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10 Non-Toy Ideas for Your Easter Baskets

Looking for Easter gift ideas that are practical and will keep their attention?

By Helen Partlow, publisher of Macaroni Kid Greater Port Jefferson, N.Y. March 29, 2021

Toys and candy seem to be the go-to gifts to put into Easter baskets  and eggs. While those can be fun, it also can be fun to think outside of  the box!

Read on for 10 ideas on non-toy items to include in your child's Easter basket or to give as an Easter or spring gift!

Please note: This story contains affiliate links and I receive a commission from purchases made through these links.






1. Outdoor activities

Spring  is a great time to get back outside! Gifts such as sidewalk chalk,  bubbles, and kites help encourage kids to put down the tablets and head  outside.

2. Nature and science activities

Your budding  scientist might enjoy a magnifying glass to get an even better look at  that ladybug, a butterfly kit to learn about all the different phases up  close and personal, or even a microscope or telescope!






3. Spring fun

With  spring comes rain. Unleash your inner Peppa Pig and let them jump in  those muddy puddles with a new raincoat, rain boots, and umbrella.

4. Tickets

With  local attractions opening up, it's a great time to plan ahead and  purchase tickets to something like a baseball game, movie, amusement  park, aquarium, or waterpark! You can feel good about giving a great  gift and supporting an industry that has suffered so much in the last  year. Check out these great deals we found:


4. Summer needs

Summer is right around the corner! Gift a brand new bathing suit, towel, or sunglasses for the season ahead.






5. Craft supplies

Kids  can never have enough craft supplies! Stickers, crayons, coloring  books, paints, glue, tape, and craft kits ... if your kids are anything  like mine, craft stuff can keep them entertained and happy for hours.  Encourage that! When they're done? Turn all those pieces of art into a  keepsake!

Turn Artwork & Mementos into Keepsake Albums

6. Clothes

Socks  and underwear certainly aren't top of the gift list, but how about  pajamas or a new T-shirt with a favorite character or show? Short-sleeve  weather is upon us and you know those bean sprouts are going to need  new clothes anyway this summer!






7. Gardening

We're  all spending more time at home these days, so this might be a great  year for a garden! Get the kids excited about helping with gifts of  gardening supplies, pots, seeds, and of course, their own gardening  gloves.

9. Classes

I love to encourage my kids to try new  things they're interested in, but I'm not always the best teacher. So  give your kids a gift of classes! Whether it's art classes, music  lessons, a cooking class, or coding classes, you're sure to find one  they'll love. Check out these deals we found:

Inspire Creativity with Virtual Live & On-Demand Art Classes

CodaKid's Roblox or Minecraft Coding Bundle

Tiny Chefs Virtual Kids Cooking Classes & Annual Membership






10. Books

Need I say more? There can NEVER be enough books!

Whatever you decide to get your child this year, something a little out of the box might be just what the Easter Bunny ordered!

Helen Partlow is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Greater Port Jefferson, N.Y.