While marshmallow bunnies, chocolate eggs and other sugary sweets are a tradition for the Easter bunny to leave in a basket, there are many other gifts that children can enjoy—especially that won’t rot their teeth or keep them on an all-day sugar high. From indoor toys to outdoor activities, an Easter basket is a great opportunity to introduce new hobbies and screen-free fun. Give the gift of creativity, education and some fun in the sun this spring with these non-candy Easter basket items.
Puzzles
Not only are puzzles a fun activity that can be done on a rainy day stuck inside, they can also help develop fine-motor and strategic thinking skills. You can also get puzzles of all levels of difficulty, so don’t just limit this to the children. Puzzles can also be enjoyed by the whole family, coming together to enjoy some quality time and creating something beautiful.
Play-Doh
Kids can’t get enough of this soft, moldable clay. Play-doh is a classic toy, great for gifts any time of year. You can even find seasonal sets, accessories and colors perfect for their Easter baskets. This is also a great non-candy toy for children, as it helps with sensory skills and creativity.
Activity Books
From coloring pages to word problems, scavenger hunts to connect the dots, activity books offer a variety of creative and educational projects that kids of all ages can enjoy. With so many different options to choose from, you can add a few to each Easter basket, featuring crayons, markers and even stickers to go along with them.
Sidewalk Chalk
Since spring means sunny weather is coming, why not give them a gift they can use outside? Sidewalk chalk is available in many colors and unique sets, such as tie dye, neon and even pieces blended with sparkles! This is a great way to boost creativity while still promoting screen-free time and fresh air.
Gardening Set
Speaking of sunshine, flowers will soon be blooming and the time is coming to get our gardens ready for spring. But gardening doesn’t just need to be for grown ups. Get your kids interested in growing their own garden filled with everything from simple daisies to vegetables they can pick and eat right off the vine! A gardening set made just for kids, including kid-sized gloves, a watering can, shovels and other tools and even some seeds to get them started is a great, hands-on way to encourage learning about nature.
Fishing Pole
If your family enjoys a calm, relaxing day by the lake, pond or stream, consider giving your child a kid-friendly fishing pole. This toy can of course teach them how to fish, but it can also help with fine motor skills and teach them patience. Include a small tackle box and even a book about all different fish that they might catch. Take the whole family outside for a day by the water where everyone can enjoy this relaxing activity.
