Want to know what to put in Easter baskets for toddlers that will put a smile on their face without you feeling like you overspent on it? This post is all about clever ways to put together an Easter basket full of items that get used and loved without all the unnecessary junk.
If you’re wondering what to put in your toddler's Easter basket, you’re not alone. Toddler Easter baskets can feel tricky because kids this age are old enough to be excited and remember the magic, but still young enough that they don’t need a bunch of stuff to make it special.
This stage is all about discovery, imagination, and hands-on play, not flashy toys or baskets overflowing with filler. The goal here isn’t to spend more, it’s to choose things that actually get used and enjoyed long after Easter morning.
Just like I shared in this post about what to put in Easter basket ideas for babies, the same idea applies here. I’ve been through this stage with my own kids twice, and I’ve learned that focusing on items your child already needs (or will need soon) while adding a few fun extras is what really keeps the magic alive.
This post is filled with thoughtful, realistic ideas for what to put in Easter baskets for toddlers that feel special without going over the top.
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Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers
Practical Everyday Items
This is always the best place to start. Toddlers go through things quickly, and chances are you’ve already bought a few items in the next size up and tucked them away. Easter is a great excuse to pull those out and make them feel special. Things like cups, water bottles, pajamas, socks, underwear, or even an Easter toddler dress you were going to buy anyway all fit perfectly here. Filling the basket with everyday items helps keep costs down while still giving your toddler something new to enjoy.
- Cups, water bottles
- Socks, pajamas, underwear
- Hair accessories
- Toddler utensils
- Hat
Books for Toddlers
Books are one of the easiest wins for a toddler Easter basket. Easter-themed books add to the holiday excitement, but regular board books or simple storybooks work just as well and last longer. Toddlers love repetition, pointing things out, and “reading” the same book over and over. Books add magic without clutter and are always a solid answer to what to put in Easter baskets for this age.
- Easter-themed
- Seasonal stories
- Another book from a collection (Little Blue Truck, princess books, etc.)
Learning & Development Toys
This is a big one for toddlers. Think toys that encourage problem-solving, fine motor skills, and curiosity without relying on buttons, lights, or noise. Puzzles, stacking toys, shape sorters, lacing toys, and simple matching games are all great examples. These kinds of toys grow with your child and make excellent toddler Easter basket stuffers that won’t lose their appeal after one day.
- Open-ended toys
- Fine motor skill development
- Early problem-solving
Creative & Hands-On Activities
Toddlers love to do, not just play. Simple art supplies, reusable sticker books, chunky crayons, water painting books, or basic craft kits give them something engaging without being overwhelming. These items also double as great Easter toddler activities for the days after the holiday, which parents usually appreciate just as much as the kids do.
- Art supplies
- Simple crafts
- Reusable activities
Pretend Play & Imaginative Toys
This age is prime time for pretend play. Small figures, play food, dolls, toy animals, or vehicles encourage storytelling and imagination. These toys don’t need batteries and often get played with in new ways as your toddler grows. A few thoughtful pretend play items can add a lot of magic to a toddler Easter basket without adding excess.
- Last for years
- Encourage storytelling
- Don't rely on batteries
- Dress up clothes
Warm Weather & Outdoor Play Items
Easter is right around the time toddlers start spending more time outside, which makes this a great category to include. Items like sun hats, sandals, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, or simple outdoor toys encourage movement and play while fitting naturally into everyday life. These are things your toddler will reach for again and again as the weather warms up, making them a smart and practical addition to an Easter basket.
- Encourage movement
- Justify practical purchases
- Sun hat
- Sandals
- Sidewalk chalk
- Bubbles
- Outdoor toys
Snacks & Treats (Optional)
Treats don’t have to be the centerpiece, but it’s okay to include a few. Toddler-friendly snacks, pouches, or favorite treats can round out the basket without overdoing it. This category helps parents feel permission to include something sweet without feeling pressure to go all in on candy.
- Normalize including treats
- non candy options
Comfort & Fun Extras
This is where you can add a little whimsy. A small stuffed animal, a themed toy, or something your toddler is currently obsessed with can make the basket feel extra special. Keeping this category toward the end reinforces that it’s optional and not where most of the budget needs to go.
- stuffed animals, themed extras, small delights
Putting together an Easter Basket should be fun, not stressful. Take whatever spoke to you from this post and don't overburden yourself. It'll be magical, I promise!