Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers & Little Kids

Celebrations
Written By Jen Herrmann
Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers Little Kids and Babies

Spring has sprung! With it comes Easter, a time when families gather to celebrate new beginnings and enjoy the simple joys of the season. As a parent to little kids, I love watching their faces light up when they discover what treasures the Easter Bunny has left behind.

Easter morning is truly magical! I love searching for fun Easter basket ideas for my kids. Last year, I planned a memorable Easter egg hunt in our front yard for the neighborhood, and it was such much fun. I've also seen a super fun idea to use little neon glow sticks in plastic eggs and host a nighttime hunt, too!

As Easter Sunday approaches, we're all on the lookout for the perfect Easter basket stuffers. Whether you are a seasoned parent or celebrating your little one's first Easter, it can be challenging to come up with new and exciting gift ideas to add to your toddler's basket. Finding the right place for inspiration is key!

Easter Basket Ideas for Little Kids & Toddlers

In this blog post, I have compiled a list of fun and age-appropriate Easter basket stuffers. My ideas are best for little ones aged between 1 and 5, but you'll also find some great suggestions for older kids.

From toys to Easter books, sweet treats to practical items, I've got you covered with great ideas for Easter basket fillers for toddlers. Many of the ideas are the perfect size for an Easter basket.

One of my favorite things I’ve done is added golden eggs to their baskets, which you can shop here. I have 1-2 for each basket and then put money in the golden eggs only.  The kids absolutely love it and it’s fun to add to their piggy banks. 

Finding these to put in eggs is tough. I don’t like to put too much candy in the eggs because then it’s like Halloween all over again, and egg fillers can just lead to more clutter. I stumbled upon these egg tokens this year and was so happy to find them! You can use them year after year, and it’s fun family activities, which you can shop here.

What to Fill Easter Baskets With? Easter Stuffer Ideas

A few years ago, I started a new Easter tradition. With this tradition, only the golden eggs contain money. It's a fun way for the kids to add to their piggy banks. I found the golden eggs with super fast shipping!

Finding these to put in eggs is tough. I don’t like to put too much candy in the eggs because then it’s like Halloween all over again, and egg fillers can just lead to more clutter. I stumbled upon these egg tokens this year and was so happy to find them! You can use them year after year.

 

What to fill Easter Baskets with? Easter Stuffer Ideas  

Easter Basket Gift Guide Kids & Toddlers

There are so many funny things that you can put into an Easter basket. I try to create a variety of things and pick one from each section. Some of my favorite Easter basket stuffers are:

TOYS & ACTIVITIES

  • Art supplies like washable markers and non-toxic nail polish

  • Outdoor toys like sidewalk chalk and bubbles

  • Bath toys

  • Small toys or Plush toys, like squishmallow!

  • Bubble machine

  • Dress-up clothes for pretend play

EDUCATIONAL

  • Educational toys like card games

  • Board Book

  • Sticker Book

WEARABLE

  • New swimsuit or water shoes for warmer weather

  • Rey to Z Letter hat

On Theme

  • Easter pajamas

  • Easter-themed toys

  • Egg crayons

  • Chocolate Bunnies

  • Cute Plush Bunny

  • Easter candy like jelly beans and chocolate eggs

My "something to wear" is always a bathing suit in the kids' Easter baskets. I also think another fun idea could be rain boots since it's springtime. Having a mix of 3-5 gifts is the right size to make the basket look full. Many of these ideas are great Easter gift ideas for kids of all ages.

Shop the post

Monogram Baseball Hat

These hats from Rey to Z are so cute! I ordered one for both of my kids for their Easter baskets.

How to Catch the Easter Bunny Book

This book has become a favorite in our house! I bought it a few years back and now we read it every holiday season.

Bunny Sidewalk Chalk

How cute is this chalk?? It’s such a fun way to celebrate springtime. I love gifts that I know the kids will actually use.

Play Doh Sensory Kit

These kits on Etsy are so cute! I find that they have great storage boxes that come with as well so they last for months and months.

Easter Basket Tokens

If you want something that’s definitely reusable from year to year, you’ll love these Easter Basket tokens from Etsy. I love supporting the creators on Etsy because you’re always supporting a small business!

Bath Time Tea Set

This tea set is so cute for your little princess!

Personalized Puzzle

These puzzles are so cute! How fun to have them personalized. Order at least 10 days in advance to get it in time.

Bunny Garden

These darling little kids gardening kits can be personalized with their name. It’s a fun project you can do together and then plant it outside.

