Healthy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers That’re Still Fun!
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Easter is easily a family springtime favorite and if you’re dreading the baskets full of endless candy, I get it. However, as a mom of two, I’ll be the first to admit that I love sneaking a chocolate bunny or a few jelly beans when the season rolls around. But the sugar overload can add up fast between back-to-back holidays, birthday parties, and everyday toddler snacks! If you’re looking for healthy Easter basket ideas for toddlers, filled with more balance—without taking away the fun or the flavor—you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re trying to cut back on sweets altogether or just want to add a little variety, there are so many healthy and creative options out there. From nutritious snacks and non-candy treats to fun, spring-themed toys, we’ve rounded up some of the best ideas to make this Easter just as exciting (and a little healthier) for your little one.
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. In addition, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See my full policy for more information.
Healthy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers
Traditional Easter baskets are frequently filled with sugary treats, leading to concerns about excessive sugar intake among children. Health guidelines recommend that children aged 2 to 18 consume no more than 25 grams (approximately 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. Alarmingly, a typical Easter basket containing items like a small chocolate bunny, jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and peanut butter eggs can total nearly 900 grams of sugar.
Now, this isn’t to scare you about your kids consuming too much sugar. However, it should give you a little perspective on how easy it is for these sugary treats to add up.
I am a huge advocate for letting kids live a little and joyful life without fear of every little ingredient in our foods, but it’s just as important to be mindful of the things we consume and feed our children.
With that said, let’s dive right into some ways you can put together a healthy Easter basket for your toddler — whether you’re filling plastic eggs or making a fun Easter basket.
Nutritious Snack Ideas for Easter Baskets
One easy way to create a healthier Easter basket is to swap traditional sugary sweet treats for healthier snacks. Here are some delicious, toddler-friendly options that still feel special:
- Fruit Pouches: These squeezable pouches of pureed fruits (and sometimes veggies) are a hit with most toddlers. Look for no-added-sugar options to keep it healthy.
- Dried Fruit: Dried mango slices, apple chips, or strawberries can add a sweet, chewy texture that feels like a treat without all the added refined sugar.
- Whole-Grain Crackers: Bunny-shaped or spring-themed crackers made with whole grains can be a fun, but healthier addition.
- Yogurt-Covered Raisins: These offer a little sweetness but with some added nutrients from the dried fruit.
- Low Sugar Fruit Snacks: If your kids love those sweet gummy fruit snacks, you can grab a low-sugar option for their Easter basket instead.
- Trail Mix: Create a toddler-friendly trail mix with items like unsweetened cereal, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a bit of indulgence.
- Baked Chips: Baked chips are a good alternative to cut down on the fat content while still tasting delicious.
- Homemade Treats: When in doubt, take matters into your own hands and make your own Easter treats, it can be so much fun to see your creation come to life and watch your child light up as they see their goodies waiting for them on Easter morning.
Non-Candy Food Treats
If you want to avoid candy altogether, here are some creative and tasty alternatives that still feel festive:
- Mini Muffins: Bake up some mini muffins with ingredients like bananas, carrots, or blueberries for a healthy homemade touch. I love using Kodiak Cake mix as my base whenever I make muffins or pancakes.
- Easter Cheese Shapes: Use spring-themed cookie cutters to cut thick slices of cheese into fun shapes like Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, or flowers.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a crunchy, low-sugar snack that you can dress up with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Nut Butter Packets: Single-serving packets of almond butter or peanut butter are great for dipping apple slices or crackers.
- Nuts or Seeds: A great snack idea to nourish your little ones as long as they have no nut allergies.
- Pretzels: My boys love pretzels and you can easily decorate some pretzels or dip them in a little chocolate to add a tiny bit of sweetness without it being over the top.
- Fruit: You can never go wrong with your kiddo’s favorite fruits. You can even get creative by making an Easter fruit kabob.
- Granola Bars: Once Upon a Farm makes our favorite kid granola/oat bars, they are packed with real fruits and veggies and contain no added sugar. They often run sales for new orders and right now you can use the code FRESH to save 20% off your online order. You can also find them in Target, making it incredibly convenient to try first.
Fun, Non-Food Easter Basket Fillers
I know, I know you’re probably thinking, “do I have to put snacks in my child’s Easter basket?”. Nope, Easter baskets don’t have to revolve around food! Non-food items can make the basket just as exciting. Plus, these items can double as Easter egg fillers if you plan to host an Easter egg hunt.
