Didn’t we just survive a candy-fueled holiday? And now Easter’s creeping up—late this year, which means it’s bound to sneak up and surprise us when we’re least prepared. As a dad of four sugar-loving tornadoes, I’ve learned this truth: cranky candy crashes are no joke.
If you’re like me and want your kids to enjoy Easter without bouncing off the walls, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up some of the best Easter basket ideas that are fun, exciting, and—most importantly—not candy. Let’s dive in.
🧺 First, You’ll Need a Great Basket
We use these adorable baskets every year. They’re sturdy, cute, and big enough to hold all the non-sugar magic.
🎨 For Everyone
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Play-Doh Easter Eggs – These are always a hit in our house. Less messy than slime, more creative than candy.
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Hatching Dinosaurs – Pop one in water and watch your kid’s face light up as a dinosaur slowly appears. Science + surprise = winning.
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Jumbo Unicorn Egg Toys – If you have unicorn-obsessed daughters like I do, these will make their day. Magical, colorful, and great for imaginative play.
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Schylling Squishy Ball – These come in random colors and are incredibly satisfying. Even I can’t stop squeezing it.
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Reusable Sticker Book – Lifesavers during church. Enough stickers for sharing (and keeping sibling arguments to a minimum).
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Paper Airplane Book – This turns any living room into an airfield. Great for dads too. You know you want to beat your kids’ flying records.
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Lego Replacement and Idea Set – Add some new builds and find missing pieces. Win-win.
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Tiny Collectibles – These little guys are oddly satisfying. Bonus: they’re small enough to hide in plastic eggs.
🧢 For the Boys
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Dude Perfect Game – My boys are obsessed. This game brings the energy of their favorite YouTubers into real life.
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Glow City Football – For those spring nights when bedtime is optional and backyard touchdowns are essential.
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Jurassic Snap Squad Toys – Bite-sized dinos that clip onto fingers and bring Jurassic joy to any basket.
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Mini Footballs – No more worrying about the lamp. These squishy footballs are safe for indoor passes (and accidental headshots).
👑 For the Girls
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Perler Beads Kit – Keeps my girls crafting for hours. Cute patterns = focused creativity.
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Play Makeup Set – Pretend glam without the real mess. Bonus: it’s washable!
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Ariel Dress-Up Magnets – Quiet, creative, and perfect for the car, church, or dinner at grandma’s.
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Princess Purse – Stylish enough for tea parties or actual outings. The girls adore this one.
🎲 Family-Friendly Games
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Gnomes at Night Game – A cooperative game where teamwork and laughs collide.
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Monkey May I? – Slap hands, laugh hard, repeat.
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Color Brain Game – Turns color knowledge into hilarious chaos. Just wait until someone insists teal is green.
- Trio– A memory game with a twist. Sort of like Go Fish. Our family’s favorite right now!
🥚 Skip the Real Eggs
If the price of real eggs is making you sweat, grab these wooden paintable eggs instead. Paint them once, reuse forever. Your wallet will thank you.
Ready to build baskets that don’t come with a dentist appointment? Grab your favorites now and let me know what non-candy gems your family loves!
