For a lot of us, Easter is the unofficial start of outside season. The heavy coats are (mostly) put away, the egg dye comes out (we dye eggs every year), and the yard is finally usable again.
So when I fill an Easter basket, I’m not thinking candy. I’m thinking about what they’ll actually play with this spring and summer: something to get them moving outside, something to create with, and maybe one thing to take care of.
Every idea below is candy-free and comes from our catalog of toys we’ve played with, gifted, or tested. They’re sorted by the kind of play they cover (because a basket full of the same kind of toy gets old fast), with ages on everything and a quick age chart up top.
Want the Toy Rotation Guide?
A free 2-page system for cutting the mess & maximizing playtime sent straight to your inbox.
How I Build an Easter Basket
If this is your first time reading one of my toy guides, I try to build my gift lists around my 11 play categories:
- Open-ended play
- Close-ended play
- Pretend play
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Nuturing skills
- Arts & crafts
- Music & multimedia
- Blocks & building
- Sensory play
- STEM toys
So when building my Easter baskets and filling Easter eggs, I try to find at least one item for each category before moving on to others.
This might seem expensive at first, but hear me out. A typical Easter basket might look like:
- Open-ended play: A favorite character figurine from the Dollar Tree ($1.25)
- Close-ended play: A puzzle from the Dollar Tree ($1.25)
- Pretend play: Play silks or a thrifted costume ($10)
- Fine motor skills: Sidewalk chalk from the Dollar Tree ($1.25)
- Gross motor skills: A hoola hoop, pool noodle, or sidewalk chalk (for hopscotch and other games) ($1.25-$2.50)
- Nuturing skills: A pack of wildflower seeds ($0.25)
- Arts & crafts: A new pack of Crayons ($0.50)
- Music & multimedia: A new book from the library, or a DIY Yoto card ($0)
- Blocks & building: One small DUPLO or LEGO set split into many Easter Eggs ($15)
- Sensory play: A new can of Play-Doh ($0.50) or bubbles ($0.50)
- STEM toys: Some gardening tools from the Dollar Tree ($2.50)
Spring also means our toy rotation moves outside. Same idea as indoors: most of the outdoor toys stay put away in a shed or garage, a few come out at a time, and I pull from different categories. Art becomes sidewalk chalk. Sensory becomes bubbles or the water table. Gross motor is whatever the yard allows. An Easter basket is a perfect way to kick that off.
- Small stuff goes in the basket. Chalk, bubbles, a book, an egg dyeing kit, a small toy.
- Big stuff goes next to the basket. A T-ball set or a balance bike isn’t fitting in there. Set it beside the basket with a bow on it and call it a big-basket year.
- Candy is optional. Bubbles and chalk are cheap, they’re not candy, and toddlers are just as excited about them.
- Check the ages. Anything 3+ usually has small parts. For a 1 year old, stick to the chunky picks.
Quick Picks by Age
Every pick below has an age on it, but here’s the short version. Ages on toys are minimums, and most of these stick around for years.
| Age | Easy basket ideas | More toys for this age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year old | Matching egg toy, GO Tots barn, Poke-a-Dot book, bubbles you blow for them | Toys for 12 to 17 months |
| 2 year old | T-ball set, finger painting station, pop-up books, sensory scoops | Toys for 2 year olds |
| 3 year olds | Egg dyeing kit, gardening tote, Do A Dot markers, Kinetic Sand | Toys for 3 year olds |
| 4 year olds | Herb garden kit, Ollyball, sticker art kits, puppets | Toys for 4 year olds |
Filling a basket for a baby’s first Easter? Our baby and 1 year old hub breaks the first two years down by stage.
Open-Ended Easter Basket Toys & Blocks
Grab some blocks (I like to separate our kits and stuff them into Easter Eggs!) or some art supplies.
LEGO DUPLO Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Children can build the fire truck (close-ended) or make their own creation (open-ended). The sets are also fun to play with after building.
- MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE TOY u2013 Young builders can enjoy activity-packed playtime with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Minnie & Pluto (10465) building toy for toddlers ages 2 years old and up
- 3 DISNEY CHARACTERS & TOODLES u2013 This Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toy includes LEGO DUPLO figures of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Pluto, plus a Toodles the computer decorated brick for pretend play inspired by the Disney Junior show
- LEARNING THROUGH PLAY u2013 This building toy helps toddlers develop fine motor skills, creativity, emotional intelligence and matching and sorting skills through imaginative play
LEGO Bluey Playground
Children can build the fire truck (close-ended) or make their own creation (open-ended). The sets are also fun to play with after building.
