Need help with Easter basket ideas for kids? This post is full of Easter basket fillers that kids will actually use. This Easter basket gift guide is perfect for kids as they start spring and summer activities and need a refresh in outdoor activity supplies.
What are the best Easter basket ideas?
Looking for the best Easter basket ideas for kids? Let’s make this super simple.
Easter baskets don’t need to be overwhelming, expensive, or filled with tiny plastic toys and candy that disappear (or break!) in a day. I’m here to help you create Easter baskets that are fun, functional, and totally usable—especially for kids who are ready to get outside and play.
From toddlers to big kids, I’ve rounded up Easter basket fillers that work for the whole crew—yes, even my eleven-year-old is still excited for these each year.
RELATED: Looking for some Easter themed activities? Check out my list of Easter ideas!
Outdoor Easter Basket Ideas for Kids
I love Easter baskets BUT I also love things that are usable, realistic and not going to add to the toy-palooza that already engulfs my kids.
We don’t need more tiny toys or candy in this house.
So here’s my favorite trick: every Easter, I fill my kids’ baskets with outdoor-themed items. Not only does this cut down on indoor toy clutter, but it also sets them up for a spring and summer of fun.
And since Easter lands right at the start of spring (at least for us in the Northern Hemisphere), it’s the perfect time to stock up on the warm-weather supplies they’ll use for months.
What Age Are These Easter Basket Ideas For?
Yes, I’m “Busy Toddler,” but these Easter basket ideas aren’t just for toddlers and preschoolers. These are gifts that grow with kids.
My eleven-year-old still gets many of these items in his basket—and he’s just as thrilled. Why? Because things like chalk and bubbles don’t come with an age limit. They’re timeless.
So don’t get caught up in age suggestions. Find Easter basket fillers that match your kids’ personalities and interests, no matter how old they are.
How to Create a Meaningful Easter Basket for Kids
Every year, our Easter Bunny brings my kids the outdoor gear they need for the season. This tradition goes way back to my own childhood—and I love carrying it forward.
It’s practical. It’s fun. And it makes Easter baskets budget-friendly because I’m often buying things I would have purchased anyway.
Quick note: This is not a list of what goes into our Easter baskets every single year—it’s a running list I’ve built over the past decade of parenting. Pick and choose what works for your family.
RELATED: Looking for other toy ideas? Check out The Best Toys for Kids list!
This year I separated the ideas into categories.
Don’t miss the Monica Geller level of sorting:
- Swim gear and toys
- Outdoor toys for Easter
- Garden supplies for kids
The best Easter basket ideas
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Outdoor Toys for Easter
Reusable Water Balloons
These are so much fun and so different – but just as awesome as traditional water balloons. They don’t leave you with a bunch of little balloon bits all over the yard, they don’t hurt when they hit you, and they’re seriously cool to play with. I have tried many brands of reusable balloons. This version is the best I’ve found and they’ve lasted years.
Flying Helicopter Discs
The hottest outdoor toy in my neighborhood! We love these so much, I’ve bought 4 sets just to make sure enough kids are able to play at once. They’re perfect and come in a two-pack.
Play Scarves
I bought this set of outdoor play scarves for my kids and the neighbors last Spring. Absolutely magical hit. They use these for everything from tag to capture the flag.
Magnifying Glass
This 3 pack: yes, please (they also sell it as a set of 2). Magnifying glasses breed curiosity and I love having this as an outdoor set. Kids gravitate to them.
Giant Box of Chalk
Yes, this is a tad big for an Easter basket… separate it into smaller groups for each kids basket (save the rest for later). This is my preferred brand of chalk – I refuse to offer another suggestion. This brand is the best.
Critter Cage
We’ve had this one for years – just one to share with all the kids and it’s been perfect for catching and releasing bugs safely. This single toy sparks a lot of play and adventure.
Small Nets
I would guess we have at least 10 of these small nets in our outdoor toy collection. Why? Because kids love them so we need just about enough for each kid in the neighborhood to have their own. Kids love having nets.
Spray Bottles
I finally found spray bottles that don’t break after one use. This set has been awesome. Doesn’t matter their age: kids love spray bottles.
Bubbles
Long live the bubble wand! I tuck one of these into my kids’ Easter baskets and use the rest for present toppers and random gifts throughout the spring/summer as needed.
Kite
Another staple from my childhood Easter baskets: a simple kite. They’re just magical!
Swim Toys and Gear
Waboba Pool Ball
This was my kids’ favorite water ball last year – they absolutely love it, took it with to every pool and beach trip we went on. Something about it is magic.
Pool Toys
This is our favorite pool tool – tossing tiny gems into the water keeps my crew busy for hours. 10/10, 10000% recommend.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
One of my all time favorite games released a waterproof version last summer, so we spent an entire season taking this every where. It’s the most chaotic version of Slap Jack ever.
Spot It! Waterproof
Another GOAT – but not waterproof so you can bring this along and entertain the kids who don’t want to swim (I swear, I always have one out of the pool).
UNO Splash
Uno, but make it waterproof. Need I say more?
Fabric Strap Goggles
You will forget all about traditional goggles after you try these. I will never go back! Fabric strap goggles are so easy to take on and off wet kid hair, and without any fuss. These are the best. Here’s the link to see them in blues and greens.
Swim Suit
I always put a new swim suit in the Easter basket – it’s an item they need and they get so excited opening it because it really makes the upcoming summer seem real.
Swim Trunks
One more swimsuit option – we have had great luck with this brand and own several pairs. We like that the liner is compression not mesh.
Sunglasses
Another fun item and one that after a long Seattle winter, we never can find last year’s set. It’s the curse of the PNW.
Garden Supplies for Kids
Kid Garden Tools
A brilliant set that we have loved for many, many years. This also is a great option to split apart between sibling Easter baskets. I have this exact set, from this link, and they’re wonderful!
Small Watering Can
Each of my kids has their own watering can – it’s how it has to be. They love using them for watering plants and being helpful.
Seed Packets
My parents always put a seed pack or two in my Easter basket as a kid and it’s a tradition I’ve kept. It’s simple and sweet.
Kid Gardening Gloves
These gardening gloves are the cutest and make kids feel like they’re really doing it! With all the mud in our yard, these gloves see a surprising amount of action.
Pull-along Wagon
This is a treasure and the perfect “basket” for their Easter gear. We got this when my youngest was a preschooler. It’s still being drug around by my 10 year old.
Kid Tool Set
One of the best sets we own – we’ve had these in our yard since Easter 2018. They’re great for play and for supporting kids helping in the yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
That’s person to each family that celebrates Easter. This list was created from my decade of building Easter baskets – these are items that have worked for us in various years (but never all at once!).
I’m 40 years old and I still love an Easter basket. My MIL brings me one. Actually between the basket my MIL brings me and the incredibly hilarious adult Easter egg hunt my Mom still hosts, I’m rolling in the childhood Easter lifestyle still.
I personally don’t but my friend who is a librarian has a fantastic list of Spring books.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2.4 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie has written two home learning curricula, Playing Preschool and Branches. Her parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
I love this idea so much! We are going to have a yard soon, and since we’ve never had one before, we are lacking in fun outdoor toys! This is a great idea! Thanks!
Randi says
I would add a ball either their favorite color or character from their favorite TV show. They’re usually just a dollar or two
Lindsey says
Great ideas! Thank you!