25 Candy-Free Easter Basket Filler Ideas

Every year I write about candy-free Easter basket filler ideas. We are bombarded right after Valentine's Day with Peeps, chocolate bunnies and Cadbury Creme Eggs every time we enter a store..  There has to be more to an Easter basket than sugar, right?  No matter the size of the basket, non-sugar goodies are a must for Easter.  While I don't want Easter to turn into another Christmas-like gift giving holiday, I am always searching for gift ideas to pass on to the Easter Bunny.  Here are 25 non-candy Easter basket ideas (some new ideas, some are old stand-by's) for kids of all ages:

For Little Kids (0-8 years or so)

• Coloring Books and Crayons - there are awesome Easter Bunny & Religious coloring books out there this time of year - a great place to check is your local dollar store. 
• Legos - I love the 'Friends' line that is out for girls now.  The usual cars and trucks and airplanes are still out there for the boys.
• Small Play Characters - like Little People & Littlest Pet Shop.
• Playdoh - tried and true. I love the sets with different colors . They are colorful and take up lots of space in a basket - not too mention they'll keep kids occupied for hours.
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Bubble Bath
• Gardening tools - kid sized shovels, hoes and rakes in cute patterns start showing up in stores like Target just in time for Easter. Don't forget seeds and small plants so the kids can start digging right away.

For Bigger Kids (9+)

• Art Supplies - This portable set is so much fun! Add a coloring book or sketch pad to complete it.
• Magazines - Buy the current issue of a favorite magazine and add a note saying that a year's subscription is on its way. 
• Gift Cards - itunes & Amazon are great for music and book lovers.  Your local bookstore or Barnes & Noble is also fun.
• Movie Gift cards - Going to the theater is always a fun activity on a rainy Saturday.
• Sunglasses
• Journals - There are so many pretty journals on the market these days.  There's still time to order a personalized one from a site like Minted if you want to splurge.
• Note Cards - Target has some really cute ones at the Dollar Spot.  

For Everyone

• Books - always a good gift - especially to get the little ones in the habit of reading.
• Board Games - one of our favorites is Connect Four - it's great for all ages. 
• Pajamas - the warm weather is coming and if the little ones have outgrown last years' this is the perfect time to add a new set. 
• Toothpaste and brushes
• Sports Equipment - kick balls, basket balls, scooters.  
• School supplies - school's been in session for a while and those glue sticks and pencils probably don't have much life left in them!
• A Gift Certificate to a fun art or gym class in your town - maybe something going on when school's out in the summer.
• Socks - fun & useful.
• Puzzles
• Clothes - spring is coming and everyone needs a new pair of shorts to kick off the season.
• Beach towels and toys - one of my favorites and summer comes early here and beach toys tend to last only a season or two.  I love the personalized beach towels at Pottery Barn Kids. They aren't super thrifty purchases but they last for years.

On that note, filling Easter baskets can get expensive so I check the dollar store & Target's dollar spot for things like coloring books, school supplies, beach toys, sidewalk chalk & bubbles.  We do a little bit of candy - and fill in with these extra little goodies.  

Is there anything you love to include it a basket that's not on this list?

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