- BUILDING TOY FOR TODDLERS u2013 This LEGO Bluey toy comes with 1 buildable model per bag, plus a large Starter Brick and simple instructions to make building fast and fun for little builders
- MANY WAYS TO PLAY u2013 Bluey and Chloe can take rides on the pelican, hop over plants, climb the tower to look out the telescope, or enjoy a drinks and snack break in the picnic area
- SPARK IMAGINATION u2013 LEGO Bluey adventure toys inspire pretend play and creativity using familiar characters that little builders will relate to
PicassoTiles Magnetic Cubes
Our boys love magnetic cubes for building… And who doesn't love the satisfying clicks of the magnets between blocks!?
- MAGNETIC PUZZLE CUBES CREATIVE PLAY: This PicassoTiles magnetic cube set features hidden magnetized connectors, letting kids build endless designs while sharpening problem-solving, fine motor skills, and critical thinking.
- SAFE, EVERYDAY PLAY MATERIALS: Made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials, these magnetic block toys are built for safe, everyday hands-on play, giving parents peace of mind during solo or group building sessions.
- VERSATILE 2D AND 3D BUILDING: These magnetic cube blocks connect from any side for true 3D building versatility, and the included idea book with 50+ designs helps kids build animals, airplanes, dinosaurs, and more.
- AGE-APPROPRIATE SKILL BUILDING: Perfect for preschool and kindergarten kids ages 3 and up, these magnetic blocks for kids build geometry, counting, and structural engineering skills through open-ended STEAM play.
Close-ended play
A puzzle is great for Easter. You can put the individual pieces in the Easter eggs to make it even more fun!
Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Floor Puzzle
This puzzle doubles as a racetrack when it's done! My only suggestion is to build it on a hard floor surface to be able to drive cars on it.
- Interactive Racing Adventure u2013 Includes 2 wind-up race cars that zoom through twists and turns; place them at the start lines to race and chase u201caround the worldu201d
- 48 puzzle pieces, 2 wind-up vehicles
Melissa & Doug Pets Wooden Cube Puzzle
Lay the blocks in the storage tray to reveal one of six puzzles. This can be tricky, even for older kids. For my younger ones, I would turn the blocks all to the same puzzle side so it was easier to see how the pieces fit together.
- Includes 16 cube-shaped puzzle pieces in a sturdy wooden tray.
- Six different puzzles to complete, featuring six adorable pets
- Border design gives visual hints to each puzzle!
Egg Toys and Small Pretend Play
Plastic eggs are going to be everywhere anyway. These picks lean into that, and they double as pretend play long after the hunt is over.
Little Tikes Matching Egg Toy
This is the most Easter-y toy on the list, and it’s a good one for 1 and 2 year olds. Each egg splits in half, and kids match the colors and shapes to put them back together and set them in the carton. That’s great fine motor practice and a simple close-ended puzzle. My kids also use the eggs for pretend play when they’re not solving the puzzle.
Little Tikes Matching Egg Toy
Connect the eggs together and place them in the carton. It's great fine-motor practice. My kids also like using the eggs for pretend play when they aren't solving the puzzle.
- Educational Matching Fun: Our Easter Egg Toy features 12 colorful eggs that promote cognitive development through matching colors and shapes. Each egg separates for a fun and educational experience.
Melissa & Doug GO Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble
My youngest loves his GO Tots barn. It’s a farm, which fits spring perfectly, and the little wooden tots are chunky enough for a 1 year old. Drop them down the ramps, load them up, drive them around. It’s simple, which is exactly why it lasts.
Melissa & Doug GO Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble
My second child loves this barn. The disks roll, drop, and make noise in the barn. Hidden doors make each drop exciting.
- 5-piece set includes 4 collectible double-sided GO Tots disks (8 animals and 2 farmers), colorful wooden barn with silo, haystack, sliding doors
- Compatible with other GO Tots play sets; kinetic play with GO Tots offers opportunities to explore cause-and-effect through delightful motion-driven moments
For 2 year olds and up, a set of animal hand puppets is a fun spring filler. Our library has this safari set and it’s always in use. Kids love having a live audience for a puppet show, planned or not.
