5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.
Can’t beat the jellybean as the go-to holiday treat
From eggs Benedict to Peeps and hollow chocolate bunnies, when it comes to things worth eating on Easter, you’ve got lots to choose from. But for me the best item is the smallest one: the jellybean. I’m not alone in my assessment. Americans eat about 16 billion jellybeans at Easter, according to the National Confectioners Association. (And apparently someone with a lot of time on his or her hands, or maybe rushing on sugar, did the math and concluded that’s enough jellybeans to circle the globe three times.) I have no flavor preference; I’ll even eat the licorice ones. But what I like best about jellybeans is the simplicity of eating them. Left in a bowl, they can sit on a countertop where I can grab some whenever I walk by. — Mike Gordon
Bunnies, chicks get Godiva treatment
Godiva Chocolatier has an array of colorful and yummy treats to celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring. Freshly made truffle pops ($3.25 each or two for $6) embellished with colorful chicks and bunnies are made with delectable ganache centers. If you’re a Peeps fan, the marshmallow bunnies and chicks are dipped in rich Belgian milk or dark chocolate for $3.50 apiece. Available at Godiva shops at Ala Moana and Waikele shopping centers. — Nancy Arcayna
Opt for these totes as a cool carryall
Your little one can stand out from the wicker-basket-toting set on Easter morning by showing up for egg hunts with a Two’s Company jute Easter basket in blue or pink, $15 at Red Pineapple at Ward Centre. And instead of bringing home a live chick or bunny, the gift shop offers $6 windup toys to go hippity-hop around the house. Call 593-2733. — Nadine Kam
Molds get eggs in party shape
This year I found hard-boiled egg molds for my Easter party. A two-pack of molds — one tulip and one daisy — cost $6.95 at Executive Chef, with stores in Ward Warehouse and Kailua. At Marukai Wholesale Mart (1020 Auahi St. and 2310 Kamehameha Highway in Kalihi), a bunny and teddy bear set are about $4. The molds were pretty easy to work with, taking only 10 minutes for the just-cooked eggs to set. Brush a little shoyu over them for taste and to make the designs stand out more. — Michelle Ramos
Handwoven baskets handy throughout year
Easter baskets are a dime a dozen, so I figured, Why not get one that’s not only unique, but durable and usable year-round? This colorful, miniature market-style basket is handwoven from savanna grass by members of the Alaffia Basket Cooperative in West Africa. Larger ones are available, too, but these are the perfect size for an Easter egg hunt. We already took it to a farmers market for a test run. Available at Whole Foods Market in Kailua for $12.99. Visit alaffia.com to learn more. — Nina Wu