Easter baskets are a fun annual tradition kids love digging into, and putting them together can be just as enjoyable for parents. If you’re like me, you probably look forward to filling those baskets with a variety of items that keep kids entertained and happy beyond just the weekend.
If you’re looking for ideas aside from the usual candy or dollar store trinkets, these Easter basket picks are ones kids tend to genuinely love, and parents won’t mind seeing them around the house afterward.
While your kids’ baskets wouldn’t be complete without some sweet goods to unwrap, you can include items your kids will actually enjoy using long after Easter morning is over. Here are 10 useful, family-friendly surprises to wow your kids at any age this April.
Sidewalk chalk is always a hit with kids
Spring is the perfect season for sidewalk art, and chalk is always a hit for kids of all ages. They can play hopscotch, draw animals, or simply doodle the day away. This bucket from Amazon has 20 pieces of chalk in various colors to keep your kids entertained for hours.
Clay kits are great for fine motor skills
How adorable is this clay kit by Ooly? Grab a few from Maisonette and let your kids get creative while building dexterity in their hands!
Sticker coloring books provide 2-for-1 entertainment
When I was a kid, stickers brought me so much joy. There’s something so soothing about peeling one off and sticking it onto a surface. Your kids will love this book, sold on Maisonette, which has stickers that they can color in themselves.
Stuff your Easter basket with positive affirmations
These basket stuffers on Amazon are not just cute, but they also send a positive message to the recipient. They’re small enough so that your kids can carry them around, and if they lose theirs, it’s less than $10 a pop.
Lip balms are gender neutral and practical all year round
Sure, lip glosses make for fun Easter basket stuffers, but if you’re looking for something gender neutral, check out these Cliganic lip balms. They’re totally organic and free of parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals, so you’ll feel good about your kiddos using them. And, they come in yummy flavors like pomegranate and peach.
Reusable water balloons will have your kids splashing around
Love water balloons but hate the cleanup and waste? Reusable ones like this set sold on Amazon are the perfect solution! You won’t spend hours picking up pieces of rubber, which aren’t just bad for the environment, but a choking hazard for babies and animals as well.
Let your kids paint their own Easter bunny rock
Create fun memories with an Easter bunny rock painting kit. This one from Creative Roots comes with a bunny-shaped rock, paints, and a brush, so all you have to do is stand by while your kids’ artistic sides come out. Once they’re done, pick a special place in your yard (or inside if you’re an apartment dweller), and you’ll have a keepsake Easter piece you can look at fondly for years to come.
Guessing games are fun for all ages
Whether you’re on a road trip or just spending some nice quality family time, guessing games never get old. Skillmatics makes cards featuring animals that others have to guess correctly, but it also offers some clues to help the cardholder. This game is not just educational for kids, but for adults as well. Who knew that cheetahs couldn’t climb trees!
Bring out your kid’s inner Ansel Adams with a digital camera
Tired of your kids grabbing your phone to take a picture of a leaf? Get them a digital camera so they can take photos to their heart’s delight. Our pick also comes with paper, so they can get instant gratification with their own prints. Who knows, you may have the next award-winning photographer on your hands.
Give your kids ‘treat’ coupons they can redeem
If you’re looking for egg stuffers, this coupon book from Amazon has a variety of vouchers that your kids can redeem at any time. Some rewards include a messy room pass, a trip to the movies, and sweet treats. The book also comes with blank coupons you can fill out yourself, so you can add a personalized touch to this fun treat.
