The Best Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers

Looking for non-candy Easter Basket fillers for young kids this year? We’ve put together a full list of the best Easter gift ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and really kids of all ages!

With Easter just around the corner, I’m getting ready for the Easter bunny to visit by two-year old son for the first time he’ll really know what’s going on. After all the Easter egg hunts, little parties, and gifts for other people (like grandparents), your child has probably had their fill of sweet treats and chocolate bunnies.

So I began looking for a few Easter gifts to fill his first Easter basket that were not candy. Here’s the best options we found that aren’t sweets or junky toys that will get thrown away.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I make a small commission with no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy here.

Ditch the Candy

Getting away from candy on Easter can be hard since it’s literally everywhere. And also so easy to fill your child’s Easter basket with. But there’s tons of fun things to replace the candy with that children will love.

Art and Craft Supplies

One of my favorite things to give toddlers in their Easter baskets is art supplies! They get excited knowing they’ll get to color, paint, or make crafts, and it’s something that will actually be used. Here’s some favorites for creative play for toddlers, preschoolers, and all little kids.

My son is sure to use his art supplies at some point, so he loves receiving them as gifts. You can also check the dollar store for art and craft supplies, including coloring books and stickers!

Outdoor Toys

Outdoor toys are a great way to replace candy items. And Easter usually means that nicer weather is right around the the corner! Your little ones will have a great time playing outside with these little toys.

Outdoor toys are a fun way to get them a toy without adding my toys inside your house! Young kids have so much fun playing outside that they’re sure to use these!

Things They Actually Need

Another great idea for Easter baskets is to get them something they actually need but may still be excited about- think clothes, accessories, or things they use daily. A way to get them excited about it is to get something with their favorite items or characters on them. For example, my son will get excited about anything with trucks, vehicles, or Elmo on it.

Reusable Water Bottle
Bathing Suit
Sun Hat
Summer Shoes
T-Shirts
Backpacks
Blankets
Slippers
Pajamas
Cups
Hair Accessories

These items may not be as exciting as toys or chocolate eggs, but your child will likely use them more. And it’s the perfect way to use things you were going to have to buy anyways.

Small Toys and Games

Toys and games are some of the best non-candy Easter basket ideas in your child’s opinion. But as a mom with a house full of toys, I don’t think a bunch of toys is the best thing to fill baskets. Just choose things that are small that your child will love and actually play with.

Toys can be wonderful things and great small gifts that kids love, but I just don’t need anymore toys in my house. If you want to add toys or game to kids’ Easter baskets, I like to pick one of these as the perfect addition to the other items.

Common Questions

How many items should I put in a toddler’s Easter basket?
For toddlers ages 1-3, aim for 5-8 items total to avoid overwhelming them while still creating excitement. Younger toddlers (18-24 months) do well with 4-6 larger items they can easily see and grab, while older toddlers (3-4 years) can handle 7-8 items including smaller pieces. Quality and usefulness matter far more than quantity at this age.

What if my toddler is disappointed without candy in their Easter basket?
Most toddlers under age 3 don’t have strong candy expectations yet and get equally excited about any new item, especially if it’s something they can play with immediately. If you’re concerned, include one or two small treats like fruit snacks or a single chocolate egg alongside the non-candy items as a compromise. The key is making the non-candy items visually exciting and immediately accessible for play.

Should I wrap items in the Easter basket or leave them visible?
For toddlers, leaving items visible and unwrapped works best because it creates immediate visual excitement and eliminates frustration with packaging they can’t open independently. If you want some element of surprise, use tissue paper they can easily push aside or clear cellophane wrap they can see through. Save elaborate wrapping for older children who enjoy the unwrapping process itself.

Can I reuse the Easter basket itself as a practical item?
Absolutely—choose a basket, bucket, or container your toddler can repurpose after Easter for toy storage, outdoor play, or as a beach/pool bag for summer. Canvas tote bags, sand buckets, small backpacks, or storage bins with handles all work as “baskets” and extend the gift’s usefulness. This approach means the basket itself becomes one of the practical gifts rather than something you store for 11 months.

How do I balance what my toddler wants versus what they need in their Easter basket?
Include at least one item that aligns with your toddler’s current interests or favorite character to guarantee excitement, then fill the rest with practical items or activities they’ll use regularly. If your child loves trucks, add one truck toy or truck-themed shirt, then include outdoor toys, art supplies, or seasonal clothing as the remaining items. The “want” item creates the initial joy, while the “need” items provide lasting value throughout the season.

Tips for Easter Baskets

#1 Non-candy Easter baskets work best when they include art supplies and outdoor toys that toddlers will actually use repeatedly throughout spring and summer rather than items that create temporary excitement.

#2 Strategic Easter basket planning treats the holiday as spring preparation shopping by including practical items like bathing suits, sun hats, and summer clothing that parents would need to purchase anyway within the next few weeks.

#3 Toddlers under age 3 get equally excited about new items regardless of candy inclusion because their developmental stage focuses on exploration and play rather than specific treat expectations.

#4 Limiting toys to one or two small, high-quality items prevents Easter basket clutter while still providing the excitement toddlers want without overwhelming homes that already have sufficient toys.

#5 The most successful non-candy Easter baskets match items to the child’s current developmental stage by including fine motor skill toys, creative supplies, or problem-solving games that align with what toddlers are naturally working on during this age window.

Happy Easter Sunday!

Remember, don’t stress too much about Easter baskets. Young children get excited about anything you give them. And they really love just spending time and playing with the whole family!

Check Out Our Easter Egg Fillers

If you’re planning an Easter egg hunt for a toddler or young child and have to fill your own eggs, we also have a full list of small fillers for plastic eggs. Plastic Easter eggs filled with tiny gifts or snacks are also a great addition to Easter baskets!

Easter Craft Idea

Looking for a fun Easter craft to do with toddlers, preschoolers, or young kids this Easter? This is a great option to keep them engaged after all the Easter baskets, egg hunts, and treats!

The Best Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers