, which means you can’t accidentally pour too much oil! Plus, you can add a little sleeve with a keychain attachment when purchasing so that he can always be prepared to minister to others. Use code CALIB at checkout for 10% off your order.
It is Well with My Soul Gratitude Journal
Easter is such a nice time of the year to focus a little bit more on gratitude. I love this beautiful gratitude journal that includes quotes, stories, and words of encouragement as you record things you’re grateful for. The journal provides 100 prompts to help you think of things to write – but I love that it doesn’t dictate which prompts you answer when. I can just go to the list if I need a little inspiration. The journal is really good quality, so it would make a meaningful gift for a friend, ministering sister, or family member in your life.
A New Approach to Studying the Book of Mormon
I’ve been singing this book’s praises for years now! It’s the unchanged text of the Book of Mormon, but split up by events and paragraphs instead of chapters and verses. It highlights who is speaking and at what dates these events take place, and even has extra wide margins for easy note-taking. Trust me – this is a great purchase for yourself or someone in your life for the coming year.
Hearing Him: The Savior’s Voice in the Book of Mormon
If there’s anyone in your life that would benefit from learning more about recognizing God’s voice, get them this book! It’s a new release from best-selling authors Diony and Trent Heppler and focuses on the patterns of how God speaks in the Book of Mormon, and how we can better hear Him today. It’s a longer book with lots of short stories– so you could treat it like a little devotional book and take it day by day!
Words from Heaven Blessing Journal
Have you ever received a priesthood blessing or setting apart and thought, “Oooh I want to remember that part of the blessing” or “I wish I could write that down!”. Well that’s exactly the purpose of this beautiful journal! Its pages are meant to record parts of sacred blessings after you receive them, so you can go back and remind yourself of the things that have been promised to you. This would make the most thoughtful gift for anyone in your life, including those going on missions soon, or even for a new baby to record important things from their baby blessing and keep with them throughout their life. Use code HEAVEN20 for 20% off your order.
Easter Gifts for Kids
IF YOU HAVE LITTLE KIDS, BUY THESE RIGHT NOW. I seriously have sold all my friends on these, because they are our lifesavers during Sacrament meeting. My 6, 4, and 2 year-old ids all reach for these in our church bag as soon as it starts and it keeps them focused and occupied on scripture stories while Dad is sitting on the stand, so I call that a win! If you aren’t familiar with Aqua Brush books, they are completely reusable, and kids LOVE “painting” with the water brush. I love these ones from Kanga Toys so much because my kids are becoming familiar with scripture stories as they “reveal” the colorful picture on each page. I can’t overstate how much I love these! Use code CFM20 for 20% off your order.
Easter Dot Marker Activity Book
Are your kids as obsessed with dot art as mine are?? My kids absolutely love using dot markers, and this Easter activity book has been such an easy activity I can pull out on Sundays (or any day!) to incorporate the Easter story into their fun art time. It includes tons of pictures your kids can fill in using dot markers, including the tomb, a lamb, and a Bible. And if you don’t have dot markers yet, I’ve included a link to a great set of the 8 colors. But beware – your kids may want to use them ALL the time!
Christ Picture Books from Palm and Fig
If you are looking for picture books for your littles that both teach simple spiritual truths AND are absolutely gorgeous, look no further! These beautiful Christ-centered board books Palm and Fig, an awesome small business, would make the perfect Easter gift for the kids in your life. Use code CFM10 for 10% off your order!
Giant Easter Resurrection Coloring Page
My kids have absolutely LOVED using this giant coloring page. It depicts the Savior’s Resurrection with lots of fun details your kids will love adding color to. It would make the perfect Easter activity, or a fun way to keep little ones entertained during General Conference! And when it says giant – it means giant at 30 inches by 72 inches! Use code CFM20 for 20% off your order!
Seek It! (LDS Spot It Game)
As a kid, Spot It was a STAPLE at my family game nights (my mom would ALWAYS win), so I was so happy to learn about this gospel-centered version of the game from small business Latter Day Sparkle! The game is simple enough that young kids can enjoy it, but also difficult enough that adults can have fun with it as well! Use code CFM20 for 20% off your order! And if you prefer a digital download that you can print yourself, use this link to purchase that.
My Favorite Scripture Marking Pencil
It might sound silly, but this pencil will make your kids excited to read the scriptures! It has 8 colors packed into one pencil, allowing you to color-code your markings, or just make it more fun and exciting to write notes and highlight verses. Plus, it’s something that will last years, so it can be used as a kid, missionary, young adult, and beyond!
Dear Divine Daughter: Inspiring Women in Latter-Day Scripture
This inspiring book focuses on the women of faith in Latter-Day Scripture (the Book of Mormon, D&C, and the Pearl of Great Price). It’s written as a story-book, so it’s easy and fun to read. You can read stories about 27 incredible faithful women, including the mothers of the stripling warriors, Polly Knight, the Queen of the Lamanites, and Vienna Jacque. This is such a fun and unique book that would be a great gift for any faithful woman in your life AND it’s great for young kids!
If you want little kids to really listen and learn about the story of Christ’s Resurrection, add stickers! This cute set of mats and stickers allows kids to create their very own Easter scenes. This product comes with 12 sets, each with one mat and one page of stickers, so it’s perfect if you have multiple children or grandchildren you want to gift these to, or if you want to use this as an activity or gift in your Primary class!
Norman Books
These books are a staple in our household. My favorite thing about these books is that Norman, the mouse-y main character, is really a normal kid. In the Sabbath Day book, he’s complaining about not being able to go to the circus with a friend on Sunday; in the Holy Ghost book, he’s concerned that he can’t actually feel the Holy Ghost, even after receiving the gift; in the Temple Marriage book, his friend tells him all about weddings, only for Norman to learn that temple weddings don’t match what we see on TV… I could go on and on! Each topic is covered in doctrinally sound ways, and they are the perfect way to start important conversations with your kids! And try the board books for younger kiddos – Norman learns about everything from going to nursery to taking the sacrament! Use the code CFMS10 for 10% off of your picture book bundle purchase on Etsy! (Or you can find these books in English OR SPANISH sold separately, too!)
Did I miss anything that you LOVE using to celebrate Easter, or to gift for Easter? Drop a comment below and let me know, and maybe I’ll add it to my list!