If you’re loving these healthy Easter basket ideas for toddlers so far, here are some creative, age-appropriate ideas:
- Bath Toys: Spring-themed bath toys, like rubber duckies or squirt toys shaped like bunnies or chicks, are always a hit.
- Water Bottle: What kid doesn’t love having their own water bottle in their favorite character? Simple Modern makes a variety to choose from!
- Gift Card: When in doubt, get a gift card to a store where your child can pick out a fun activity or book, you can’t go wrong.
- Stickers: Choose colorful, Easter-themed sticker sheets (like these Easter build a face stickers) Ito keep little hands busy.
- Activity Books: Easter activity books with springtime themes are a great way to encourage story times.
- Play-Doh or Modeling Clay: Toddlers love sensory play, and Play-Doh in pastel colors fits the season perfectly.
- Crayons and Coloring Books: Easter-themed coloring books and a fresh set of crayons make for a creative (and screen-free) activity for your little artist.
- Bubbles: A bottle of bubbles is a simple yet exciting addition to any Easter basket.
- Easter Books: Adding a book about the Easter Bunny makes for a perfect Easter basket filler (grab a board book if you have a baby)!
- Stuffed Animal: If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, you can add a small version, like a stuffie, into their basket.
- Temporary Tattoos: Temporary tattoos are always fun for both older kids and younger kids.
- Finger Paints: If your child is a young toddler, finger paints and a small easel canvas make for a great Easter activity for kids’ baskets.
- Board Games & Puzzles: Easter basket fillers can be fun, tasty, and educational, so throw in a puzzle appropriate for your child’s age or a really fun board game.
Active and Outdoor Toys for an Easter Basket
Springtime means more warm weather and more outdoor play, so why not include toys that encourage activity? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Sidewalk Chalk: Jumbo sidewalk chalk in spring colors can inspire endless outdoor art projects or you can just make your own chalk if DIYing is your thing.
- Jump Ropes: A toddler-sized jump rope can help build coordination and burn off some of that extra energy.
- Gardening Tools: Mini gardening sets with a spade, rake, and watering can are perfect for little ones who love to dig in the dirt or garden.
- Balls: Small, soft balls for young kids, like a football or soccer ball, are great for encouraging active play.
- Bubble Machine: Target has some adorable mini bubble machines that are a great alternative to water guns and perfect for an Easter basket.
- Water Table: Some parents want to ditch the easter basket entirely and stick to a small gift, there’s nothing better than a water table to enjoy some outdoor water play during the spring and summer months.
Tips for Balancing Fun and Health During Easter
Finding a balance between fun and healthy choices is key when putting together an Easter basket for your little one. If you decide to include sweets, offer them in small, manageable portions. You can also mix it up by combining various items—think healthy snacks, small toys, and fun activities—to create a more well-rounded basket. Consider your toddler’s preferences and interests to make the basket feel personal and exciting.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Anything that sparks joy, whether it’s art supplies or their favorite storybooks, can become part of the celebration.
DIY Easter Basket Ideas
For an extra personal touch, consider creating themed baskets that reflect your toddler’s interests. For instance, one of my little guys is currently obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, so I’ll be including some small Sonic-themed fillers. He also loves art so I’ll probably throw in some crayons or markers.
If you need some other ideas, here’s a couple you can’t go wrong with:
- Art Basket: Fill a basket with washable markers, paints, stickers, and paper for a little artist in the making.
- Nature Basket: Add items like binoculars, bug-catching kits, and nature-themed books for a mini explorer.
- Gardening Basket: Include small pots, seeds, and gardening tools to encourage a love of plants.
- Bath Time Basket: Gather bath crayons, bubble bath, and bath toys for a fun and practical basket.
- Baby Easter Basket: If your little one is less than one year old, you could add in something like a pacifier, a small soft lovey, a board book, and a baby puzzle.
Creating a healthier Easter basket doesn’t mean everyone will get a basket full of carrots and cucumbers. It means parents can be mindful of spending and make thoughtful choices regarding the sugary content we put into our child’s Easter basket and STILL make it fun.
The fun ideas on this list make for a great time this Easter and I can’t wait to hear about the amazing Easter baskets you throw together for your little ones! Tag me on Instagram @mom.afterbaby so I can see em’!
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