Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, bringing your child an Easter basket full of spring time treats!
For some, an Easter Basket means candy- chocolate eggs peanut butter filled eggs, marshmallow treats, malt balls, and jelly beans. Basically the leftover Halloween candy gets dipped in pastel food coloring and is regurgitated back in the aisle. Hello, cavities.
And while some kids will get new bikes or ride on toys for Easter, that’s not the spring fling gift slinging lifestyle we’re striving for. Instead, we want to fill our Easter Basket small, practical, fun gifts that won’t break the bank.
Growing up, my parents always gave us a basket of fruit. Our family usually had apples and bananas on hand, or occasionally oranges or grapes. But our Easter fruit basket was filled with a pineapple and kiwi and pears and sometimes even a mango or cantaloupe. It really gave balance to the chocolate bunny, egg crate bubble gum, and jelly beans.
So now that I’m the mom, I wanted to find our own balance or Easter basket goodies!
My favorite items to put in a toddler’s Easter basket:
- Bubbles. Every kid loves bubbles.
- Bubble machine. For the remarkably average parent who doesn’t want to stand outside and blow for hours and hours. (Charlotte-Ann has this one, and it lasts forever)
- Plushie. If your kiddo already has a hundred, get the year and possibly their name embroidered or vinyled on the year or foot to set it apart.
- Puzzle. Work their mind year round! (We always love Melissa and Doug, and this puzzle set is great)
- Book. You can never have too many books. If your Tot is young, get one with textures like a fluffy tail! If they’re older and you’re Christian, an early reader bible or book on the resurrection. Otherwise, any age appropriate book!
- Tattoos. Such a fun way to get festive, and they come off quickly with rubbing alcohol.
- Craft Kit. Skip the trip to the craft store for another bin of supplies and grab a small kit instead. We have paint kits and puff ball kits already, but there’s a large variety.
- Nail Polish. If you’re worried about chemicals, opt for Piggy Paint. Or, look for nail decals. We use regular pink.
- Water Toys. Small toys like squirt guns or water bombs are a great way to lead up to the summer months.
- Tooth Brushes. We always give a toothbrush for Halloween, so Easter is a good halfway mark for another. (Ideally there’s another swap or two in there but if there’s not, don’t feel bad. Here’s your reminder.)
- Character bandaids. Spring is here. Bring on the boo boos, whether from ant bites or bike falls.
- Underwear. We always got new underwear as a kid, so why not.
- Hair Bows. Hair bows make every outfit cuter, so why not?
- Water Bottle. A cute and functional water bottle will help keep your toddler hydrated in the warmer months.
- Flip Flops. Time to pack away the boots! Grab a cheap pair of thong sandals in their favorite color.
- Blind Bags. Whether your tot likes the Lost Kitties or Grossery Gang or Surprizimals, they will love blind bags in their Easter basket.
- DVD. Bonus points if you watch the movie together as a family.
- Chalk. Get ready for warmer months! Go outside and draw on the sidewalk or in the driveway.
- Stickers. They can literally never have enough stickers. Stock up in advance.
- Bathing Suit. Another sneak preview of the summer months.
- Umbrella. April showers beings may flowers. Fun idea: use the open umbrella as the basket oneself.
- Goldfish. A great alternative to candy, get the colorful goldfish and dump them in a clear jar.
- Bubble bath. Every kid loves bubble bath. You could also include bath crayons or paints.
- Jump Rope. What’s better than jump roping on a warm day?
- Kite. Actually flying a kite on a breezy day at the playground is even better than jump rope.
Let me know if there’s anything you always put in your child’s Easter basket!
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