Bath Time Basketball Hoop

This cute little set connects right to your faucet so your little one can shoot hoops while they get clean. A win-win in my opinion.

RuffleButts Swimwear

I love to surprise the kids with a new bathing suit in their Easter baskets. It’s a fun gift to signal summer is coming plus it’s something useful for them, too! RuffleButts has always held up well for us!

They have suits for little boys and little girls, so you can definitely find what you’re looking for! In particular, I love that they have SPF built in.

 

My Favorite Easter Books for Toddlers' Easter Baskets

Easter books are a great addition to any child's Easter basket. They're a fun way to celebrate the season, and they can help instill a love of reading in young children. Here are a few of my favorite Easter books for toddlers:

How do you make a 3 year old Easter basket?

When it comes to Easter baskets for toddlers, variety is key. Toddlers have short attention spans, and they quickly lose interest in toys or activities that do not stimulate them. Therefore, it's essential to include a mix of items in their basket to keep them engaged and entertained.

Keeping it spring-themed is a great place to start.  I love to include craft supplies or art supplies for older kids, a piece of candy (like a chocolate bunny or some jelly beans), an Easter book, and something to play with like an interactive toy or building blocks.

I always include Easter eggs too, but have started looking for creative ideas so it's not a candy overload. I thought these Easter Basket Tokens on Etsy were a super basket idea for kids.  Ever since we had a baby brother, my older daughter is always looking for extra time with me, which is what this is all about!  It reminds me of that movie, 'Yes Day.'

 

Easter Basket Ideas for Babies and Younger Children (18 Months and Under)

For the little ones celebrating their first Easter, it's important to choose safe and age-appropriate gifts. Here are some ideas for an 18-month-old's Easter basket or for younger babies:

  • Soft plush animals, especially a cute plush bunny

  • Board books with bright colors and different textures

  • Small toys that are easy for little hands to hold, like building blocks or an egg toy

  • Bath toys for fun in the tub

  • Sensory toys that stimulate their senses

  • Teethers and other soothing items

In my experience, I've found that it's always a good idea to include a book, something to play with, and something fun for outside. Board books are really fun.  Plus, books can help instill a love of reading at an early age, and it's a great way to bond with your child.

A toy, such as building blocks or a puzzle, can encourage problem-solving skills and creativity. I thought this Wooden Counting Montessori Beehive Toy looked super fun. It's a toy that grows with your little one.  They may start by simply sorting the bees, but eventually, they can count and also practice their fine motor skills with the tweezers.

 

Creative Easter Gift Ideas

I like to include a new swimsuit for the kids. It's a fun way to hint that summer is coming, and it gets them excited for the warmer weather ahead. RuffleButts Girls Swimsuit & RuggedButts Boys Swimsuit are two cute ones -- that brand always holds up well for my kids! I also love to give something personalized like a stuffed animal, such as the Custom Stuffed Bunny, or a Personalized Easter Puzzle. Bath toys are another creative gift for kids under the age of 3.

Last year, we started a garden. It’s been a very fun activity for my daughter and I to do together.  This Bunny Garden is perfect for your mini green thumb!

 

Where to find the perfect Easter Basket

I love the idea of a basket you can use again and again. Sew What Fun has really cute and fun Easter baskets -- I bought two of them from her last year.  It's my favorite Easter basket of all time.

I also thought this basket from Designing Meems is super cute. It’s a bit more unique and intricate.

I want to remind you that there are so many creative options out there for your child's basket. Instead of defaulting to the typical store-bought items, consider shopping small and searching platforms like Etsy to find unique and personalized gifts for your little one.

Shopping small businesses not only supports individual artists and makers, but it also allows you to find one-of-a-kind items that you won't find in larger chain stores. You can find handmade toys, custom clothing, and personalized books that will make your child's Easter basket truly special. These items not only make great Easter basket stuffers but also serve as memorable keepsakes that your child can cherish for years to come.

Etsy is an excellent platform for finding unique and personalized items for your child's Easter basket. With a vast selection of handmade and vintage goods, you can find items that are tailored specifically to your child's interests and personality. From custom name puzzles to personalized stuffed animals, there are so many options for unique and special gifts that will make your child's Easter extra special.

