Costco Easter Baskets Are Back. Should You Buy One?

No gift has to be perfect if it's given from the heart.

As I circled the gift basket display this weekend, a young woman walked up to examine the merchandise. Her first words were, "Are you kidding me?" and we both laughed. I got what she was saying. The woman looked like she might be 28-29 years old and shopping for a child. Dropping $100 on a gift basket may have not been in the budget.

Two reasons to skip a Costco gift basket

Let me begin by saying the Costco Easter baskets are stunning this year. Whoever designed them deserves a raise. Goodies are contained within a gorgeous white willow basket that kids can use to collect eggs, or parents can purloin to use for another decorative purpose. Seriously, the display is top-notch.

However, as a mother of two and grandmother of three, I know what my kiddos like, and this $100 Easter basket would not do the trick. Here are two reasons you may want to go with another option if you're buying for young kids.

1. It's overwhelming

I immediately had a comical mental image of my two youngest granddaughters lugging that thing around. They're 4 and 7, but the 7-year-old is tiny. It would likely knock her over.

More importantly, the sheer volume of treats in the deluxe basket is overwhelming -- even for me. There are 17 different items, and if there's one thing I've learned about kids, it's that they do best with fewer items to choose from. I wouldn't lay 17 toys before a child and ask them to choose. I can't imagine doing it with sweets.

2. You know what people like

Of the 17 items included in the deluxe basket, there were nine I could imagine one of the girls enjoying. It's not that they're picky; it's just that they know what they like when it comes to confectionary treats. One dislikes chocolate, while another doesn't want anything sour.

This is a relatively sophisticated basket if you overlook the Dum Dum lollipops, cotton candy, and Peeps (eek!). And given that the girls still giggle when I read the book I Need a New Butt to them, they are decidedly unsophisticated.

The items arranged neatly in the basket are:

• Fruit jellies from Mexico
• Strawberry cheesecake truffles
• Lemon cakes from Spain
• Sea salt cookies
• Raspberry fruit jellies from Italy
• Petite sponge cakes from Spain

If you're looking for something a child is more likely to enjoy, Costco has two smaller, but adorable Easter baskets. Perhaps one of these would be a better option, especially if you're watching your monthly budget:

• Houdini Bunny Basket, a canvas bunny stuffed with kid-friendly candy like M&Ms, Gummy Bears, Skittles Freezer Pops, Ring Pop, a Reese's peanut butter egg, and Tootsie rolls. Price: $22
• Tie Dye Tote, a canvas tie-dyed tote filled with Gummy Worms, Mike and Ike, Dots, Palmer Double Crisp Milk Chocolate Bunny, and more. Price: $24

Three reasons to buy a Costco gift basket

Yesterday, I revisited the Costco Easter basket in my mind and remembered that Easter gifts aren't just for small children. There are plenty of other people who would thoroughly enjoy such a basket, even if it does make a slightly bigger dent in your checking account. Here are three examples of when this gift basket might make sense.

1. You're buying for a gathering

Let's say you're having an Easter brunch and inviting friends or family members. Costco's deluxe basket works as an additional dessert or appetizer. Had I considered my grown children, it might have occurred to me that they would love to try a sponge cake from Spain or raspberry fruit jellies from Italy.

Instead of spending $70 or $80 on a floral centerpiece, the gift basket is impressive enough to display in the middle of the table.

2. You want to impress business customers

Own a small business with a few special customers that help keep your business humming each year? While I can't help but think of Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute delivering gift baskets on The Office as I write this, a deluxe gift basket really is a great way to show your appreciation.

3. You're in a pinch

If you're away from friends and family and want to let them know you're thinking about them, this gift basket is a simple way to make it happen. Standard Shipping via UPS Ground is included in the price of the basket. You can make the purchase online, and it will arrive within three to five days of receiving your order. Express Shipping is available at a reasonable price if you need it there faster.

Think about the last time you received a gift. You probably didn't care what the gift was or if it was "perfect." You were just thrilled that someone thought of you. With these Easter baskets, Costco makes it possible for you to do the same for someone else.