Michelle Hainer

In honor of Easter, we asked candy mavens at our favorite city confectioners—Jacques Torres Chocolate, Dewey's, Dylan's Candy Bar, Vosges Haut-Chocolat and LIC factory Sweet & Sara—to pick out their favorite spring items for DIY baskets that kids can help assemble at home. To make one, you'll first need a vessel: Choose a basket from Michaels or a bucket, which can be decorated with stickers and glitter, from Party City. Next, get "shred" to fill out the bottom (an eco-friendly bag is only $1.50 at Kmart). Line the basket, and then place the bigger items in, working from left to right. Have your tots fill in holes with all thelittle extras. 1. The chocoholic * Backpack Bunny, $23; at Jacques Torres* Chocolate-covered Peeps, $1.50/pack of two; at Walgreens* Milk-chocolate pig, $10; at Jacques Torres* Vosges Haut-Chocolat Deep Milk Chocolate Eggs, $22/pack of four; at Vosges Haut-Chocolat* Chocolate foil-covered eggs, $11/lb; at Dewey's Candy* Cadbury Creme Eggs, $3/pack of four, and Cadbury Mini Eggs, $5.50; at Kmart * Hershey's Bunnies, $1.50/pack of two; at Walgreens. Hershey's Kisses Packs, $5.50; at Kmart 2. The gummy guru * Jelly beans, $11/lb; at Dewey's Candy* DCB gum gift box, $10; at Dylan's Candy Bar* Gummy rabbits, $11/lb; at Dewey's Candy* Multicolored giant candy necklace, $3.50; at Dylan's Candy Bar* Rubber-duck Pez, $1.50; at Economy Candy* Starburst jelly-bean eggs, $1.25; at Walgreens* Fun Sweets cotton candy, $2.50; at Dewey's Candy* Easter Pals Jelly Candy o