31 Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers and Babies That Don’t Involve Candy
Spring has sprung and Easter is right around the corner—time to celebrate! Perhaps you have plans for your little bunny to take part in an egg hunt and craft activities, or maybe they’re still too tiny. Either way, you can still dress them in an adorable outfit, and present them with a basket of goodies—from the Easter Bunny, of course.
So what do you put in Easter baskets for babies and toddlers? Our advice is to avoid sweet treats in favor of fun gifts your kiddo can enjoy long after the holiday. While it may be tempting to stuff a basket full of tiny trinkets, remember that many small toys are unsafe for children under 3 years old. In fact, it’s best not to give children items with small or loose parts and toys that can fit entirely in an infant’s mouth, as they can pose a choking hazard.
With that said, many Easter basket fillers are perfectly safe for young children. Need a little shopping inspiration for your baby chick or bunny-believing toddler? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite non-candy Easter basket ideas for toddlers and babies, with the goal of skipping the candy (and the inevitable sugar crash). Keep reading to discover toys and gifts that are small, adorable and safe.
To help you pick out the best easter basket fillers for toddlers and infants, we browsed dozens of options so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling before the holiday. Here are the steps that we took to create this roundup:
- We leveraged our familiarity with leading baby and toddler brands and researched easter basket ideas suitable for little ones three years or younger.
- We considered several factors when sourcing gift options, including age rating, price, size and quality, to name a few.
- We read user reviews to understand how real families and their kiddos have enjoyed these products and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Now that they’ve got a couple of years under their belt, tots will be far more excited about Easter celebrations. This can make it that much harder to steer your honey-bunny away from the traditional deluge of chocolate and candy. Fortunately, we’re here to help with a supply of super-cool toddler Easter basket ideas. From wooden toys to craft kits and more, here are a few of our favorite fillers to keep them busy on Easter Sunday and beyond.
Super-soft plush toy
Jellycat is a go-to brand for stuffed animals—and we adore their sweet spring plushies. This bashful duck is touchably soft and is sure to waddle its way into your little one’s heart. Looking for something a little different? Jellycat also makes an array of bunnies in several sizes and hues, as well as botanical- and food-shaped playthings that are too cute.
Age rating: 0+ months
Wooden counting toys
Teach your child to count with this adorable set by Tender Leaf Toys. Little kids love repetition, so they’ll happily pass the time stacking the numbered carrot rings on accompanying pegs. If you’re looking for educational Easter basket ideas for toddlers, this is the best of the bunch.
Age rating: 18+ months
Sensory sorting toy
At first, this may seem like your average egg carton—but it’s actually a shape-sorting toy. The clever design comes with six eggs, each featuring a shell that “cracks” open to reveal a colorful baby chick inside. Plus, while your little one plays, they’ll improve on their color- and shape-recognition and their sorting skills.
Age rating: 18+ months
Versatile plaything
Easter coincides with the start of spring, making this toy that can be played with inside and outdoors a great gift. Available in a rainbow of color options, the rounded dome can be used for just about anything; your kiddo could use it as a sand scooper, a wobbly seat that spins, a bed for their stuffed animals and the list goes on. Even though it resembles half of an eggshell, this Easter basket idea is one that your child is sure to use for plenty of playtimes to come.
Age rating: 2+ years
Musical egg shakers
Crafted from brightly colored beech wood, these egg-shaped shakers are perfect for an impromptu dance party. Each shaker has a different sound: One jingles, one chirps and the others rattle for a fun auditory experience. Talk about egg-cellent Easter basket ideas for toddlers!
Age rating: 2 to 4 years
Bunny costume
How about this sweet bonnet and bunny tail set? Crafted from cotton, the hat has an under-chin strap to keep it securely in place during egg hunts and general festivities. Meanwhile, the fluffy tail is attached to a comfy, elasticated belt. Not only will your kiddo have fun playing make-believe with this costume, but it’ll also make for super-sweet photos on the day.
Age rating: 0 to 5 years
Spring-themed Play-Doh set
Looking for non-candy Easter basket ideas? Play-Doh is a tried-and-true pick that’s perfect for rainy spring days. This set includes two plastic eggs filled with colorful modeling clay—plus, two Easter-inspired stencils and a bunny-shaped stamper. Affordable and fun, you can’t go wrong with this creative present!
