easter basket with pastel eggs

Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

April 01, 20254 min read

Easter is almost here!

If you’ve been scrolling social media and feeling the pressure to create an extravagant basket, take a deep breath—you don’t need to go all out for your child to have a magical Easter!

Easter baskets don’t have to be over-the-top or filled with expensive, picture-perfect items to be special.

The truth is, kids are just as thrilled with a simple, thoughtful basket as they are with one that costs a fortune. The goal is to include a few small surprises that spark joy, encourage play, or add a little seasonal fun—without adding stress to your plate.

So if you’re looking for some easy Easter basket ideas that are kid-approved, budget-friendly, and stress-free, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite simple and fun finds to make Easter morning special.


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Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Toddlers

a list of easter basket filler ideas for toddlers ages 1-3
  1. Giant Bubble Wand - My kids LOVE these bubble wands. What kid doesn't love bubbles? This is a great way to keep them occupied and outside this spring and summer.

  2. Suction Bath Toys - These are so fun and can be used in or out of the bath. I love a good sensory toy that gets them exploring and thinking and keeps them entertained!

  3. Bath Whisk - Can you tell we love bath toys? We love baths around here, sometimes we even do "daytime baths" so they can do some sensory play. We just recently got very into bubble baths, so this toy is a hit!

  4. Melissa & Doug buggy binoculars - We are BIG Melissa & Doug fans over here. These binoculars are so cute and fun and a great way to get them outside and exploring in the warmer weather.

  5. Hippity Hoppity Little Bunny Finger Puppet Board Book - My kids love these little books. They're great for younger toddlers - or older ones too honestly. My 4 year old still loves these.

  6. Bluey Jumbo Chalk Set with Holders - Chalk holders are a GAME CHANGER. I personally hate the feeling of chalk, but my toddler also doesn't quite understand how to use it, and I worry about her scratching her little fingers on the pavement with regular chalk, so these are perfect.

  7. Dr. Suess's ABC - A classic. We are big into Dr. Suess ever since daycare did Read Across America week - so we'll definitely be adding to the collection for Easter.

  8. Fubbles - Fubbles are the BEST. They don't spill, so I let my kids use them inside. They're perfect for toddlers who accidentally spill the entire thing of bubbles 1.5 seconds after opening it.

  9. Happy Easter Little Pookie - My kids love the Pookie books, so this is an easy add!

  10. Magnetic Building Blocks - These are so fun and great for little ones who can't quite figure out regular blocks. Plus, what kid doesn't love magnets?

Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Preschoolers

a list of 10 items for easter baskets for preschoolers ages 3, 4, 5
  1. Color sorting sensory toy - A fun, interactive toy that is a sensory toy but also helps preschoolers practice colors, matching, and fine motor skills.

  2. Foil fun - We love Foil Fun. It's honestly so fun and satisfying and a great activity for preschoolers. It's basically stickers but you get to put the shiny foil on them. It's really cool!

  3. Dot It! - Another fun crafty art kit. We love an art set that's mess-free.

  4. Melissa & Doug Take Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzle - My 4 year old is currently OBSESSED with puzzles. But obviously, they don't always travel well. This is great way she can bring her puzzles to Meme and Papa's without losing all the pieces.

  5. Owala Kids FreeSip Water Bottle - Despite having a million of their own water bottles, my kids always want to drink from my Owala - so the Easter Bunny will be bringing them their own!

  6. Bubbles - Basic bubbles! Can't go wrong here.

  7. Happy Easter Mouse! Book - Another Easter favorite.

  8. Watercolor Paint Set - This isn't necessarily mess-free, but it's definitely less messy than regular watercolor sets.

  9. Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow - Another fun sticker activity book that's perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers!

  10. Piggy Paint - non toxic nail polish. Makes for a great add to an Easter basket!

At the end of the day, your little one's Easter basket doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special. A few thoughtful, simple surprises are more than enough to bring joy and create sweet memories. So whether you go all out or keep it minimal, know that you’re already doing an amazing job.

If you found this list helpful, be sure to save it for later and share it with another mom who could use some stress-free Easter inspiration! And if you have a favorite Easter basket tradition or must-have item, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

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