On Easter morning in 1987, I could hardly contain my excitement as I leaped out of bed and sprinted to my Easter basket. Although I had long stopped believing in the Easter Bunny, my parents clung to the tradition. As I surveyed the vibrant eggs and sugary treats, my gaze landed on a treasure: a cassette tape of the Beastie Boys’ album, “Licensed to Ill.” I spent the morning celebrating by devouring jelly beans and peanut butter cups like there was no tomorrow. It was, without a doubt, the best Easter basket I had ever received. (Well, except for that wine basket my partner gifted me after I gave up wine for Lent — that was pretty great too.)
Back in the 1970s and ’80s, Easter baskets were simple affairs. A bit of fake grass, some hard jelly beans, and maybe a chocolate bunny for good measure, and we were thrilled. Little did we know that Easter would soon rival Christmas in terms of extravagance, and our candy preferences would become much more refined. While we’ve all indulged in our fair share of treats and surprises, some Easter candies have truly stood the test of time — and a few are best left behind.
1. Peanut Butter Eggs
These have been a classic in Easter baskets for ages.
Then: Generic brands like Asher’s filled our baskets with lackluster peanut butter eggs.
Now: Thank goodness for Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, which have transformed our taste buds — please never leave us, Reese’s!
2. Mini Sugar Egg Panoramas
Then: These overly sugary eggs, adorned with tiny decorations, served no real purpose and often went untouched.
Now: They still make an appearance in many baskets, though I can’t fathom why.
3. Cadbury Crème Eggs
Then: Cadbury made a splash with their catchy tagline, “No bunny knows Easter like Cadbury.”
Now: Shoppers can still be seen loading up on these eggs, though their appeal has waned for many.
4. Pez Dispensers
Then: These quirky dispensers were a delight, offering candy on-the-go with a fun character twist.
Now: We still cherish them, and an Easter basket wouldn’t be complete without one, even if it looks a bit creepy.
5. Black Jelly Beans
Then: They were the bane of many a child’s Easter basket.
Now: Sadly, they still hold that unfortunate title.
6. Chocolate Easter Bunnies
Then: A large chocolate bunny was a must-have, sparking joy on Easter morning.
Now: The joy is mixed with concern as we watch our little ones chomp down on them with their grubby hands.
7. Malted Easter Eggs
Then: These colorful, crunchy delights were a staple.
Now: They are often consumed in secret, hidden away from the demands of children.
8. Peeps Marshmallow Chicks
Then: Peeps were just starting to gain popularity.
Now: You’re either a fan or you can’t stand the sight of them — no in-between.
9. Easter-Themed Candy Corn
Then: This novelty didn’t exist.
Now: It’s a perplexing addition to the Easter lineup — a candy corn foray gone wrong.
10. Jelly Beans
Then: Brach’s was the only game in town, offering a bland selection.
Now: The variety is astounding, catering to every flavor preference imaginable.
11. Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Eggs
Then: These were hidden for epic egg hunts, leading to fierce sibling rivalries.
Now: The hunts remain, but you often forget how many eggs you’ve hidden, finding them weeks later — a surprise gift that keeps on giving.
Reflecting on Easter 1987 brings a smile to my face, especially thinking about my Irish Catholic mom surprising me with that Beastie Boys cassette. The true irony is that now, as an adult, being the Easter Bunny means claiming all the candy before the kids get their hands on it. So if you’ll excuse me, I have some peanut butter cups and jelly beans to dig into. Also, it’s time to download some Beastie Boys tunes.
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Summary:
This article takes a nostalgic look at the evolution of Easter candy, comparing past favorites with modern alternatives. It highlights the simple joys of childhood baskets while critiquing some of the more questionable candies that persist today. The author shares personal anecdotes and reflections on the changes in Easter traditions, particularly in the candy landscape.