Toddler-Friendly Easter Ideas

If you’re anything like me, I already had a giant shopping bag full of items that I had ordered for my daughter’s first Easter tucked away in the back of my closet in JANUARY. Yes, January. Don’t worry, she’s two now, and we’ve got a couple of Easters under our belt, so I’ve learned since then. But you’ve got to admit, just like Christmas, there’s something magical about wanting to see your sweet offspring discover all of the perfectly curated items that await for them in their Easter basket. Then reality sets in, and you realize that other than the fact that it’s a holiday, your sweet child is prone to the same behavioral woes of any other day of the year. And if you think there’s nothing worse than an over-tired toddler, think again. Try an over-tired, over-stimulated, sugar-filled toddler. Now THAT friends, is a recipe for disaster. Now, my main goal with this post was to give you some ideas for filling Easter baskets and eggs with candy-free items, but as I sat down to write, I thought what good would that do when you have a two year-old face down in the dirt and grass, sweat soaked from the scorching afternoon sun, and screaming and crying because they’re so exhausted they just don’t know any better. SO, if you don’t mind, I’m going to make a couple of suggestions, and do with them what you wish — and then we’ll get to the fun stuff!

Here’s a thought — maybe, just MAYBE have your Easter Egg hunt first thing in the morning {before church and all the hoopla}. If you already do this, bravo! I mean, you’re most likely up already watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at the crack of dawn, so why not take advantage? — AND take your pictures early too! Mid-day sun is NOT your friend. Not for toddlers who don’t like the sun in their eyes, and NOT for your pictures. Now, if this is just not within the realm of possibility, try to squeeze in a quick nap beforehand, and give your child a little grace period to wake up before having an Easter basket thrust into their hands and turned loose on a lawn full of eggs, and the waiting cameras of enthusiastic family and friends. AND, if you have some super competitive older kids also taking part in said Easter egg hunt, assign each child a color of egg that they can collect to ensure that everyone has fun, and the little ones aren’t left in the dust clutching empty baskets.

easterimage

Okay, now the “fun stuff” — Easter basket and egg fillers! Items marked with a {*} are great for both baskets and eggs, and EVERYTHING is candy-free!

  • Sunglasses
  • Books :: There are TONS of seasonal books that are perfect for Easter available on Amazon, even Houston-area Costco stores have some fun options! One of my favorites is The Littlest Bunny in Texas…there are other state versions also available on Amazon!
  • Stuffed Animals
  • Necklaces* :: An adorable Etsy find from Bug + Bug Studio, or Target dollar-spot special, either will do!
  • Toy Cars*
  • Plastic Animals*
  • Crayons*
  • Hair Accessories* :: There are a zillion Etsy shops that sell crazy cute and unique clips, bows, headbands, etc., and you can definitely find some fun pieces in nationwide stores, but if you’re interested in shopping local, and supporting a Houston-mama, check out Willow Crowns — you’ll find lots of beautiful accessories for your little ones, and maybe even yourself!
  • Swimsuit
  • Beach Towel
  • Sand Toys
  • Stickers*
  • Confetti*
  • Bubbles :: What kid doesn’t like bubbles?!
  • Socks*
  • Rubber Duckies*
  • Seasonal DVD
  • Bracelets*
  • Finger Puppets*

    blueberries
    Blueberries are my absolute favorite egg-filler! So easy, healthy, and great to nibble on when your littles are in need of a mid-Egg Hunt snack!
  • Army Men*
  • Wind-Up Toys*
  • Annie’s Bunny Crackers and/or Fruit Snacks*
  • Trail Mix*
  • Pajamas
  • Stick-on Earrings*
  • Personalized Items :: Looking for a perfectly personalized addition to your little one’s Easter basket?! Check out Too Cute Monogrammed & Personalized Gifts! So many fun items!
  • Sidewalk Chalk*
  • Piggy Polish*
  • Glow Bracelets*
  • Bath Squirters*
  • Little People Toys*
  • Blueberries*
  • Strawberries*
  • Flip-Flops
  • Colorful Band-Aids*
  • Chapstick*
  • Bouncy Ball*
  • Whistle*
  • Plum Organics Puffs*

What will you be including in your little one’s basket this year???
Also, be sure to check out our list of Easter Egg Hunts in and around Houston too!

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Amy S
Amy was born and raised in Northern California before moving to the Houston area in 2003. Amy has a degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication from the University of Houston - where she met her husband Tate, a former football player for the Cougars and current CrossFit gym owner. Amy and Tate enjoyed their first year of marriage as Inner-Loopers before moving out to the suburbs to start a family. Caroline joined their family in September 2012, and life has never been the same since! Aside from her job as mom, Amy works full-time as an English teacher at the junior high level. She loves fresh air, online shopping, baking, and finding new things to do in and around Houston. Amy writes at New Mom Problems where she chronicles her life as a California girl living in Texas, motherhood, being a wife, and teaching middle school.

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