non-candy easter basket ideas for preschoolers

Easter is coming, and it seems like every kid has the same question: what is the Easter bunny bringing?

Our family believes that Easter is about more than chocolate bunnies, and we do share with our kids about how we celebrate Jesus that day. We also share fun family traditions that are probably similar to yours – the egg hunts, the cute outfits, and a basket full of goodies.

However, it’s tricky putting together an Easter basket for a preschooler. I’m not keen on filling their baskets full of candy, since it’ll come back to haunt me. (Usually at night, right before bedtime.)

Plus we have recently cut back on toys, which has been a success for us. We are going more minimal, and prefer practical items to cheap trinkets. Anything I give them are things I want to actually use, and hopefully continue to use all season long.

Finally, I just don’t want to overdo it on the gifts and surprises and treats for the day – and I suspect a lot of parents are in the same boat. (You might be interested in checking out these minimal non-toy gifts for kids, if you’re looking for birthdays and other gift ideas.)

To make shopping easier for all, I’ve put together some great non-candy easter basket ideas for preschoolers.

(The following contains affiliate links. Thank you for clicking and purchasing through any of these!)

Something to Play With Outside. 

It’s finally spring! And in my mind, the more we can enjoy the outside after the cold days of winter, the better. These are perfect for use well into summer and fall to encourage outdoor play. 

• Bubbles – either a giant bubble kit, or bubble machine (less work on you)
• Bubble Wand
• Bat and ball
• Kickballs – a cute turtle one or a pretty pink floral one
• Sidewalk chalk – our absolute favorite – the brightest and the best!
• Gardening kits – this one comes with tools for a backyard garden, or a DIY planter set that can go anywhere

Easter Books, or Books with a Spring Theme. 

We’re working on reading in our house. (Time flies!) Some of these books are the rather cute ones that my husband’s mom got for us. And I’ve included some other adorable ones I found.

• Happy Easter, Mouse!
• Thomas Saves Easter!
• Black and White Rabbit’s ABC
• A Lullaby for Little One
• Happy Easter, Little Critter!
• Llama Llama Easter Egg
• Duck & Goose: Here Comes The Easter Bunny

Healthy Treats.

They will probably see plenty of treats coming from other places. These fun-sized snacks are a great alternative that will be just as fun alongside other items in a basket.

• Raisins
• Pretzels
• Granola bars (We like this brand too!)
• Cheddar Bunnies/Bunny Grahams

A New (And Useful) Accessory for Spring. 

Usually a new season calls for new footwear, and going outside means sun protection is key. 

• Hats – this one, though!
• Spring Shoes – rain-proof sneakers, casual sandals for him or her, or dressy sandals for him or her
• Sunglasses – wayfarer style in black / pink, sporty style in blue / pink, and these classic cat-eyes are so cute!

Something for On The Go. 

Spring break and vacations are just around the corner. These non-messy toys make for great entertainment on the go. (And if you’re looking for more non-messy, but at-home fun, check out these sick or rainy day activities.)

• Toy cars and play mat – full-size or travel-size
• Reusable sticker sets – these poofy stickers with backgrounds are great for older kids, while these cling stickers with a sticker book are good for little hands
• Water reveal pads are another option for mess-free travel toys – safari, fairy tale, alphabet and numbers
• Coloring books – in velvet or magic ink

Stuffed Animals. 

Always a winner (if you don’t already have a bunch). I went with a spring theme, but you can always just add your little one’s favorite.

• Bunny
• Chick
• Lamb (also in rainbow)
• Singing Lamb
• Prayer Bear

And of course, let’s not forget the Easter eggs! 

Sometimes we make regular dyed ones, and sometimes we do plastic. But either way, these are the coolest ones I found!

• Non-toxic Easter Egg Markers
• Natural Egg Dye
• Galaxy Eggs
• Animal and Bird Decoration Kit
• Tie-Dye Eggs
• And always a crowd pleaser: confetti eggs!

So what do you usually do for the kids in your life for Easter?

Do you make it big, small, or not at all?

Photo Credit:

1 – My own

2 – Hannah Tasker on Unsplash

3 – ASHLEY EDWARDS on Unsplash

4 – JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash