7 Easter Basket Picks Beyond Candy

Candy has its place in an Easter basket, but there are only so many jelly beans a child can eat before the sugar crash arrives. A basket filled with a mix of little, practical, and fun items lasts longer, costs about the same, and gives kids something to look forward to after the chocolate bunny is gone.

These seven picks work across ages from toddlers to teens, with typical prices from $1 to $15 per item. Aim for a basket total of $20 to $40, and fill it with a mix of things to do, wear, read, and play with. Keep age labels in mind, especially for little ones.

1. Outdoor play items

Spring weather invites getting outside. Sidewalk chalk, bubble wands, a jump rope, a little kite, or a set of sand toys fit in a basket and cost $2 to $8 each. Pair with a promise to head to the park.

Tip: Choose non-toxic chalk and bubble solutions if children tend to put things in their mouths.

2. Books and reading goodies

A picture book, a chapter book, or a comic collection is an excellent anchor item at $5 to $12. Add a bookmark and a little flashlight for bedtime reading. Pick titles that match their current interests, or visit a used bookstore for savings.

• For toddlers, choose sturdy board books.
• For early readers, choose short series with illustrations.
• For teens, add a gift card to a bookstore.

3. Art and craft supplies

Crayons, watercolor sets, stickers, modeling clay, or a little coloring book encourage creativity. An effortless craft kit, such as decorating wooden eggs or painting a bird feeder, also gives you an activity for the holiday weekend. Check labels for age recommendations, and keep little beads away from children under three.

4. Practical items they will actually use

Kids need socks, hair clips, sunglasses, a water bottle, or a swimsuit as the weather warms up. These often cost $3 to $10 and feel like a treat when tucked into a basket. Choose a color or character they love.

• Child-sized sunglasses with UV protection.
• A reusable water bottle with a leakproof lid.
• A sun hat or a pair of fun socks.

5. Little toys and games

Look for travel-size games, a deck of cards, a puzzle, a yo-yo, or building-block sets. Plastic eggs can hold little trinkets, stickers, coins, or puzzle pieces. For children under three, avoid little parts that could be a choking hazard.

6. Healthier snacks and treats

If you still want food, choose fruit snacks made from real fruit, popcorn, trail mix for kids without nut allergies, or a single little chocolate. Offer a few clementines or strawberries in a pretty container. Always check for allergies, and ask other parents if you are sharing baskets.

Whole nuts and popcorn are not appropriate for young toddlers because of choking risk, so check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.

7. Experience coupons

Tuck a handmade coupon into an egg: a trip for ice cream, a family movie night, a bike ride, a baking day, or choosing dinner. Experiences create memories and cost very little. For older kids and teens, offer a movie ticket or a gift card to their favorite shop.

Fill the basket without overspending

• Reuse baskets, buckets, or tote bags from previous years.
• Use paper shred or crumpled kraft paper as filler instead of plastic grass, which is hard to clean up and can harm pets.
• Shop dollar sections and after-holiday sales for next year.
• Assemble a few homemade items, such as playdough in little jars.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Buying too many tiny items that quickly become clutter.
• Ignoring age warnings on toys.
• Forgetting siblings should receive baskets of similar value.
• Leaving eggs with food in the heat for hours.

Speedy start checklist

• Choose one anchor item and three to five little items.
• Check age labels and allergies.
• Use reusable baskets and natural filler.
• Add a handwritten note for each child.

A balanced basket gives kids both a joyful morning and something to enjoy all spring. Choose items you know they will love, and the Easter bunny will get all the credit.