May Day Baskets
May Day was a tradition I grew up prepping for every year. I would get my baskets all ready the night before for our neighbors and friends by filling them with candy, making tags for them and getting them all lined up ready to go the morning of May 1st. I had no problem jumping out of bed to go deliver my baskets or be ready to run after someone if I hear the doorbell. When I was little, the baskets were usually a plastic cup with a handmade paper handle glued on – or a pipe cleaner handle if we got fancy – filled with candy!
This is a tradition I still try to do yearly and I can not wait to share to pass on. Picking out the treats, creating the baskets, and delivering them to loved one just to bring a smile on their face – it all makes me happy too. This year, with an infant with no concept of May Day, I still got excited to prepare my treats tailored to those receiving them. Since May Day falls in the middle of COVID-19 quarantine, it’s the perfect excuse for a project + gives us a reason to get out of the house to deliver them.
What I Did This Year
First, I made these tags – they are the perfect tag for any May Day treat! Snag your free May Day printables HERE for the colorful tag and HERE for the black and white tag, which can be printed on any colored cardstock paper!
Then I prepped on baskets. Most of my baskets are going to adults or young children who aren’t going to be chasing me. So I made flower arrangements from mason jars and canned tins, treat bags, and even a bagged lunch for my dad. This year, I even grabbed some Oreos for some much needed quarantine snacks that didn’t required me to touch the food
The best part – delivering them!! Which I am way too excited about this year. Since we’ve been quarantined at home with no face to face socializing, there probably won’t be much ding and dash this year! I plan to ring the doorbell and stand there giddy until they open the door – I will stand back 6 feet, of course! I miss my people and I need to see them and I hope getting this little surprise to make others happy too!
How to Make May Day Baskets
- Make a list of individuals you want to surprise
- Purchase your supplies. Any baskets or plastic cups work great or you can make a paper cone. Grab your filling – flower, candy, popcorn are popular items. But you can personalize them too – maybe you want to do ice cream treats, fruit or a special drink. Adding personal touches can make it extra special.
- Make a May Day tag or print off one of these freebie here: LINKS
- Make your delivery list, THEN ding and dash!!
Free May Day Printable Tags
Colorful May Day Printable Here
Black & White May Day Printable Here
What is May Day?
May Day is a springtime tradition of leaving a little, anonymous treat of their doorstep of family, friends, and neighbors. So the rules: You sneak up to someone’s house, leave the treat on their doorknob or doorstep, ring the doorbell then run away like crazy to hide. The recipient then runs and tries to catch you before you are “safe” – usually back into your house or car. This tradition brings happiness and joy to the giver and receiver. Typically treats include flowers and candy.
Even if you haven’t heard of May Day or didn’t do it when you were little – start the tradition! Share the joy and fun with others and put a smile to their face!!