Age rating: 2+ years
Alphabet flash cards
Designed for ages one and up, Poke-a-Dot learning cards are the ultimate Easter basket fillers for toddlers and preschoolers. The cards offer a hands-on way to learn early language skills. Each flashcard features a letter along with a corresponding object and poppable dots to keep little hands busy.
Age rating: 12+ months
Ready-to-hatch stuffed animal
Slumberkins champions emotional learning by teaching little ones about their feelings through play. The brand offers a variety of empowering books and sweet stuffed animals to choose from—just like these dragon egg hatchlings that they’ve created especially for spring. Choose your kiddo’s favorite color, and on the big day, they’ll be able to “crack” open the paper egg, decorate it with the positive stickers included and have a new fluffy pal to join them for many snuggles and playtimes to come. You’ll also appreciate that this Easter basket idea is free from plastic to boot.
Age rating: N/A
Personalized Easter storybook
If your toddler is a bookworm, a personalized story is bound to make them smile. The story follows a bunny and his friends as they prepare for an egg hunt, which your kiddo can help them find along the way. Reading this book is sure to become a tradition every Easter in your household!
Age rating: 0+ months
Wooden baking playset
Little ones who love to help out in the kitchen will appreciate having their own set of tools, just like this bunny-themed playset. With it, you’ll receive several wooden playthings, including a mixer, utensils and ingredients, some of which have interactive elements for even more fun. If your kiddo already has a play kitchen, this will make a great year-round addition to their set!
Age rating: 3 to 8 years
Egg-shaped crayons
These egg-shaped toddler crayons are a fun toddler Easter basket idea, of course, but they’ll also help your child learn how to draw at their own pace. The ergonomic design fits into small palms, making it easy for little ones to comfortably hold it as they scribble. Even better, one of these is equal to 14 regular-sized crayons, so they’ll last well beyond Sunday.
Age rating: 12+ months
Festive temporary tattoos
On the hunt for budget-friendly Easter gifts for toddlers? Look no further than these temporary tattoos. Each pack contains cute, pastel-colored illustrations that are non-toxic, for added peace of mind. Daydream Society also offers a variety of other temporary tattoo designs for little kids, like bunnies, backyard bugs, flowers, dinosaurs, puppies and so much more.
Age rating: 2+ years
Gardening plush toy set
Even if it's drizzling outside, your child can embrace their green thumb with this plush playset. It comes with two flowers and a butterfly which can all fit into the smiling watering can. Moreover, each doubles as a rattle, making it a great option for parents on the lookout for sensory toys.
Age rating: N/A
Pastel bath toy set
Next up is another toddler Easter basket idea that can be used year-round. These squirty toys are ideal for the bath, a water table or the backyard when the weather brightens up. The set includes three pastel-colored animals that can be taken apart for easy cleaning to prevent mildew.
Age rating: 12+ months
Bubble wand and bubbles
What better time than Easter to replenish your bubble supply? This cute set is perfectly sized for an Easter basket and includes everything your toddler will need to make some seriously huge bubbles.
Ages: 3 years +
Painting kit
Looking for Easter basket ideas for toddlers who love arts and crafts? Check out this painting kit from Target. It comes with six pastel colors and two brushes which your tot can use to decorate the three wooden eggs as they see fit. When they’ve finished their mini masterpieces, your kiddo will love adding them to your home decor!
Age rating: 3+ years
Fidget toys
Especially if they have older siblings, your toddler is likely obsessed with “pop it” toys. These sensory toys have exploded in popularity in recent years and are endlessly fascinating to little kids. This Easter-themed four-pack is totally apropos, featuring a bunny, a carrot, an egg and a chick.
Ages: 3 years +
Bunny-embellished sunglasses
Designed by a mother-daughter duo, these purple frames are adorned with blushing bunnies, flowers and gemstones, making them the perfect spring accessory. The fun sunnies are sure to be a big hit on Easter morning. Just be warned—once your toddler puts them on, they may not want to take them off!
Age rating: N/A
Chances are, baby won’t remember their first (or second) Easter, but that’s no reason to skip the celebration. From bunny-themed apparel to loveys and books, these Easter basket fillers for baby are hard to beat.
