Its almost here...Easter! That wonderful time of year when Spring emerges from her long winter nap.

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Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and there is a wonderful scent of renewal in the air! Who doesn't love Spring, right?

Easter egg hunts, the warm sunshine, kids playing in the yard, cookies baking, Easter dinner being planned, and all that marvelous chocolate and goodies that the Easter Bunny brings. There is so much to look forward to! Did I mention all the marvelous chocolate?!

Of course, the annual trek through our living room by that notorious and elusive Easter Bunny is my kids favorite thing! And, I have to admit, planning those baskets and fixing them up are kinda my favorite thing, too. That and the chocolate, of course!

If you've read my post regarding Simple Ways to Make a Cancer Patient Smile, you already know how much I love baskets to brighten someone's day!

But what happens when the Easter Bunny (aka Mom) gets a little tired of the same-old same-old? Here's a hint, #mamaninja to the rescue!

Before I start my list, let us get a misconception out of our heads. 

An Easter basket DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A BASKET.

Whaaat?!

Yep. You heard me right. It can be anything that can be of use anytime of the year! Also, don't forget, Easter baskets can be and should be for everyone in the family, not just the kids!

Now that we have that little nugget of info out of the way, let's get creative! 

For the Baby or Mom to Be

Basket Ideas:

Fillers:

Rubber ducky, wash cloths, bibs, sun hat, baby lotion, sunscreen, towels, engraved baby bible, diapers, travel wipes, car sun visor, changing table mat, rompers, cute little diaper covers for girls, coupon for baby pictures to be made, baby's 1st Easter scrapbooking supplies

For the Little Boy

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Ball pit balls, plastic tool set, grill accessories, legos, floor puzzle, giant coloring book, crayons, stickers, craft or drawing paper, matchbox cars and trucks, Lil' Swimmers or new bathing suit, bath toys, bath paint, bubbles, magnetic fridge letters, hooded towel, stuffed animals, picture books, rock painting kit, baseball cap, sunglasses, new shorts and tee shirt, sandals, water shoes, glow sticks, playground ball, toy sword, pirate costume

For the Little Girl

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Barbies, dolls, doll clothes, tutu, furniture for doll house, headbands, bows, sunglasses, Lil' Swimmers or new bathing suit, sunglasses, sun hat, purse, toy makeup, stickers, craft or drawing paper, giant coloring book, colors, rock painting kit, butterfly net, bath toys or bath paint, hooded towel, picture books, tea set, stuffed animals, magic wand, tiara, playground ball, glow stick necklace or bracelets, dress up clothes or shoes

For the Pre-Teen or Teen Girl

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Makeup and brushes, nail polish and accessories, new hair brush, scrunchies and hair ties, scarf, wallet, locker mirror, books, CD, DVD, iTunes card, small bluetooth speaker, posters for bedroom, strand of Christmas lights for bedroom, flip flops, shades, new bathing suit, school tee shirt, a pool float, water bottle or travel cup, cross necklace, bracelet or ear rings, light up charger cords, ear buds, new phone case, beach towel, a diary or journal

For the Pre-teen or Teen Boy

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Tools, fishing tackle, rod and reel, iTunes card, books, flip flops, pocket knife, a good flashlight, sleeping bag, new bathing trunks, school tee shirt, canteen, water bottle or travel cup, baseball cap, shades, new sports ball or equipment, sport gloves, binaculars, bluetooth speakers, CD, DVD, new charger cords, beach towel, ear buds

For Dad or the Man in Your Life

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Wallet, tools, mechanic gloves, tackle, new rod and reel, bluetooth speakers, car speakers, CD, DVD, BBQ grill accessories, BBQ apron, a steak branding iron, steak and burger seasonings, books, cologne or after shave, a beard and mustache trimmer, a subscription to his favorite magazine, baseball cap, shades, car detailing supplies, new rake or water hose, set of bungee cords or new tie downs, hunting knife

For Mom or the Lady in Your Life

Basket Ideas

Fillers

Jewelry, wine glasses (with wine!), gift card for mani, pedi, or spa trip, electric racer, fuzzy slippers, flip flops, ankle bracelet, self tanning lotion (the good stuff!), new sunglasses with case and a clip for her visor, garden gloves, gardening stool and apron, fresh flower bulbs to plant, books, a journal, a pretty bookmark, a new Bible cover, a stuffed animal (yes, we love them, too!), CD, DVD, a subscription to her favorite magazine, perfume,  and dont forget the chocolates! 

So, get creative with those baskets and see their faces light up! And let me know what your absolute favorite thing about Easter is below!

Don't forget to Pin for later!

Want more ideas to enjoy the Spring season? Check out my Spring Bucket List for Families!

As always, feel free to share and follow me on your favorite social Media!

You can find flea markets scattered all over the South. Some are warehouse size, some small, some cater to antiques only, some to homemade goods and resale items. But the one I revisited recently caters to everyone and has everything! All under one roof!

Right here just south of Hattiesburg, MS, stands the 49 Antique & Flea Market. Now this is your ultimate one-stop shop where you can find something for everyone (including yourself!) on your list!

The market has been a fixture here for years, and hosts a multitude of various vendors, over 200!

It is located at 19 Dewitt Carter Rd, directly across from Paul B. Johnson State Park on HWY 49. Nearby is Camp Shelby and a little further south would be our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

Open hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Plan on spending a couple of hours, so you can see and visit with all the wonderful vendors on site! And don't worry if you get hungry or need some coffee, there is a cafe inside (I've been told you have to try their chicken soup!) 

If that wasn't enough to convince you to visit, here are some more reasons.

Convinced yet? Well, let me share my fun adventure with you and I'm sure you will be yelling "Road Trip!" very soon!

My fun began before I even entered the building! Look at this massive porch, after all who doesn't love a Southern cozy front porch?!

Let's go inside and explore! Upon opening the old country door, Santa greeted me and beckoned me inside.

Once inside, the office personnel welcomed me as I looked around taking it all in. I've got to tell you, I loved meeting the wonderful management and the vendors, as well. Southern hospitality abounds! 

The last vendor I spent some "time" with was the Watch Man (see what I did there?!)
His name is John Whittington and he is the owner of It's About Time 49. He was quite the character, and I enjoyed meeting him immensely. You can, also, find him on Facebook.


It wasn't until later, as I was checking out his Facebook page that I realized he is the Minister who directs the Market's worship service every Sunday. Yes, that's right. This market hosts a "Come as You Are" service every week! I told you that you can find something for everyone here, didn't I!

More information about the HWY 49 Outreach Ministry can be found on their Facebook page.

Before I wrap my visit up, I want to share a few more pics of the variety of items that can be found here in this unique market.




By the end of my visit, I had spent about $30 in all. I was very excited to be going home with several books, numerous DVD movies, a wooden sign, the stocking stuffers, more gifts, and my new lights. It was such a good day!

I truly hope you enjoyed reading about my fun filled afternoon at The 49 Antique & Flea Market. I know I had a ball and will be returning very soon. If you decide to see this wonderful market yourself, maybe I'll be there. If so, I will be at the cafe trying some of that soup!

For booth reservations or more information about the 49 Antique & Flea Market, please call (601) 583-4554. You really need to check out their website and Facebook page, as well. Be sure to watch the video of the 6 sisters spontaneously breaking into song! It is absolutely breathtaking! You never know what you are going to find at a flea market!