20 Easter Basket Ideas {that you won't throw out the next day!}

If there is anything I hate, it’s buying a lot of cheap plastic junk for my kids that will get thrown away by the end of the week- or day! So, I pretty much refuse to do it. 🙂 It seems like a lot of items that are marketed for Easter is said plastic junk- which is really quite sad since it’s the most holy of Christmas holidays. Even though an Easter basket is definitely not a necessity, it’s a tradition we enjoy.

I reached out to my Facebook page to get some ideas of what other moms were giving their kids this year. I came up with some ideas as well, and combined it to make what I think is a pretty good list! I hope you’ll find some useful ideas for your own kids here.

1.) The Jesus Storybook Bible – this is hands down our favorite Bible for little kids in this house. The pictures are gorgeous, the writing is even more beautiful, and every story points to Christ.

2.) Other books. We love to read in this family (most of us anyway!) and books are always a welcome addition. You can find some of our favorites here.

3.) A voucher for your child’s favorite place- a bounce house, the zoo, Children’s museum- get creative! You can even search Groupon and LivingSocial for great bargains!

4.) Jamberry Juniors – my little girls LOVE these and of course I’m a fan, too. So many cute designs, good thing they’re Buy 3 Get 1 Free!

5.) My friend Gabriella suggested these Cedarmont Kids’ CDs. She said she got them for her kids 3 years ago and they still love them!

6.) Several friends on my Facebook page mentioned swimsuits and beach towels. That is a great idea since we are entering summer! Swimming goggles are also a great idea!

7.) Their favorite snacks. No sense in buying a lot of junk food they don’t even like that much. Think about their favorites that they may not get often and would really enjoy. Or even more fun, purchase some snacks that you enjoyed as a child and let them try some of your old favorites! My friend Phoebe suggested dried fruit or yogurt-covered raisins. My baby LOVES this kind of raisins!

8.) Gummy vitamins– Just keep them out of reach so they don’t take more than they’re supposed to.

9.) Pajamas- another friend on Facebook mentioned this one. If your child needs new PJs anyway, it’s a great time to get them! I really love these on Amazon.

10.) A giftcard to their favorite restaurant, and a promise to take them there for some special one-on-one time.

11.) Chapstick or lipbalm. This kind is my absolute favorite!

12.) Something to give away. My kids really take great joy in helping the homeless in our city. You could give them something (a McDonald’s giftcard, some nonperishable food, socks) and hand them out on your way to church on Easter. Your child likely won’t forget that.

13.) Another idea from my Facebook page (those ladies rock, hope you’ll join us!) was sidewalk chalk. Anything that is consumable is a win in my book- and kids love this stuff!

14.) MadLibs or word searches. Do your kids really need more screen time? Mine certainly don’t! In fact, I’m going to order MadLibs for them- they are so much fun! (shhh don’t tell!)

15.) A sketch pad or construction paper- if your kids are like mine, they are constantly drawing, and stealing my paper! The bonus of a pad is that all the paper is contained in one spot. (as long as they don’t tear out the sheets 🙂 )

16.) Bubble bath

17.) Ponytail holders- this idea came from my friend Shannon. And seriously, why do I buy them at least 3 times a year and there are never any to be found? Great idea, Shannon!

18.) Handmade gifts. These crayon rolls are a great way to keep your crayons organized while on-the-go, instead of under everyone’s feet!

19.) I also love these handmade softies. Little babies would enjoy one of these since chocolate is a no-go for them!

20.) Bubbles. Kids love bubbles! A little secret- I love bubbles, too! Ben got me a gallon size container of bubbles when we were dating! That thing lasted forever. Anyway, you can also make your own. You can find a recipe here.

So what are you giving your kids this year? Or do you even do Easter baskets? I’d love your ideas in the comments!