Not a fan of sugar comas? Here are some alternative Easter basket ideas for kids of all ages!
- Use an umbrella or rain boots instead of a basket. Include a game or two to play on spring rainy days. Board games, cards, dice, puzzles, activity pads etc. go a long way.
- Grab a bucket and fill it with sand toys, garden utensils, flip flops or water shoes, sunglasses or hat, a new bathing suit, bubbles, water bottle, chalk, balls, jump rope and other things to spend hours with outside on those pretty days.
- Pick out spring themed stuffed animals and tuck them in with a new pajama set, Easter socks, and a cool new toothbrush with their own toothpaste. It’s a fun way to get excited about that bedtime routine.
- Consider a “hands on” basket. Put spring craft materials, coloring books, stickers, nail polish, a birdhouse to build.
- Speaking of birdhouses … a birdhouse or wind chime can also be tossed in with a box of wildflower seeds, a grow kit, or bulbs and mini garden tools. Kids can paint their own flower pot cheaply then grow things in it to celebrate spring.
- Put together a basket that fosters quality time. Include a movie, book, and healthy snack like popcorn and juice boxes for cozy time together on the couch.
- Small toys, like cars or dolls, legos, small instruments, and slime fit easily in most containers and aren’t edible.
- Bath toys, bubbles, bath bombs, bath paint, goggles to keep water and soap out of their eyes, even special towels or a super soft robe are a special idea many kids love.
- For teens and preteens specifically, consider electronic accessories like ear buds, chargers, and phone protectors. Useful items include key chains, chapstick, make-up or make-up brushes, anti-breakout face moisturizers, perfume and deodorant, sponges and bath bombs, nice toothbrush with whitening toothpaste, wallet or purse, key and key chain, a book journal or planner, stress ball, tumbler, ice packs and new running shoes or cleats. Likewise, to wear you could include an outfit, jewelry, a new pair of shoes, festive socks, or durable flip flops. A small donation in their name small gift card for an ice cream place or other treat, are original surprises. For more personal items, you could try a sentimental note, a photo album with pictures of them containing notes and a theme – like brave, old clothes of theirs fashioned into a blanket.
- Think of a kid’s hobby: do they need sports accessories, art supplies, sheet music or an instrument?
- If you celebrate Easter for religious reasons, try including a book of prayer, Bible, or nice devotional with a journal. Similarly, a nice cross, funny shirts, or wristbands to wear for older kids may be a hit. For younger ones, a puzzle, Bible activity pad, or movie featuring the Easter story are fun. There is always Christian crafts and music.
- Books … whether it’s the latest bestseller, a self help book with a cool title, something they’ve always wanted to learn about, or a biography they just have to check out, I can promise you there is always a book on sale for everyone you know.
- Give instead of receive, and rather than filling a basket with things that will soon be used up, broken, or forgotten, fill a basket each with things to donate, make a fun trip of it, and enjoy food together to celebrate.
