Easter marks the beginning of Spring and outdoor fun and festivities to come. But it also marks some serious spending. Nearly 80% of Americans celebrate the holiday with a shopping spree of over $179! Of that, $25+ will be spent on tooth-dissolving CANDY!

As a parent—or any adult having fun with kids this Easter—you’ll want to ration the goodies so that little ones don’t start bouncing off the walls! And remember, you don’t have to be boxed in by the sweet traditions of chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps. Here’s a list of Easter alternatives that’ll brighten your kiddo’s day…and make it a lot healthier, too!

Healthy Easter Basket Ideas for Kids

This Easter, fill your baskets with these festive gifts:

  • Books (Here are some great book ideas!)

  • Toys and stuffed animals (SNOObear!)

  • Puzzles

  • Bubbles

  • Art supplies (Coloring books, crayons, pencils, washable markers)

  • Tickets or “coupons” for a trip to the park, zoo, or movie theater

  • Stickers or stamps

  • For older kids, gift cards to coffee shops, restaurants, bookshops, or online retailers will definitely do the trick!

  • Two $5 bills and three cards. One $5 bill is to save and one is to donate. To help your child zero in on a charity, tape a picture onto each card to represent a type of charity (like “people eating” meaning food for the hungry and “dogs and cats” for animal welfare). Start ‘em young with good habits of saving/giving.

Healthy Easter Egg Ideas and Alternatives

Wondering what you can include in your plastic Easter eggs this year that aren’t candy? Check out this list of tiny Easter egg filler ideas. 

  • Think of the look of surprise on your little one’s face when they crack open an Easter egg and find a real dollar coin…instead of a chocolate one.

  • Fun Band-Aids

  • Temporary tattoos

  • Bouncy balls
  • Rubber stamps

  • Play-Doh, silly putty, or slime

  • Mini toys like small Legos or animal figurines

  • Seeds to plant in the garden

  • For older kids: nail polish, lip balm, barrettes, and colored or patterned shoelaces

Just keep in mind that toys small enough to fit inside an Easter egg can be a choking hazard for tots under 3! Wait to give bouncy balls, little Legos, and the like until your kiddo is not likely to put them in their mouth. (More on toy safety!)

Or forego the plastic eggs altogether and hunt for real eggs that you’ve dyed or decorated together (fun activity alert!) or wrap money and treats in reusable ribbon. Whatever you choose for your special bunnies, we hope your holiday is hopping good fun!

Psst: Looking for some fun and easy Easter activities for toddler? Look no further!

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

View more posts tagged, health & safety

Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.