Introduction
The Easter Bunny has a tough job in 2026.
Gone are the days when a chocolate bunny and a few jelly beans were enough to impress the kids. Today, building the perfect Easter basket is about finding that sweet spot between “fun” and “useful.”
And let’s be honest, we all want to avoid the inevitable sugar crash that comes after eating three pounds of marshmallow chicks.
Whether you are shopping for a toddler who loves plushies or a picky teenager who only wants tech, we have curated the best Easter basket ideas for kids and teens in 2026.
From trending toys to cool gadgets, here is how to win Easter morning.
1. For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 1-5)
At this age, it is all about textures, colors, and cuddles. You want items that are safe, durable, and spark their imagination.
- The “Bunny” Books: A classic board book like The Runaway Bunny or a new spring-themed story is a must.
- Plush Toys: Jellycat bunnies are incredibly popular for a reason—they are super soft. Look for pastel colors to match the season.
- Sidewalk Chalk: Since Easter is in spring, encourage outdoor play. Egg-shaped sidewalk chalk is perfect for little hands.
- Bubbles: You can never go wrong with a bubble machine. It provides hours of entertainment for a very low price.
2. For School-Aged Kids (Ages 6-12)
This is the fun age. They still believe in the magic (mostly), but they also have specific interests like LEGOs, art, or science.
- LEGO Sets: Look for small, spring-themed LEGO sets (like a bunny or a flower). They fit perfectly in a basket and keep them busy for hours.
- Art Supplies: High-quality markers, gel pens, or a fresh sketchbook. Pair it with some Easter-themed stickers.
- Outdoor Gear: A new jump rope, a frisbee, or a kite. Since the weather is warming up, give them a reason to go outside.
- Science Kits: Small “crystal growing” kits or “slime making” kits are huge hits.
Planning an egg hunt for this age group? The basket is just the beginning. Learn how to organize an unforgettable hunt in our main guide: Easter Guide
3. For Tweens & Teens (Ages 13+)
This is the hardest group to shop for. They might roll their eyes at a plastic egg, but they definitely still want gifts. The key is to make the basket look “cool” and grown-up.
- Tech Accessories: You cannot lose with tech. Think AirPod cases, colorful phone charging cables, or a mini Bluetooth speaker.
- Self-Care & Beauty: For girls (and guys!), skincare is trending. Face masks, lip balms (like Burt’s Bees or Laneige), and bath bombs are great fillers.
- Gift Cards: It might seem impersonal, but teens love freedom. A gift card to their favorite gaming store, coffee shop, or clothing brand hidden inside a plastic egg is a winner.
- Trendy Snacks: Skip the generic chocolate. Go for spicy chips, gourmet popcorn, or Japanese candy sets.
4. The “Theme”
Basket Idea Instead of a random mix, why not choose a theme? It makes the basket look curated and thoughtful.
- The “Summer Ready” Basket: Fill it with a new swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and flip-flops. It gets them ready for the upcoming season.
- The “Movie Night” Basket: A DVD (or streaming gift card), microwave popcorn, movie theater candy, and a cozy pair of socks.
- The “Gardener” Basket: Packets of flower seeds, a small trowel, gardening gloves, and a mini watering can.
Looking for more themed ideas? We have a dedicated guide for adult baskets coming soon, but you can find more inspiration in our general holiday guide: Easter traditions
5. Eco-Friendly Basket Tips
In 2026, we are all trying to be a bit more sustainable. Easter produces a lot of plastic waste, but it doesn’t have to.
- The Basket: Reuse a basket from last year, or buy a high-quality wicker basket that can be used for storage later. Even a colorful metal bucket or a rain boot can serve as a “basket.”
- The Grass: Skip the plastic green grass that gets everywhere. Use shredded colorful paper (you can make it yourself) or a silk scarf to line the bottom.
- The Eggs: Use wooden or ceramic eggs that can be brought out every year, instead of disposable plastic ones.
(H2) Final Thoughts The best Easter basket isn’t the most expensive one; it’s the one that shows you know your child.
Whether it’s a toddler engaging with their first book or a teen getting the headphones they asked for, seeing their face light up on Easter morning is the real treat.
So, hop to it! Start building those baskets now before the good stuff sells out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What do you put in an Easter basket besides candy?
The options are endless! Books, small toys, art supplies, socks, hair accessories, outdoor games, and tech gadgets are all excellent non-candy alternatives.
2. How much should I spend on an Easter basket?
There is no set rule. Some parents stick to a $20 limit with dollar-store finds, while others treat it like a mini-Christmas with $50-$100 budgets. Spend what is comfortable for you.
3. When should I give the Easter basket?
Tradition usually dictates Easter Sunday morning. Many families hide the basket so the kids have to find it first, adding an extra layer of fun to the day.
