A Sweet Celebration with Colorful History

Historians note jelly beans were referenced as early as 1861 when Boston confectioner William Schrafft encouraged sending them to Civil War soldiers.
A Chicago Daily News item on July 5, 1905 advertised bulk jelly beans for nine cents per pound. By the 1930s, their egg-like shape
tied them to Easter traditions across the U.S.

Fun Ways to Celebrate with Your Residents

1) Jelly Bean Cake Bake any white or yellow cake, cool, frost, and cover with jelly beans. Create designs (flowers, initials) for extra flair. Supplies: box cake mix · white icing · jelly beans

2) Jelly Bean Wreath Wrap a foam wreath with ribbon, then hot-glue jelly beans in rows. Add a bow and a hanging loop. Supplies: foam wreath · wide ribbon · hot glue gun · jelly beans

3) Jelly Bean Guessing Game Fill clear, lidded containers with counted beans. Residents submit guesses—closest wins the jar! Supplies: clear containers · jelly beans

4) Jelly Bean Blind Taste Test In pairs, one resident is blindfolded while the other offers beans to guess flavors. Keep it light and fun. Supplies: poster board · soft blindfolds · assorted flavors

5) Jelly Bean Bingo Swap “BINGO” for “JELLY” on your cards and use jelly beans as markers. Instant smiles. Supplies: pastel cardstock · printable bingo cards · jelly beans

6) Jelly Bean Bracelets Use blunt craft needles and stretchy string to thread jelly beans into cheerful bracelets. Supplies: blunt craft needles · stretchy jewelry string · jelly beans

7) Jelly Bean Eggs Decorate cardboard egg shapes with pastel paint and jelly beans. Hang on resident doors or common areas. Supplies: egg cutouts · pastel paints · craft glue · twine

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