If you’re looking for non-candy Easter basket fillers, you have come to the right place! I don’t love my kids eating a lot of candy, so while the bunny does bring a little bit, most items in their Easter baskets are not sugar-based. Instead, I focus on things that will actually get used: toys that spark creativity, books they’ll actually read, and outdoor gear for the warmer weather.
Easter basket fillers for kids 4-8
These Easter basket ideas are perfect for the preschool and elementary school crowd. The best part? Almost all of these ideas work for both boys and girls!
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Shop my Easter basket filler list on Amazon >>(If you’re looking for Easter basket ideas for a toddler, I have those gathered here!)
Creative & Sensory Toys
- Kinetic Sand Dig Kits: These are great because they come in small containers that fit perfectly in a basket. Kinetic Sand is one of those toys that my kids go back to over and over. We have it in a sensory bin on our porch, and it gets played with almost every day!
- Thinking Putty: It’s less messy than slime but just as fun to stretch and twist. (After having to figure out how to get slime out of a rug, I no longer allow it in the house!)
- Wigglitz: There’s something so satisfying about these little fidgets. They are incredibly cute and keep hands busy for a long time. I found Wigglitz in an independent toy store a couple of years ago, and my kids still love them.
- Squishmallow Mystery Pack: The “mystery” element adds a little extra excitement to the morning.
- Journals: I like journals because they encourage writing activities, which is great for this age group (heavier on the 6-8 group). This fuzzy cat journal is a great pick for little girls!
- Furby Furblets: Far less noisy than the original Furby, the Furblet is a mini version that fits in a small bag or can hang on a backpack. My daughter seems to prefer her Furblet to the larger Furby, and I do too!
- Karaoke Set: My 8 year old got this as a gift and adores it (though fair warning: It can be very loud). But it encourages performance art!
Building & Activity Sets
- Paint by Sticker Books: These are mess-free and perfect for quiet time or car rides to Easter brunch. They come in a variety of themes, from Easter to dinosaurs to pets.
- Small LEGO Sets (or Duplo): Look for the small $10 boxes or the polybags often found in the checkout aisle.
- Coloring Book and a Fresh Box of Crayons: There is nothing like a brand-new box of crayons to get kids excited to create.
- Poke-In Art: These art sets keep my kids busy for a while! The underwater set is great for little hands.
- Painters Tape: A fun addition to your craft supply bin!
Age-Appropriate Books for the Basket
Books are my favorite “filler” because they last long after the holiday is over.
For Younger Kids: You can’t go wrong with a seasonal favorite like Elmo’s Easter Surprise or a classic Peter Rabbit board book. We also love the Little Blue Truck series!
For the 5-7 crowd: Dog Man is a massive hit with every kid I know in this age range. It’s funny, engaging, and great for reluctant readers.
For 2nd and 3rd Graders (8+): The graphic novel series by Raina Telgemeier—including Guts, Smile, and Sisters—is always a winner. A Wolf Called Fire is my 8 year old’s latest favorite.
Practical (But Fun!) Easter Fillers
To round out the basket without adding clutter, I like to include things they actually need for the upcoming spring and summer seasons:
- Spring Accessories: Think new sunglasses, a fun baseball cap, or even a cute umbrella. We go through hair elastics pretty fast with two little girls, so those are always a good addition.
- Outdoor Play: A fresh bottle of bubbles or sidewalk chalk in fun shapes. This year each of my kids is getting a jump rope!
- Bath Time Fun: Bubble bath, colorful bath bombs, or new bath toys.
- Summer Gear: A new swimsuit or goggles for the pool. I like to include practical items you might be purchasing anyway!
