Easter basket ideas for young kids
I remember some of my Easter baskets growing up. My mom made our baskets at one point. Our baskets always had candy (usually chocolate and jelly beans) and not a lot of toys. Times have changed and at some point, it became the “thing” to give toys and more extravagant gifts. We do a few smaller items for our son at Easter and also give him jelly beans and a little bit of chocolate. He certainly doesn’t need a ton of candy, but the child loves jelly beans.
This is a list of items that I’m considering for my boy’s Easter basket this year:
This interactive Tigger is on our list this year. Sadly in 2020, he’s no longer available. He comes with a book and talks when you say certain phrases. (We have Pooh and my son absolutely loves it. There’s even a book where Tigger and Pooh interact.)
If you’re into music, and don’t mind your child being into music, check out the Melissa and Doug kazoo. We have this and it’s so fun. (It also holds up to toddlers throwing it around.) I’m updating this post five years after we bought the kazoo – it is STILL holding up!
Puzzles are always a fun option. Melissa and Doug puzzles hold up for many years, and ours have survived two kids!
As always, the bubbles from Gymboree are the best, best, BEST bubbles I’ve found. We have a few bottles they don’t disappoint. Gymboree stores have closed, but I did find the bubbles online.
Books. My son loves reading and since he’s skipping naps, I’m enforcing a quiet time for him. He can read books in his bed. I still try to stick with board books for him. Lately he’s been into Busy Town. That book is incredibly high priced now, but look at these other Richard Scarry board books!.
For the first couple of years, we bought my son the small Sesame Street plush characters. Since I’m leaning towards the Tigger mentioned above, we’ll skip any other plush animals. (He has a ton and only likes a couple.) Though, he doesn’t have Oscar and Oscar is pretty cute. The Count is available and can be shipped before Easter!
We have a collection of Thomas the Train cars that my son hasn’t discovered yet. They always make great gifts for the train-lover in your life.
I’m not buying all of these things for my son. I’m still trying to decide what he’ll receive in addition to jelly beans (of course!)
What ideas do you have for Easter baskets?
This post was updated in 2020 with new links, and clarification if items are no longer sold.
I like the idea of a few smaller items w/candy. that’s what I do for my nieces & nephews.
When my kids were little I always filled with DVD’s, coloring books and crayons. Anything but candy 🙂
Since I don’t like giving candy in Easter Baskets, I am always looking for some good ideas for the Grandkids.
I never thought about puzzles! Thanks for the great idea.
So cute! I love that it involves more than just candy!
Love these ideas! I can’t stand baskets filled with candy. #TypeAParent
What some fantastic ideas, I would quite like the tigger myself.
These are really great ideas. I love the Sesame Street plush characters.
I still handy thought of it yet. I was reading intently your suggestions!
The Easter Bunny normally leaves a movie, candy and a shirt or two. I am not sure what he will bring this year.
Great ideas! I love that it’s not all candy! That’s fantastic!
I love the interactive Tigger. Tigger was always my favorite character in Winnie the Pooh.
I always liked putting in plenty of Easter candies and chocloates. If I happened to see a cute book or game I would throw that in too!
I love making Easter baskets for the kids, having some chocolate and toys!
Great ideas! I’m doing baskets without chocolate this year and am pretty excited about it.. Usually they get 1 or 2 small chocolates but not this year!
Kazoos are so cool. I know some parents cringe when they see anything that makes noise but I loved it when my kids played with these type of toys. No Easter baskets in our house anymore. Hopefully one day when we have grandchildren.
We keep Easter baskets simple too. I try to have a little fun, but also emphasize the real reason for the day. One of my favorite non-candy ideas for little ones are Cheddar Bunny Carrots. Easy to make, tasty, and sugar free.
That Tigger toy is so stinkin’ cute! I want one for myself. Someone gimme a basket? 🙂
Great ideas! I also love to give the kids a few treats like chocolate eggs etc. They love getting a basket with both toys and yummy things.
I love to give books and toys. One year I found bubbles in a cute rabbit container.
This post actually made me excited for Easter. Tee hee. I’m such a kid.
We always try to go very minimal on the candy in our kids Easter Baskets. So maybe a small chocolate bunny, a new snuggle friend and a movie!
I do love baskets – This interactive and the Tigger toy and puzzles sounds fabulous for little ones – hmmm….but for us grown ups? I’m thinking brunch and a new outfit! 🙂
These are great ideas for young kids. It is always good to look for some better options other than candy & I love the Puzzles idea very much, which could help them gain some knowledge too.
Those are all cute gift ideas! I usually just do a variety of candies and maybe a small Easter-themed activity book.
Awww that Tigger is absolutely adorable. I can see why he’s a must have. I have some friends who are Tigger collectors and I am pretty sure they’d want him – with our without an Easter basket.
We were just saying we wanted to do something different this year. Great ideas.
These are great ideas! I’ve been trying to help my mom come up with ideas for the baskets for the children at her church and the local community outreach. This helps a lot!
Very cute ideas. I used to love making fun baskets for the kids when they were younger. Now, I give them chocolates and yummy stuff.