This year, why not ditch the pre-made Easter baskets filled with cheap plastic toys and various sugar-high-inducing candy disasters, and instead go for something that will spark your kids’ imaginations starting Easter Sunday (and won’t fall apart before Mother’s Day). Yes, we’re suggesting you make your own Easter basket — and fill it with art supplies, stickers, tattoos, books, journals, and more to get your kids’ self-expression juices flowing. Plus, making your own basket is really not that hard, and you can tailor it to suit your kid: cute, rustic, super-modern, you name it.
To fill your basket, the key is to choose a few artsy items that you know your kids, whatever age they are, will actually like — and use. From Crayola’s irresistible egg and chick-shaped sidewalk chalk to bath bombs with a surprise toy inside, these gifts are actually practical and fun. And if they’re too old (or cool) to believe in the Easter Bunny, you’ll get some serious credit. You don’t have to spend a fortune, and you can always bulk out the basket with that fake grass stuff — or even DIY the whole Easter basket if you’re feeling ambitious. But remember: Your basket doesn’t have to be a Hollywood-movie-style hamper that requires two people to transport it.
Check out these fun, affordable and oh-so creative picks to inspire you to do Easter on your terms this year — and keep your kids busy for the long at-home days ahead. And if you want toy-filled versions, we’ve got picks for that too.
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Eggcellent Chalk
If you get your kid one thing this Easter, it needs to be this sweet set of egg and chick-shaped chalk by Crayola. The egg-shape fits perfectly in little hands.
Non-Toxic Polish
Yep, there’s nail polish just for kids. This set of cute paint for your little one is non-toxic, odorless and water-based so it’s safe for them to use.
Comfy & Cute Masks
We’re still going to be wearing masks for awhile, so stock up your kiddo on ones that they’ll actually wear. These celeb-approved disposables have three layers and come with a bunch of stickers so they can customize it to their liking.
Surprise Bath Fizzies
Uncommon Goods is a boon for unique, out-of-this-world gifts for kids this Easter (and everyone else). These bath fizzies are just one of many must-have items that are just as cool as they are educational. Each bath fizz has a surprise toy inside, along with a fun fact about it.
Marble Pattern Origami Paper
Believe it or not, those “marble” stars are made of paper, y’all! This gorgeous marble-printed origami paper will set kids up for success in learning the Japanese art.
Tie Dye Bandages
And if they get scraped up in any of that gardening — or fort-building or any other imaginative endeavors — they’ll feel all better soon with one of these colorful “bravery badges” from Welly. As if we thought the tie dye trend was over.
Dino Egg Tattoos
Easter is about eggs, right? They may not be bunnies, but these dinosaurs are pretty damn cute, and what kids don’t love covering themselves in tattoos?
Pastel Brush Markers
‘Tis the pastel season, after all. Older kids and tweens will love this professional-grade set of markers for all their (v serious) springtime artwork.
Macrame Backpack Charm Kit
Who even knows if we’ll be able to send kids to summer camp this year. Might as well make them feel like they’re there, with this adorable craft kit to make a backpack charm. Macrame is all the rage, didn’t you know?
‘Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring’ Book
Depending on the size of your Easter basket, this item might not quite fit IN it, but prop it up beside it on Easter morning to ring in the season with a sweet storytime. It’ll almost be like going outside yourselves…almost.
Kid Garden Tools
And speaking of getting outside: Whether you have a yard of your own or are just jumping into kitchen-windowsill gardening, helping things grow is a great way for kids to get creative and learn along the way. These tools will make it easy (and oh-so colorful).
Eye Love You Bandages
And if they get scraped up in any of that gardening — or fort-building or any other imaginative endeavors — they’ll feel all better soon with one of these colorful “bravery badges” from Welly. This “Eye Love You” set offers hearts and eyes alike to brighten their boo-boos in style.
Gratitude Journal For Kids
Add a little self-care (because don’t we all need it?) to your child’s Easter basket with a gratitude journal. It’s a great way to inject some introspection (and blessed quiet time) into their day.
Scented Glitter Pens
Just the thing for writing in that gratitude journal. And don’t feelings of gratitude feel nicer when they’re sparkly and smell good? No?
Forest Animals Sketchbook
If they’re not the word-journaling type, maybe plain old paper is just what they need to get their feelings out via drawing. And since spring has sprung, this sketchbook adorned with adorable woodland critters is perfectly apropo.
Face Paint Crayons
With every color your kid could possibly want, these face- and body-paint crayons are suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Turn your quarantine afternoons into make-believe worlds filled with fairies and unicorns (on your kids’ faces, that is).
Dog Ate My Mad Libs
Who doesn’t VERB Mad Libs? Talk about an imaginative activity for the whole family.
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