I have four kids under 10, which means I’ve made a lot of Easter baskets. At this point, I don’t reinvent the wheel every spring.
Instead, I follow a simple Easter Basket Formula that keeps things fun for the kids, but practical (and affordable) for me.
If you’re putting baskets together this year, I’ve my go-to finds (for all ages) in one place here:
→ Shop Easter Basket Ideas (Canada)
→ Shop Easter Basket Ideas (US)
Here’s exactly how I build each basket, item by item:
Keep It Simple (and Reusable)
You don’t need new baskets or paper grass every year. We reuse ours, tucking them away in our Easter bin for the next year.
I found these adorable fabric baskets at Dollarama years ago and they still carry them. I was able to get the baby one this year (although it’s polka dots instead of stripes now). The baskets have held up very well at many enthusiastic egg hunts.
Sweet Treat
The kids get so much candy between eggs left by the Easter Bunny and treats from visiting family, so I keep what is in the basket simple.
I usually pick one or two of these:
- Chocolate bunny
- Small handful of wrapped treats
- Fun or novelty candy (Easter Bunny PEZ dispensers were a big hit one year)
It’s enough to feel special without going overboard.
Play & Create
This is one of my go-to categories when I’m building a basket. It helps balance out the treats and gives them something to actually do once Easter morning is over.
Ideas I rotate through:
- Craft Kits
- Sticker or Activity Books
- Puzzles
- Lego Building Sets (very popular in our house right now)
- Outdoor Toys
I try to match this to each child’s age and interests. Bonus points if it is an activity they can do independently to give me some quiet time too (an Easter gift for mom, ha!)
Check out my online shop links, for easy ideas you can order in time for Easter:
→ Shop Easter Basket Ideas (Canada)
→ Shop Easter Basket Ideas (US)
Something Easter-themed & Cute
I always like to have at least one thing that feels like Easter and springtime. Our kids are into Palm Pals this year and these bunnies, duck and goose were just too cute to pass up.
What I look for:
- An adorable spring-themed stuffed animal (bunny, chick, lamb)
- Egg-shaped Sidewalk Chalk or Playdoh
- A new Easter or Spring Book
Practical (But Fun)
I always include one or things I already planned to buy for the warmer weather:
- Lightweight pyjamas for spring/summer
- Bathing suit
- Coordinating t-shirt and shorts
- Sunglasses
- A new sun hat
- Rubber boots
It helps fill the basket without adding extra “stuff” to the house.
Extra Bits
These are the small items that make each basket feel personal. I keep an eye out all winter during sales and then save them rather than scrambling closer to Easter.
- Hair clips or scrunchies
- Iron-on patches
- A baseball hat
- Small toys or collectibles
What I Do for a Baby Easter Basket
Baby baskets are the easiest to put together. They don’t need much and you can fill them with things they need and would like.
Things you can include:
- Board book
- Soft toy or teether
- Bath toy
- Cozy sleeper
- Spring outfit
- Baby snacks (puffs, melts)
- Bubble bath
- First toothbrush
I have a whole blog post on Baby’s First Easter Basket, if you’re looking for more ideas
A Note for Next Year
If you love the idea of keeping things simple, this is the part that’s made the biggest difference for me over the years…
I don’t shop for Easter all at once. I keep a small box in my closet and add to it throughout the year. If I see something I know one of our kids would love (especially if it’s on sale), I tuck it away in the box. It also helps with birthdays, holidays, and other occasions.
A few thoughtful items, picked up over time, will always beat a last-minute, overfilled basket.
It takes the pressure off completely by the time Easter rolls around. Lots of fun for the kids, but less work and cost for parents!