Melissa & Doug Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Soft & Cuddly Hand Puppets
We play with puppets at our local library and our kids have lots of fun making up silly stories!
- Set of 4 Mickey Mouse Club-themed hand puppets
- Includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy
- Sized to fit kids and adults
- Helps build vocabulary, dexterity, creativity, and imagination
Fine Motor Skill Toys
Try a craft or a beading activity. You can separate the beads into many eggs for even more fun.
Melissa & Doug Blue’s Clues & You! Wooden Lacing Beads
What I love about the Melissa & Doug lacing sets is that the blocks can be used in lots of different ways (stacking, sorting, and lacing). And they come with pattern cards to follow the pattern while lacing.
- Includes 25 1-inch wooden beads with shapes, numbers, colors, Blueu2019s Clues & You! characters, and more, 4 lacing cords, 4 double-sided activity cards, wooden storage crate for easy cleanup
- An engaging and creative way to learn shapes, colors, and counting; helps develop fine motor and problem-solving skills
- Wooden Blue's Clues & You! beads to lace on colorful cords; match to patterns on double-sided activity cards or create unique patterns and designs
Perler Fuse Beads Kit
My oldest loves making perler bead creations (and I did too as a kid!). It's a fun, easy-to-clean-up, nostalgic craft for kids. It does require good dexterity and fine motor skills, so it might be too advanced for a 6 year old.
- Fuse beat set comes with (4,000) assorted Perler fuse bead, (1) plastic storage tray, and (1) Perler fuse bead pattern book; for ages 6 and up, all ironing must be done by an adult
- Set includes the 16 following bead colors: pink, magenta, red, cheddar, neon orange, yellow, light green, kiwi lime, parrot green, light blue, neon blue, plum, purple glitter, light brown, black, and white
- Use the included Perler bead pattern idea book for inspiration, or get creative and make your own awesome fuse bead projects
Skillmatics Foil Fun Dinosaurs
Peel back stickers for each segment. Then lay a foil sheet overtop. When you peel it back, the foil stays to color the picture.
- INCLUDES: 100+ Foam Stickers, 100 Colourful Foil Sheets, 10 Picture Canvases, Googly Eyes & Instruction Manual
- EASY TO USE: Select a picture canvas, apply sparkly foil sheets using the included stickers, and watch the picture come to life!
- AWARD-WINNING TOY: Skillmatics Foil Fun has been honored with The Toy Insider Award 2023 for Top Summer Toys. This recognition highlights the quality and enjoyment your child can expect from this product.
- DEVELOP KEY SKILLS: While having fun, children develop essential skills like creative expression, pincer grasp, hand-eye coordination, and bilateral hand coordination. It's an engaging way for them to grow and learn!
Outdoor and Gross Motor Fillers
Toddlers have been cooped up all winter. Gross motor play (running, kicking, swinging, balancing) is what their bodies want most right now, and spring is when you finally have the space for it. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are the classic basket stuffers here. They’re cheap, every kid loves them, and even a 1 year old who can’t blow bubbles yet will chase the ones you blow.
Ollyball (ages 4+)
A ball that can be played with indoors and outdoors without causing any damage to the house? It seemed too good to be true, but it wasn’t! The Ollyball actually isn’t part of our toy rotation! It stays out 24/7 365 because it gets played with that much!
Ollyball Keepy Uppy
I wasn't sure this ball could live up to its claims (an indoor ball that won't damage anything?!), but sure enough, it does what it says. This is one of the few toys that never gets rotated out. Simply because my kids play with it every day, and it's great for indoor exercise.
- Full-Force Indoor Play for Active Fun: Engineered with the patented KrunchCOR bladder, this 12-inch Keepy Uppy ball absorbs impact for safe, energetic indoor play.
- Award-Winning Ollyball Ready to Play Includes the Ollyball Keepy Uppy indoor ball, KrunchCOR bladder, inflation straw, instruction manual, and resealable package, and is recognized with multiple family and toy industry awards.
Strider Balance Bike (Next to the Basket)
As soon as our kids were walking, we had them on balance bikes. It’s a big-basket gift for sure, and one that gets used every nice day. If you want one that can also be used inside, the Radio Flyer has wide, rubberized wheels that are easy to balance on and gentle on floors.
Strider 12 Sport, No Pedal Balance
As soon as our kids were walking, we had them on balance bikes! And by 4 both were riding pedal bikes with no problems and no training wheels!
