I was recently asked, a lot, if we were using plastic or wooden eggs for Easter eggs this year. The truth is that we aren’t using either.

We are actually using nesting dolls, as E and V love them, and we can stuff them with their favourite snacks–mandarin oranges. We aren’t against filling and hiding Easter eggs, with finishing The Autistic Guide, I just didn’t think of it. If I had thought of it early enough, I would’ve purchased paper mâché eggs. And, honestly, they only reason for this would’ve been for activities I’ve seen involving Easter eggs. While E and V wouldn’t be drawn to those activities at this moment, they likely will be in the near future and I like to be prepared.

We will be dying eggs, using white vinegar and this brand, which we use for all our dying needs. So, rest assured, we won’t be denying them an egg search.

While I tend to lean away from plastic eggs–due to my own sensory issues, the environmental impact, and I’m a little crunchy–I did get them an eggs shape matching game. One of the girls used something similar at my grandmother’s and it caused her to use movements we are working on strengthening. It was such a relief to see her drawn, and actually using something of such importance, that we needed to ensure that she had something similar at home–for more frequent exposure. It arrived earlier then expected, so we will hide those, as well, to incorporate movement and an extra challenge to keep it engaging.

One of my wonderful sister-in-laws recommended another type of Easter egg that was rather intriguing, one that would allow them to crack open with a mallet revealing a surprise. We decided to expand their Schleich collection and use their insects for their next matching activity using these ‘dino eggs’. Observing them the last week, they will enjoy using old toothbrushes and washing the items once the eggs have been cracked. They may actually enjoy the cracking and cleaning aspect more than the items themselves, haha.

While the original recipe called for sand, we tried flour, as that’s what we had. I figured if it worked, great, if it didn’t work it would be a sensory experience–so also great. It turned out amazing!

1 cup flour

1/2 cup used coffee grounds

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup coffee

E and V enjoyed pouring and icing the ingredient and I molded them with my hands (wearing gloves), although you could use plastic eggs as a mold. Doing it by hand allowed me to make various sizes–larger for E and V, smaller ones that contained coins (another suggestion by my SIL) for their cousins. Once one side is dry, careful flip them to allow the other side to dry. It’s been a day and half just sitting on our kitchen counter.

If you celebrate, I wish you and and your family a blessed Easter!

Disclosure: French Family Montessori uses affiliated links through Amazon. There is no additional cost to you, but provides a small compensation that helps support this site.  I only share products that we use, have used, or are on our wish list. There is no obligation to purchase an item through an affiliated link. 

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