Toddlers don't need much candy, but they love an Easter basket. Filling it with small, useful treats means the fun lasts well past Easter morning. Here are ideas that fit in a basket and actually get used.
For bath time
- A wind-up swimmer. The Paddle bath toy is about 4 inches long and comes as a duck or a car. No batteries, just clockwork. An adult should wind it for little ones.
- A little water wheel or spinner from the Ripple bath toys, which come in 24 styles.
- A wall toy for the tub. The Duck water wheel is a sweet spring choice, with suction cups and a scoop.
A bunny for bedtime
The Glow night light comes as a bunny, a panda or a black sheep, with a warm-toned glow and three brightness levels. It's cordless and charges by USB-C. It's a night light, not a toy or teether, so it lives on a dresser, out of the crib.
For little feet
For a baby who's just walking, the Kick soft-sole sneakers make a sweet spring gift, in sizes up to 13–18M. Choose by foot length, and keep them for indoors and light use.
For story time
- Spring and Easter board books
- A touch-and-feel animal book
For outdoor play
- Bubbles (with an adult doing the blowing for younger toddlers)
- Chunky sidewalk chalk
- A sun hat and a small bucket and spade
A big friend, if you want a centerpiece
A large plush can sit in the basket as the "Easter guest". The 16-inch Waddle plush comes as a dinosaur, elephant or otter. Plush toys stay out of the sleep space for babies under 12 months.
Keep the basket toddler-safe
- Skip plastic grass. It's easy for little ones to put in their mouths. Use a small blanket, crinkled paper or a washcloth instead.
- Watch small plastic eggs and anything that could fit in a mouth.
- Skip choking-risk candy for young children, including jelly beans, hard candy, nuts and small chocolates with nuts.
- Avoid toys with button batteries or small magnets.
Questions parents ask
What do you put in a toddler's Easter basket?
A bath toy, a board book, outdoor toys like chalk and bubbles, and one special treat.
Is Easter grass safe for toddlers?
Plastic grass can be a choking hazard. Use a soft cloth or paper filler instead.
How much candy should a toddler have at Easter?
Very little. Many families skip candy for toddlers and choose small toys and books instead.
More seasonal fun: Valentine's Day activities for toddlers.
More ideas in our stocking stuffers for toddlers.
