Many of us in the bunny community already know that year after year, shelters and rescues get inundated with unwanted pet rabbits a few weeks after Easter.

So let’s try to spread the word that pet rabbits should not be Easter impulse buys! It comes down to this: if you haven’t done any research or put any thought into whether or not a real rabbit is a good fit for you and your family, go the chocolate bunny route instead.

Here are a few resources on the topic:

• My House Rabbit’s article, “Easter and Bunnies”
• The House Rabbit Society’s section, “Easter and Rabbits”
• Make Mine Chocolate website

Easter is just around the corner!  To celebrate, here are a few easy bunny craft ideas to do with kids:

Envelope Bunnies
via Martha Stewart Kids

Fun and easy to make, you can fill these festive paper pouches with sweet treats when you finish!

Pretty Paper Bunnies
via Charlotte’s Fancy

These adorable decorations are simple to make and brighten up any room!

Egg Bunny
via Kaboose

Bunnify your dyed Easter eggs!

Bunny Egg Holder
via Skip to My Lou

This cute craft comes with a free, downloadable template!

The Cheezburger Network has launched a new seasonal site devoted to photos of um… interesting… Easter bunnies.  You know what I’m talking about- we’ve all seen them at the local malls. Even though actual bunnies are quite cute, there are (and have always been) a ton of creepy/scary-looking Easter bunny costumes out there…

Enjoy: Sketchy Bunnies

Here are some wonderful alternatives to getting a real bunny on a whim for Easter:

The Brave Bunnies by 22 Reasons

These adorable plush bunnies by 22 Reasons are $35 each. 10% of the proceeds is donated to the House Rabbit Society.

Stuffed Bunnies by Leaps & Bounds Rabbit Rescue

If you live near Roseville, CA, you can purchase one of these sweethearts in person at the Roseville Petco on Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 12 to 3:30 p.m. Bunnies range from $20 – $40 depending on the style, and all proceeds benefit Leaps and Bounds Rabbit Rescue. If you don’t live in the area, email nola_rabbitrescue@yahoo.com to arrange for a bunny to be shipped. Shipping costs $5.70.

Vintage Chocolate Easter Bunnies by Historical Chocolate Company

The Historical Chocolate Company is pleased to offer chocolate Easter bunnies patterned from antique chocolate molds, donating a portion of the proceeds to the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign and the House Rabbit Society’s Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia chapter. (Photo courtesy of PawPrints Photography )