In addition to finding creative gifts, shopping small and on Etsy can also be a more eco-friendly option. Many small businesses and Etsy shops use sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their products, which is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also supporting small businesses.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your child's Easter basket stuffers. By shopping small and searching Etsy, you can find unique and personalized gifts that will make this Easter extra special for your toddler. From handmade toys to custom clothing, there are so many options out there for creative and memorable Easter basket stuffers. So, get shopping and have fun creating a basket that your little one will love!Fun Easter Activities for the Whole Family

Easter Activities for the Whole Family

Easter is more than just gifts; it's a time for making memories. Here are some fun Easter activities to enjoy with your family:

  • The Classic Egg Hunt: No Easter is complete without an egg hunt! Hide plastic eggs filled with sweet treats, small toys, or even activity tokens for future fun. You can even theme your egg hunt, like a scavenger hunt or a glow-in-the-dark hunt.

  • Easter Crafts: Get crafty with the kids! Decorate Easter eggs, make bunny ears, or create spring-themed artwork. There are tons of easy and fun Easter craft ideas online.

  • Easter Baking: Bake some delicious Easter treats together, like bunny-shaped cookies or a festive spring cake. It's a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

  • Family Brunch or Dinner: Gather your family members for a special Easter brunch or dinner. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meal together and celebrate the holiday.

  • Visit a Farm or Petting Zoo: Many farms and petting zoos offer special Easter events, where kids can see baby animals and participate in fun activities. It's a great way to enjoy the spring weather and connect with nature.

  • Read Easter Books Together: Cuddle up with your little ones and read some of your favorite Easter books. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Making Easter Special for Different Age Groups

While many of the ideas above work for a range of ages, here are some more tailored suggestions for different age groups:

  • Babies and Toddlers (0-2 years): Focus on safe and stimulating toys, like soft plush animals, board books with textures, and simple building blocks. Avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard.

  • Toddlers and Preschoolers (2-5 years): This age group loves imaginative play, so consider dress-up clothes, pretend play sets, and art supplies. They also enjoy interactive toys and puzzles.

  • Older Kids (6+ years): Older kids might enjoy more challenging activities, like building sets, card games, and outdoor games. Consider their individual interests when choosing gifts and activities. Video games, LEGO sets, and books are often a big hit with this age group.

Practical Easter Basket Fillers (That Parents Will Love!)

While fun toys and sweet treats are always welcome, consider adding some practical items to your child's Easter basket. These are things they'll need and use, making the basket even more valuable:

  • New Swimsuit or Water Shoes

  • Rain Boots

  • Water Bottle

  • New Beach Towel

  • Art Supplies (Washable Markers, Non-Toxic Nail Polish)

  • New Pair of Socks or Underwear

  • Small Hand Sanitizer

  • Sunscreen

  • Gift Card to Their Favorite Store or Restaurant

Creating a Beautiful Easter Basket

The presentation of your Easter basket is almost as important as what's inside! Here are some tips for creating a beautiful and eye-catching Easter basket:

  • Choose the Right Basket: You can use a traditional woven basket, a cute bucket, or even a gift bag. Consider the size and shape of the items you're including.

  • Use Easter Grass or Tissue Paper: Line the basket with Easter grass or colorful tissue paper to add some festive flair.

  • Arrange the Items Attractively: Place the larger items in the back and the smaller items in the front. You can also use ribbon or twine to tie some of the items together.

  • Add Some Personal Touches: Personalize the basket with your child's name or a special message. You can also add some spring flowers or other decorations.

  • Don't Forget the Bunny Ears! A pair of bunny ears is a must-have for any Easter celebration.

Shopping Tips for Easter Basket Stuffers

  • Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to shop for Easter basket stuffers. This will give you plenty of time to find the perfect gifts and take advantage of special offers.

  • Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on each basket and stick to it. There are plenty of great Easter basket stuffers available at all price points.

  • Consider Your Child's Interests: Choose items that your child will love and use. Think about their favorite toys, books, and activities.

  • Shop Around: Compare prices at different stores to make sure you're getting the best deals. Don't forget to check online retailers like Amazon and Etsy.

  • Look for Sales and Special Offers: Many stores offer discounts on Easter basket stuffers in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Keep an eye out for special offers and coupons.

  • Don't Forget the Free Shipping: Many online retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. This can be a great way to save money on your Easter basket shopping.

Easter is a special time for families to come together and celebrate. By filling your child's Easter basket with thoughtful gifts and engaging in fun Easter activities, you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Easter!

This post uses affiliate links where I do earn a commission -- Using these links I may earn income at no cost to you.

 
 
Jen Herrmann
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