Toddlers love Easter — usually because it means a visit from the Easter Bunny! Unless your kids were traumatized by the bunny like mine were🤣. My kids are 9, 11, and 13 now, so I have spent years perfecting the toddler Easter basket — and in 2026, I'm sharing everything I know.
Whether you use a new basket each year or have a personalized one that gets filled every Easter morning, the joy of discovery remains the same. In our house, we stick with the same personalized baskets year after year—each in a different color with their names on them.
The Perfect Toddler Easter Basket Formula
If you're not sure where to start, use my go-to basket formula. I follow the same want, need, wear, read strategy I use for all holiday gifts, just with an Easter twist:
- Something to read: A seasonal board book or lift-the-flap story
- Something to play with outside: Bubbles, sidewalk chalk, or a bubble mower
- Something creative: Crayons, sticker books, or washable paint
- Something practical: Pajamas, a swimsuit, or sunglasses
- One fun surprise: A plush bunny, bath toy, or musical egg shaker
Toddler Easter Basket Ideas
When curating a toddler Easter basket, I like to keep it simple with a blend of interactive toys, learning essentials, and seasonal must-haves. Here are some of my favorite Easter basket fillers for toddlers:
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Outdoor & Springtime Fun
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Sidewalk chalk: Perfect for encouraging creativity on warm spring days.
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Bubbles: A classic and affordable hit with toddlers.
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Sunglasses & Sun Hats: Stylish and protective for outdoor adventures.
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Gardening tools: Toddler-sized watering cans or shovels make for a fun spring activity.
Educational & Creative Play
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Board Books: Easter-themed and spring-themed stories or touch-and-feel books are great choices.
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Puzzles: Chunky wooden puzzles help develop fine motor skills.
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Coloring Books & Crayons: Washable crayons are a must for little artists!
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Sticker Books: A mess-free way to keep toddlers entertained.
Practical Easter Basket Ideas
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Spring Pajamas: Cute, cozy, and perfect for the season.
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Bathing Suits: My girls loved these when they were little. These are the best toddler boys bathing suits.
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Sippy Cups or Snack Containers: Useful for daily toddler life.
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Bath Toys: Fun additions to make bath time more exciting.
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Weighted Stuffed Animal: A cuddly companion for comfort and security.
Non-Candy Easter Basket Fillers
While a few treats are fun, I love finding non-candy options that toddlers will actually use and enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
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Fruit & Veggie Pouches: A healthier snack alternative.
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Yogurt Melts or Freeze-Dried Fruit: A toddler favorite that feels like a treat.
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Playdough: Great for sensory play and creative fun.
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Musical Instruments: Mini tambourines, shakers, or xylophones to spark musical interest.
Experience-Based Basket Ideas
One of my favorite ways to fill Easter baskets is with experience gifts. Toddlers don’t need a basket overflowing with toys. In fact, some of the most exciting things you can include are activities you’ll do together.
Experience gifts create memories, give you something fun to look forward to, and avoid adding more clutter to your home (a win for every mom). If you love this idea, I also shared a full list of experience gift ideas here.
Here are a few simple ways to add experiences to a toddler's Easter basket.
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Zoo tickets: A trip to the zoo is pure magic for toddlers. My kids still love visiting the zoo to this day. To make the basket extra sweet, you can add printed tickets to the basket, while including a small stuffed animal that matches an animal they'll see. Don't forget to add a new sun hat or water bottle for the trip.
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Children’s museum membership: If you have a local children’s museum, this is one of the best experience gifts for toddlers. They get hands-on play, interactive exhibits and space to explore and play. You can make the basket extra fun by adding a small craft kit, washable markers or a toddler art smock.
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Spring garden kit: Toddlers love digging in the dirt, and spring is the perfect time to start a little garden together. A fun toddler garden basket might include mini watering can, toddler gardening tools, flower or vegetable seeds, and gardening gloves.