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Another next-to-the-basket pick. The bat is chunkier than a standard bat, so little ones actually make contact with the ball (which is the whole fun). It also folds down and stores easily, so it’s not taking up precious garage space during the off months.
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
This folds down and stores easily so it's not taking up precious garage space. The bat is chunkier than a standard bat, so it's easier for little ones to make contact with the ball.
- Compact and foldable
- Comes with one bat, one stand, and five balls
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table
If you’re going big this year, this is the one. It was the first water table I found that actually hooks up to a hose 🥳, so the water keeps flowing, and my kids would play at it for hours. It’s sensory play and outdoor play in one, and it lasts all summer. We have a few more outdoor favorites in our Little Tikes guide.
Little Tikes Flowin' Fun Water Table
This was the first water table that I found that actually connects to a hose, so the water is always flowing! This takes your water table game up to the next level. My kids would play with this for hours.
- Includes 8 interchangeable pipes, fittings, and faucets, a scoop, bucket and boat
- Connect to a standard garden hose, or pour water into the central tower, to create endless splashing fun
Smaller gross motor picks that do fit in a basket (or next to it): the Radio Flyer balance bike, a Bilibo (a spinning, rocking shell that honestly could be the basket), the Ollyball (the one toy that never leaves our rotation, because my kids play with it every day), and a kids’ bowling set for rainy spring days. We set ours up in the hallway so the pins don’t fly all over the house.
Radio Flyer Steady Start Balance Bike
Once your child is walking, they are ready for a balance bike! We had an indoor balance bike that no longer exists. I chose this one because of the super wide wheels (easy to balance), and rubberized wheels (keeps scratches off your floors and kids from slipping on wood and tile surfaces).
- STABLE 3-WHEEL DESIGN: A wide front wheel and dual rear wheels help the bike stand on its own – no kickstand needed – making it an ideal training bike for toddlers as they ride on sidewalks, paved driveways, and indoor floors.
- QUIET RIDE, INDOOR & OUTDOOR: Wide, treaded wheels deliver a smooth, quiet ride on hardwood, carpet, cement, or paved paths – making this the perfect kids bike for playtime anywhere.
- GROWS WITH YOUR TODDLER: The tool-free adjustable, padded seat and comfort handgrips provide a secure, comfy fit as your child grows, ensuring years of active play for toddlers and young kids.
Fat Brain Toys Bilibo by MOLUK
These came out after my kids had passed the prime window, but we've played with similar sensory and gross motor toys so when I saw this one I knew it needed to make the list!
- ENCOURAGES IMAGINATIVE PLAY: The simplified design of these toddler outdoor toys allows kids to explore endless play possibilities, from a turtle shell to a hero mask, fostering creativity and imagination as 2 year old toys.
- PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Children can use bilibo outdoor toddler toys as a spinning seat, stepping stone, or helmet, engaging in physical activities that improve motor skills and coordination.
- SUPPORTS OPEN-ENDED PLAY: bilibo''s versatile nature of outdoor toddler toys encourages problem-solving and creativity, offering a unique way to entertain and stimulate a child''s mind.
Chuckle & Roar 10-Pin Kids Bowling Set
Garden and Nurturing Fillers
Spring is the perfect time for a nurturing toy, and the easiest nurturing toy there is might be a plant. Watering something every day teaches kids that living things need care, and it gives them a little job they can own. It also sneaks in some STEM: seeds, sprouts, and what happens when you forget to water.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Gardening Tote
Kid-sized garden tools in a bag that fits right in the basket. Let them help in the garden and teach them how to gently care for plants. For a 3 year old, “helping” mostly means digging, and that’s fine. Melissa & Doug makes a lot of spring and outdoor stuff, and our Melissa & Doug guide has the rest.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Gargening Tote
Let your kids help in the garden and teach them about how to gently care for plants and trees.
- Brightly patterned tote, complete with child-sized garden tools
- Garden tools–shovel, rake, and spray bottle–made of easy-clean plastic
- Encourages outdoor exploration and an interest in the natural world
National Geographic Flower and Herb Garden Kit
For 4 year olds, this kit is a great way to learn about plants and life cycles. The real lesson is responsibility: routine watering and pruning is a daily nurturing job. Herbs are also fun because you can eventually cook with them.