Rubber ducky
Aside from bunny rabbits, chicks and ducklings are the unofficial mascots of spring—so a rubber duck is an awesome choice if you’re looking for baby Easter basket ideas. This clever bath toy is suitable from birth and reveals the word “hot” when the water temperature is too high. Genius!
Age rating: 0+ months
Easter pajamas
Looking for Easter gifts for babies? Treat them to a new outfit, perfect for a family photo opportunity or a snuggly day at home. Little Sleepies has tons of pajamas, dresses and rompers adorned with sweet Easter prints, like this super-cute zippy. Bonus: The jammies come in adult sizes too.
Age rating: 0 to 3 years
Veggie teether
What’s up, doc? This chewy carrot teether will keep baby’s gums happy as they cut their first teeth—plus, it’s pretty darn cute to boot. It’s also BPA-free, and the grippy handles make it easy for little hands to grasp.
Age rating: 0+ months
Soft lovey blanket
Even though baby can’t sleep with a blanket yet, they’ll still appreciate a soothing lovey to snuggle with—just like this blanket from Jellycat. The cute blankie is clutched by a mini rabbit, so it’s a perfect addition to any baby Easter basket. If pink isn’t your favorite color, it also comes in neutral earth tones.
Age rating: 0+ months
Classic storybook
This classic tale has been turned into a durable board book for infants, so it’s easy for tiny hands to hold on to. As you turn the pages with baby, you’ll find a story about boundless love that your little one will enjoy hearing time and time again.
Age rating: 0 to 3 years
Organic bibs
Searching for practical Easter basket ideas for babies? Look no further than this charming set of bibs. Each is made from GOTS- and OEKO TEX-certified organic cotton and sports a neutral print that can be worn for months to come. Plus, you’ll appreciate the snaps that can be used to adjust the fit as baby grows.
*Age rating: 0+ months
Buttery soft onesie
Can’t think of a baby Easter basket gift? You can’t go wrong with a onesie—just like this seasonal option from Finn & Emma. It’s made from buttery soft, organic cotton that’s gentle on sensitive skin and is adorned with the words “snuggle bunny”, along with an abstract rabbit illustration. How cute!
Age rating: 0 to 12 months
High-contrast activity mat
It’s no secret that infants love high-contrast designs, meaning this black-and-white activity pad is sure to pique their interest on Easter and many days to come. The stimulating design was created to boost visual development and motor skills. As baby plays, they’ll discover crinkly details, a rattle and a squeaking element—plus, under the rabbit, they’ll find a wooden teething ring.
Age rating: 0+ months
Nesting toys
Remember those ornate nesting dolls we were all fascinated by as kids? The OombeeBall is a modern (baby-friendly) twist on this classic toy. The toy features four textured balls that are tethered to one another. The best part? With a little finagling on your child’s part, each ball opens up and fits snugly inside the next. Unbox the OombeeBall and add it to your baby’s Easter basket and watch on in wonder as they get stuck into tactile play.
Ages: 10 months +
Easter board book
Easter basket ideas for babies that are fun and educational? Yes, please! Featuring characters from the classic tale Pat the Bunny, this board book invites little ones to count down from five as Bunny hides each Easter egg. The colorful eggs are raised pieces that can be seen through holes on each page, inviting kids to touch them as they count for an extra-special storytime experience.
Age rating: 0+ months
Bunny booties
Keep little toes cozy with a pair of bunny booties. Crafted from knitted organic cotton, these boots have a pastel peach lining, adorable ears and stitched features. The best part? They’re small enough to fit inside baby’s Easter basket.
Age rating: 0 to 6 months
Cloud-shaped rattle
Celebrate April showers with this fun rattle toy. Easy for little hands to hold and shake, this toy makes a soothing pitter-patter rain sound and is topped off with a plush cloud. It’s suitable for the youngest infants making it a great Easter basket idea for babies.
Age rating: 0+ months
About the writer:
Christin Perry is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting and health and wellness topics. As a mother of four (ages 5, 10, 12 and 14), she’s gone through the paces and has used what seems like every product under the sun—and she’s used that experience to write dozens of product roundups for The Bump. Christin considers herself lucky to have worked for a long list of other large clients, including Forbes Advisor, Verywell Family, Parents, Parade, The Knot, Apartment Therapy and Dwell, to name a few.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
