ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Egg hunts are a traditional component of many people’s Easter celebrations. Children often delight in searching for eggs around the house or in the backyard. Egg hunts are so popular that they have become a component of many town-sponsored festivities. Even the White House hosts an annual Easter Egg Roll each year.

There are many ways to make Easter egg hunts more enjoyable and productive for participants of all ages. Try these “eggcellent” ideas.

Designate a clear hunting area

Young children can grow frustrated searching for eggs in large areas. Set parameters for the search area that are manageable depending on the ages of the children participating. If you will be in a large yard or field, tape off the search area perimeter. Not only will this prevent egg hunting from becoming an all day affair, it cuts down on the number of eggs you need to prepare and hide.

Vary the prizes

Candy, candy and more candy seems to be the name of the game on Easter. But too many sweets can lead to stomach aches for young Easter celebrants. Instead, mix and match the prizes contained in the eggs. Candy can be in some, quarters in others, and perhaps small toys in a few eggs. You could also write jokes or words of wisdom on sheets of paper, like cracking open fortune cookies. Varying the candies found in each egg also helps add variety.

Special privilege egg

In substitute for a cash-prize rewarded golden egg, hide one egg that gives the finder the opportunity for a special honor. It may include getting the first slice of the holiday ham or being able to choose a movie that the entire family watches together after dinner. There is nothing stopping you from dropping several of these throughout the yard, allowing more than one child to come away with a special privilege.

Label eggs to prevent hurt feelings

When there are children across a wide range of ages, label the eggs with the children’s names or utilize a color-coded system to ensure that everyone has an equal shot at finding eggs, otherwise the elder children will scoop up far more than their fair share. Alternatively, make separate zones for ages. Designate one area for the elder children with harder-to-find eggs and an easier section for the little ones.

Keep a master list

It can be hard to remember where each egg is hidden, so keep a running list of where they are or take photos with a phone of the hiding spots. This way you are not left to discover a chocolate-filled egg teeming with ants come summertime or runover it with the lawn mower.

Make custom baskets

Children will need something to carry their eggs. Prior to the egg hunt, let them decorate bags or baskets with Easter trinkets for custom creations. This adds to the experience immensely, especially in the length of the event. Egg hunts usually only last a few minutes, but basket making could take far longer. This can also serve as an opportunity to chat with the other adults while the children are occupied or join in the fun and make a basket too.