Non candy Easter baskets have always appealed to me. My children don’t need more candy. Some candy is fine. And we usually have dessert on Easter, but I try to limit my kids sugar intake. My oldest didn’t even get candy until he was over 2. So what do I put in my kids Easter baskets? The first question I ask myself is what do they need for the upcoming spring/summer season? I love gifting needs along with wants. So check out what treasures my kids might find in their Easter baskets…
Are we the only family with less sand toys at the end of summer than we had at the beginning of summer? Even though we moved from California I like to have some supplies for when we visit home or for when we head to the park.
Bubbles in general are fun. But bubble guns are a blast. And we like to get new ones every couple of years. (Deal above has two for $11) Plus my kids don’t need my help blowing bubbles. Double Score!
I love encouraging my kids to draw and use their imaginations. Especially when they do it outside. Egg shaped chalk is even cuter!!! (And with the colors above you can create some really fun scenes) Our Summer Fun List usually includes a Chalk Art Contest.
As a mother who intentionally encourages reading I like to have some new books in their basket. They get real excited when they get a new book. And they love seeing what book their siblings got as well. As they get older any new book would be great!
Along with some Cadbury eggs I like to give my kids a new toothbrush. They always get a new one. Every year they get one in their basket and Christmas stocking. Brushing your teeth is more fun with a fun new toothbrush.
With swim season just around the corner I like to make sure they have their own pair of goggles. If by a miracle they still have them from last year now they have a back up pair. One year we gave my son a snorkel and he wore that thing all the time. He would do the dead man float forever. I told him he had to move around every once and awhile because he would freak the life guards out.
And chances are I am going to buy them a pair anyways. Might as well throw them in the their Easter basket.
My kids don’t regularly have bubble baths. So it’s a special treat to use bubble bath, especially if it has a certain Ice Queen or Jedi Master on the packaging. I love that my kids get excited over something as simple as bubbles.
Sam’s Club had this adorable bathing suit with the Little Mermaid. Georgiana was all about it. Until she discovered a hand me down one in the drawer. She wore it all the time. And I am so proud of her for telling me she didn’t need one anymore because she had one at home. But it might not be the right size because it doesn’t give her a lot of great coverage. So we decided to get her a new suit for her “Ariel Swimming Party” (updated with link to party) she is so excited about. Normally I don’t put clothing in baskets but we are going to make it work.
Rash guards are a great buy too! Sometimes they run out by the time summer starts. Keep them safe from the sun and looking great by picking one up now.
I love putting bath toys in my little kids basket. It’s so much easier to throw away old junkie toys (you know the ones that when you squeeze them floaties come out too) when you have new ones. If your child is older give them some body wash or face soap. (Check out my intro to Tween Boy Hygiene Tips) Or you could do a body scrub or new nail polish instead.
Do you need new brushes? Paints? Craft supplies? Or those Color Wonder coloring sets? I know we need to stay indoors sometimes during the summer and I love it when they have their own supplies or activities to do.
Other Ideas?
- Beach Towels
- Movie Tickets
- Homemade Coupons to get out of doing chores or an ice cream date with mom or dad
- DVD
- Stickers
- Notebook or Sketch Pad
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Frisbee
- Umbrellas
- Rain Boots
- Flip Flops
I am not one who makes Easter all about gifts. Nor do I want my kids to think Easter is a “second Christmas”. I don’t get them all 10 items on the list. But it is fun to throw some fun items in there and switch up what they get every year. And I usually give them candy too. My husband really loves Peeps. But I don’t want a house full of candy. And I don’t want my kids asking for some of their candy for days. And I think having our Easter basket filled with a variety of items helps my diabetic son not get too bummed out that he can’t have a ton of candy.
Another great thing to remember is to hit up the dollar store and Target’s dollar spot. I found the cutest pink gloves that are perfect for tea parties and Easter hair clips there. (Shared them on Instagram) This is a great way to keep your Easter baskets within your budget. Just be sure to run over there without your kids. I think we have 3 that still believe in the Easter Bunny.
Did I miss anything? What do you love putting in your kids baskets? Tell us in the comments below! And be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media.
Here are some more fun Non Candy Easter ideas
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