Hippity-hoppity, hold the candy

A tisket, a tasket, what's in your Easter basket?

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend roughly $16.4 billion dollars on everything from food and clothing, to decorations and greeting cards this Easter, with the average person spending about $140.62 each.

Of that grand amount, only $2.2 billion will be spent on candy.

So if those baskets aren't bursting with chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps, what are the kiddies waking up to Easter morning?

We asked our readers to weigh in on Facebook.

"Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes and other warm weather outside activities," said Cheryl Bing. "Dollar store items, nothing expensive."

Bing was not alone in celebrating not only Easter, but the promise of warmer weather.

Many of the parents commenting said their children will receive spring and summer clothing, as well as outdoor toys, including Amanda Rowe, who says her baskets will include bathing suits, summer clothes and sunglasses.

Lori Zonca says her baskets include a new beach towel every year, as well as snacks, from Slim Jims to peanut butter crackers. Lori Cebrosky Thomas says "Flip-flops in a bunch of bright colors."

Other suggestions include PlayDoh, coloring books and crayons, movies and video games, card games, gift cards, Legos, toy cars and trucks, and perhaps everybody's favorite, money.

Terri Ahner has a fun idea this year.

"My kids' basket this year is a trampoline filled with eggs filled with coins and Hershey kisses; and a new spring/summer outfit as well."

Lisa Summers Osgood says the Easter bunny brings one family-themed basket to her house.

"Usually a movie or two, snacks, eggs of course (even though they refuse to eat them) and a bag of variety chocolates."

If your kids have a special interest or activity, think about a themed basket, especially as they get older.

Tamantha Figueroa Rosas says that her 9-year-old will get a Minecraft-themed basket, and her 17-year-old will wake up to a video-game themed basket.

Some Facebook responders were pretty creative with Easter basket ideas for the really little ones.

Pinkie McLean says for her son's first Easter, she gave him "a bucket full of baby food and spoons with bowls."

Kaylee Fischer's 11-month-old will get "baby food puffs, baby toys, clothing and a training cup."

What Jamie Solomon envisions won't fit in your average Easter basket: "A big memory of family, food and fun."

Alicia Klotz gives her children a variety of things, from books to plastic eggs with change for their piggy banks, as well as snacks and juice boxes.

She also gives them something even more important, "something to remind them that we are celebrating Jesus' resurrection."

You may want to consider

If you need some more candy-free suggestions, you might want to check out some of these fun items.

Toothbrushes

With the new Brush Buddies WWE Brush Beatz Theme Song Toothbrushes, fans can enjoy brushing their teeth while listening to two different "theme songs" from The Rock, John Cena, Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan.

Both songs will play for two minutes, which is the dentist recommended brushing time.

In addition to the Brush Buddies, America's favorite food-loving cat, Garfield, now has his own toothbrush line which features the characters Garfield and longtime best friend Odie from the classic comic strip.

Designed for children, the ergonomic grips easily fits in a child's hands for better control while the rounded brush head moves smoothly and comfortably while brushing. It also features high quality nylon bristles that are long-lasting and offer better cleaning.

An oldie, but a goodie

This year Etch A Sketch is celebrating 55 years. No batteries, no problem. With the classic pocket Etch A Sketch children can twist and turn to create pictures. Just turn either the horizontal or vertical knobs and watch the magic screen as lines begin to form.

It's easy to draw, all it takes is a steady hand and a creative spark. When finished, just shake it and start the fun all over again. Retails for $7.49 Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Building blocks

A phenomenon in Japan, where nanoblock was developed and first introduced, the world's smallest building block system has quickly become a favorite with kids, parents and collectors in the United States.

The blocks feature a patented double-feather design to lock micro-sized pieces firmly together, allowing for very realistic creations featuring significant detail and design.

There are a wide variety of nanoblock building sets available, including sets that feature "small builds" to larger builds. They retail for $9.99 to $39.99. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Get crafty

An assortment of edgy and fashion forward do-it-yourself art and craft activity kits inspired by the latest designers creations. Young girls can get even more creative and still look hip and fashionable with these craft kits.

There are currently 14 accessory kits including charm bracelets, head bands, braids jewelry, body art and more. Kits come complete with a 60-page TrendiY Mag a fashion magazine filled with alluring fashion trends and tips. Recommended for girls ages 8-16 years. Retails for $14.99.

Go green

Perfect for the garden, and also fun at the beach, the Green Toys Watering Can is a classic set that encourages kids to help take care of the world around them.

Made in the USA from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, it features an easy-to-pour spout and cotton rope carrying handle that make this set frustration-free for little gardeners.

It's great for spending time together outside, and kids will love helping and playing alongside the grownups to watch their garden grow. It's even fun in the tub and dishwasher safe. Recommended for ages 18 months and up. Retails for $16.99.

Mold your own

With Thames & Kosmos Geek & Science, Co. Crafts 3D Sidewalk Chalk, you can mold your own colorful sidewalk chalk.

Mix your own colors, pour it into the shape molds, and let it harden. Then you can draw pictures on the sidewalk or pavement with the chalk, and use the 3D glasses to make the images pop off the ground and appear as if they are 3D. Learn about the science behind the 3D illusions. Retails for $14.99.