By Olivia DeLong, former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect.
Truth be told, I’m kinda over candy as a mom. Between Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Easter, it seems like a lot of major holidays center around baskets and bags of candy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a treat now and then, but the amount of candy that accumulates after each and every special occasion is a little out of hand in our house.
Enter: my approach to a candy-free Easter basket. Each year, I fill a basket with practical and personalized items my daughter will use throughout the spring and summer (aka things I’d buy anyway). If you’re looking to do the same this Easter, here are some ideas that are sweet but don’t involve sugar. Promise.
What little one doesn’t love new bath toys? And honestly, I try to replace ours every so often so including them each year in the Easter basket is a win-win.
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Rain Boots
Kids' feet grow so fast, and if you’re like me, you feel like you can’t keep up. Each year, my daughter knows she’s going to get a special new pair of rain boots (often in a fun color or pattern) that she can *fingers crossed* wear for the entire next year.
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Slip-On Shoes
Looking ahead to summer is always a good idea (just be sure you know what size shoe your kiddo will be!), so a pair of slip-ons can be a great addition to this year’s practical Easter basket.
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Socks
No explanation needed for new socks. If you’re anything like our family, every wash cycle ends with one or two missing. Find your favorite brand and stock up on fun colors and patterns.
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Play or art box
A play box or art box can be something new and exciting for your little one. Age and developmentally appropriate toys and art supplies will get a lot of use for years to come.
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Pens, pencils, or markers and coloring sheets
If your little one likes arts and crafts or lots of coloring, stock up on new supplies and add those to their basket. You can never have too many art supplies or coloring sheets!
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Headbands or a hat
Two other items that seem to go missing all.the.time in our house are hats and headbands. Stock up on basics so you’re never scrambling in the morning.
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A portable audio player
Ever since we got a portable story box, my daughter is obsessed with listening to stories while she’s playing quietly on her own or even in the tub during bathtime. Let’s just say, it’s a godsend when I need to get things done (not to mention she loves picking out new stories and games to add to her collection every now and then).
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PJs
Our collection of pajamas is quite ridiculous but I just can’t stop. Pro tip? Go up at least one size so they last longer and in fact, I typically go up two!
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A book
We try to always include a book in most baskets or gifts we get, so stick with an Easter theme for the basket this year, or go for a favorite author, character, or series.
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Rain jacket
If you, too, live somewhere rainy come springtime, a rain jacket is a must. Roll it up and add it to the Easter basket (and like pjs, go up one or two sizes so they can wear it for multiple years, hopefully!).
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A lovey or stuffed animal
A new stuffy never disappoints, so if you have any room in your stuffy bins (we honestly don’t), try grabbing a new bunny, egg, or carrot stuffy this year. Cue the cuteness!
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Goggles
Like I said, I’m always looking ahead, and goggles are another item my daughter just can’t seem to keep track of from year to year. Grab a pair in a fun color and start planning that beach day, stat.
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Bubbles
Take or leave this idea because I’ll be honest, bubbles aren’t my favorite as a parent, however most kids I know are obsessed so they’re sure to be a hit.
When it comes down to it, Easter baskets are super fun and enjoyable for all, and if you don’t want candy in them, you don’t have to include it!
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A Bento Box
Whether your baby is just learning to eat or already off to kindergarten, a good Bento box container can help encourage them to try a variety of foods. We still use bento boxes to pack our daughter’s lunch every day.
About the writer:
Olivia DeLong is the former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect. She’s been an editor, writer, and content strategist for over 15 years, holding staff positions at WomansDay.com and Sharecare prior to her role at pregnancy and parenting brands. After a traumatic fertility journey, she’s now a mom to her 6-year-old miracle girl, and lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves digging into parenting, women’s health, and wellness trends with experts, and believes that speaking up about just about anything is so important for moms to feel seen.
