Easter Basket Ideas for Preschoolers

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Easter baskets for preschoolers can be a great way to incorporate some new toys and games into their routines. Whatever your Easter traditions may be, it's always exciting to see a child's face light up when he sees what the Easter Bunny (or mom and dad) has left for them.
Spring is Here

Depending on the location, Easter usually falls when the snow is finally melting and the flowers are gearing up to begin blooming. Get your preschoolers ready for spring by putting small shovels, pots, watering cans, trowels and other gardening tools in their baskets. Almost all children this age love digging in the mud, and including a few packets of seeds in the basket can transition the toys into a gardening learning experience.

Arts and Crafts

Preschoolers are busy, budding artists, and chances are their supplies will need replenishing. Include boxes of crayons, finger paints, smocks, sidewalk chalk and washable markers in their Easter baskets. Other ideas include Play-Doh containers and accessories, stickers, bubbles, child-safe scissors, coloring books and glitter.
Sweets

It's your choice just how much sugar to put in the baskets. Traditional Easter basket candies include jelly beans, marshmallow chicks and chocolate bunnies. If you don't want to include much chocolate and candy eggs, you can put in a mix of healthier sweet foods. Examples include prepackaged apple slices, organic fruit leather (see "Resources" below), raisins, dried fruit, yogurt-covered pretzels and chopped dates.
Other Ideas

Put a character-themed toothbrush in the preschooler's Easter basket to brush away some of those Easter sweets. Add some toys, such as a small set of building blocks, a jump rope, an Easter egg making kit, matchbox cars, balloons, plastic animals or bouncy balls. Books are often a huge hit with this age group, and the benefits of quality reading time far outlast the sugar rush of jelly beans. Place a few age-appropriate books (Easter-related or not) in the basket, and set aside some time that morning to read the books with your child.

Overview