With children set to receive, on average, almost six chocolate eggs each, it makes sense to ring the changes and come up with a more imaginative - and healthier - present this Easter

Up and away!
Most children love balloons, and a helium-filled Easter-themed one will go down well. You could attach a small cuddly bunny or chick to the end of the ribbon to complete the gift, or arrange for the balloon to be boxed and delivered to your home. There are a number of online companies and high-street party shops that offer this service. As a starting point, try www.eden4flowers.co.uk. Balloons cost from around £12.99.

Throw a tea party
You can buy Easter-themed party stationery now, so why not hold an Easter tea party for your child and a few friends? Don't forget to include some fairy cakes topped with mini chocolate eggs and perhaps a bunny-shaped jelly! Bunny Surprise plates are £2.49 for 8, and matching napkins £2.49 for 20, plus lots of other Easter partyware at www.nonstopparty.co.uk. Shop around for a jelly mould, or visit www.cookability.biz where you'll find a Kitchen Craft Rabbit Jelly Mould (450ml) for £1.95.

Organise a treasure hunt
Easter egg hunts are great fun, but not every clue has to lead to chocolate! Visit your local novelty shops, cake decorating outlets, greetings card stores and fundraiser suppliers to buy a collection of miniature fluffy chicks, plush bunnies and other treats kids love, like power balls, party blow-outs and glitter gel pens. Hide an assortment of novelty gifts around the house or garden, set a trail of clues and provide an Easter party bag or basket to collect the goodies in.

Alternative gifts on the high street

ELC Paint Your Own Easter Chick, £6
4 years+ (cat. no. 111495) Contains yellow shredded paper, a brush, 4 pots of paint and an instruction sheet. From stores or online at www.elc.co.uk

ELC Easter Baking Kit, £10
3 years+ (cat. no. 111497). Contains a ceramic bowl, wooden spoon, cutter, decorations, cookie mix and icing tube. From stores or online at www.elc.co.uk

FurReal Easter Bunny, £12.99
If you haven't got the time or money to put into caring for a real rabbit, treat your child to the next-best thing - the FurReal Friends bunny. The newborn lop-eared bunnies make lifelike bunny sounds, move their heads and open their eyes when you stroke their heads and come in two varieties: white and fawn. Call 0800 328 7007 for stockist enquiries.

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Alternative Easter