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Baking day with mom: This one is simple but surprisingly special. Add a few baking items to the basket and plan a baking day together. Ideas to include bunny cookie cutters, a child-sized apron, sprinkles, and a boxed baking mix.
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“Yes Day” activity card: Write a simple activity on a card and tuck it inside the basket. Some toddler-friendly ideas include a trip to the playground, an ice cream outing, family movie night, pancake breakfast date with mom or dad or a picnic at the park.
Budget-Friendly Toddler Easter Basket Ideas
You don’t have to go overboard to make your toddler’s Easter basket special! Here are some ways to keep it budget-friendly:
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Dollar store finds: Many toddler-friendly items like coloring books, chalk, and stickers can be found at budget-friendly prices.
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DIY gifts: Homemade playdough, a personalized Easter egg hunt, or a simple sensory bin with dried beans or rice can be just as exciting as store-bought gifts.
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Hand-me-downs: If you have older kids, passing down beloved books, toys, or clothes is a great way to make Easter special without spending extra.
- Handwritten notes: My kids loved it when the Easter Bunny left a small note in their basket when they were this age. It made the morning feel extra magical!
Toddler Easter Basket Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Easter basket ideas for toddlers in 2026?
The best Easter baskets for toddlers in 2026 mix outdoor springtime fun with practical everyday items and a few sweet surprises. Think sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a small puzzle, spring PJs, a snack cup, and a cozy plush. These are items they'll actually use long after Easter morning. Skip the candy overload and opt for a basket that's as practical as it is fun!
How much should I spend on a toddler Easter basket?
You don't need to go overboard! A thoughtful toddler Easter basket can easily come together for $30–$60. Mix a few splurge-worthy finds (like a great board book or bath toy set) with budget-friendly staples from the dollar store or Amazon. Toddlers are easily delighted, as they'll be just as excited by a roll of stickers as a $20 toy.
What non-candy Easter basket fillers are good for toddlers?
Toddlers love non-candy fillers! Great options include Play-Doh, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, bath paint, board books, sticker books, mini musical instruments, organic snack pouches, freeze-dried fruit, and small plush toys. These keep kids engaged and make Easter morning feel special without the sugar rush.
Should I buy a new Easter basket every year for my toddler?
Not at all! I bought personalized baskets for each of my kids for their first Easter and they reuse them year after year. This saves money and makes the basket itself feel special. If you do want something new, simple wicker or fabric baskets work great for toddlers.
What outdoor toys are good for a toddler Easter basket?
Spring is finally here, so lean into it! Sidewalk egg chalk, Fubbles no-spill bubbles, toddler-sized gardening tools, a sun hat, and kids' polarized sunglasses are all wonderful outdoor additions to a toddler Easter basket. They'll get immediate use as the weather warms up.
How many items should be in a toddler Easter basket?
Most toddler Easter baskets only need five to eight small items. Toddlers are usually excited just to explore the basket, so keeping it simple makes the morning fun without overwhelming them.
What do I put in an Easter basket for a 1-year-old?
For a one-year-old, focus on sensory and simple gifts. Great choices include Hide & Squeak Eggs, a soft plush lovey or Squishmallow, bath toys like Glo Pals, board books, an organic snack pouch, and a spring sun hat. Keep it small and age-appropriate. A 1-year-old will be equally thrilled with the Easter grass as the actual basket contents!
What should you avoid putting in toddler Easter baskets?
Avoid items that are small choking hazards, breakable toys, candy with hard shells or cheap plastic toys that break quickly. Instead, choose toys that support open-ended play and learning.
Keep Easter Fun & Simple
Remember, your toddler’s Easter basket doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. A few thoughtfully chosen items will bring just as much joy as an overflowing basket. By mixing practical gifts with a few surprises, you can create a special Easter morning that your little one—and you—will cherish. Happy Easter! 🐣💛
We’ve read this at Easter since my oldest was a baby. Our favorite (religious) Easter book.