Top Non-candy Easter Basket Fillers: Infant to Grade School

It’s that time of year again when the Easter bunny is going to be making his rounds. Are you ready? Read on for some of my favorite basket fillers. 

First, we don’t really do candy- maybe we should- candy goes away (unlike the squinkies that I’m constantly stepping on). But, I have several problems with that. One, I accidentally bought this basket with my oldest online. Personalized. Lesson learned there (get out the measuring tape instead of just checking large Willynilly). Can you imagine filling that with candy? 

Second, have I spoken to you about my Wild Thing? He’s so cute, and sweet, and mild mannered (haha). Two out of three aren’t bad. But you should see him on sugar. Or maybe you shouldn’t. Even my dad (who rarely has parenting advice) is like “are you sure you want him to have that lollipop?” 

If you’re like me, you’re always trying to think of new ideas for basket fillers. I like to invest in quality toys that my kids will actually use. But, I also shop clearance, discount stores (nearly all the green toys and infant toys I purchased were only $2-3 maximum), and online sales. Some of my items are pricier but they will last. Also, the dollar tree has some pretty nice sand toys and lots of really cool dinosaurs. I didn’t love their selection of toys that my girls would be into but they’re worth a try if you have a Dino obsessed little boy or just bought a sandbox (that would be us…yeah between that and the ducklings I’m questioning my sanity too). 

My stand outs for this Easter? First up, CozyPhones (enter the code “SLEEP” for a 5% discount)- I can’t tell you how excited I am to retire the giant cookie shaped headphones my 5 year old drags around the house (and hangs on every hook, knob and surface she can find). But, more on that later. The other favorite are the organic farm buddies (visit Apple Park for a free gift with every lammy or bunny purchase!) that my kids are going to love forever. These are heirloom quality toys. I will probably eventually get rid of the beaniebabies and the shopkins stuffed toys but the Apple Park Kids are here to stay. 

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite non-candy basket fillers: infant, toddler, and gradeschool editions. 

The Infant: 

1. Organic Farm Buddy 

2. Apple Park Kids musical chick lullaby toy

3. Books: Usborne 

4. Green toys stacker, keys, bath or sand toy

5. Music makers: maracas, shakers, bells 

6. Small wooden toys

7. Apple Park Kids teething toys

8. Mini Lolo Dragon bath and teething toy

9. Apple Park Kids Lovies 

10. Pool floatie

The Toddler:

1. Apple Park Kids baby doll and organic plush

2. Monster style CozyPhones 

3. Melissa and Doug Fishing Set

4. Small figures: dinosaur (dollar tree)

5. Sand toys (dollar tree) 

6. Outdoor toys: frisbee, balls, bubbles, chalk (dollar tree)

7. Books: Usborne

8. Coloring books and crayons (dollar tree)

9. Animal figurine tube

10. Bunny bag (dollar section at Target)

The Grade Scooler: 

1. Apple Park Kids Organic Farm Buddy

2. CozyPhones

3. Small toys: shopkins, squinkies, lego figures, hex bugs

4. Plush toys

5. Collectibles: Calico Critters, Pokémon cards, matchbox cars or trains, Tsum Tsum

6. Books: Usborne

7. Small craft kits: bracelet making, stamps, shrinky dinks

8. New PJs or other Spring Clothes

9. Small games: Skipbo, Bubble Fever, brain teasers, Qwixx

10. Outdoor toys: frisbee, bubbles, chalk (dollar tree)

Don’t get me wrong, my kids will get a chocolate bunny and a handful of jellybeans. But, can you imagine a Wild Thing after a basket full of candy? 

My suggestion for you is to find a much smaller basket and focus on just a few of these suggestions. If only I could go back 8 years and give myself that advice! Happy hunting!