National Geographic Flower and Herb Garden Activity
Teach your kids about plants and lifecycles, as well as giving them responsability for something living. Routine watering and pruning teaches them nuturing skills.
- GROW YOUR OWN GARDEN – With this complete set, kids will have fun decorating their pots, then planting cosmos, nasturtium, and basil seeds. The included materials make growing an herb and flower garden easy!
- PAINTABLE POTS KIDS CAN DECORATE – This super-fun kids garden kit includes three durable, stainless steel pots that are perfect for decorating! Kids can use the 15 stickers and 6 paints included with the kit to make their garden beautiful!
Spring Art and Egg Decorating
Art is the easiest category to fill a basket with, because most art supplies are small and they get used up (which means they don’t add to the toy pile). Art also doesn’t have to mean mess. There are plenty of mess-free picks below if you don’t want paint on the walls.
PAAS Color Cups Egg Decorating Kit
We look forward to egg dyeing every year. It’s a messy process, I won’t pretend otherwise, but kids love dipping the eggs into all the colors. Put a kit in the basket, or dye eggs together the week before so the kit is part of the fun leading up to Easter. Put down a tablecloth first.
PAAS Color Cups Egg Decorating Kit
We look forward to egg dying every year. It's a messy process, but kids love dipping the eggs in all of the colors.
- CLEAR COLOR CUPS: Allow the little ones to watch as the eggs change color. Approximately 4×3.5.2.5 inches in size
- SAFE: All dye tablets are food safe and proudly made in the USA!
- PARTY FRIENDLY: For a group of children, a classroom or a family that loves to be creative! With this variety of kits there's something for everyone
Do A Dot Art Markers
We love bingo daubers for making art. They’re chunky enough for small hands, and you can find a ton of free printable dot pages online (search for spring or Easter ones) where kids dot inside the circles. That’s fine motor practice that feels like a game.
Do A Dot Art! Markers 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers
We love bingo daubers for creating art, and you can find so many worksheets online to print and practice dotting in the lines for fine motor practice.
- Made in the USA: Using only the highest quality materials and standards to ensure kids have endless fun, and parents and teachers have piece of mind.
- All Do A Dot Art! markers are GLUTEN FREE and LATEX FREE. Unlike bingo markers that are toxic and do not pass safety standards our markers are safely tested to pass the highest of standards.
More art fillers: A lot of art supplies find their way into our Easter baskets as a candy filler alternative.
Crayola Mess Free Finger Painting Station
This kit let's your little one play with actual finger paints without any mess. The paint goes under a thin layer of plastic that lets toddlers push the paints around a canvas and create a masterpiece!
- TODDLER FINGER PAINT SET: Features Easy Clean Finger Paint Case, 3 (5 oz) Squeeze Bottles of Washable Finger Paint, and 10 Coated Sheets of Finger Painting Paper. (Refill with Crayola Washable Fingerpaints & Giant Fingerpaint Pad – sold separately).
- MESS-FREE FINGER PAINTING: This toddler painting set lets little artists finger paint on the flexible Finger Paint Unit cover. Finger Paint and Paper are secured under the locked lid for mess-free creativity!
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Put the Finger Paint Unit under the faucet or in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
- SENSORY ART TOY: The flexible covering allows little artists to explore textures and colors with their hands, making it an excellent sensory art toy for kids.
Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Fairy Tale Coloring Book
We (still!) love to take these to restaurants with us. They are great travel activities because they only use water! Kids can color pictures, trace, follow mazes, and once the pages dry they go back to white to start again.
- Water WOW! Reveal Coloring Fun u2013 Use the chunky refillable water pen to bring 4 fairy tale-themed reusable pages to life with vibrant colorsu2014no ink, no paint, no mess, just water!
- Designed for Toddlers & Preschoolers: The easy-to-hold water pen encourages independent play and stores neatly inside the compact activity book; ideal for travel, restaurants, or quiet time at home
- Supports Early Learning: Helps build fine motor skills, color recognition, early writing and reading development, creativity, and storytelling through screen-free, hands-on play
Melissa & Doug My First Paint with Water Animals Books
These pages are pre-filled with pigment that just need a little water to blend together. Even my oldest still enjoys these pages from time to time.
- 24 painting pages, each featuring kid-favorite animals like a horse, elephant, cat, dog, dolphin, bear, and hippo
- Simply wet the paintbrush, use it to blend a patterned area, and watch the colors combine
- Perforated pages tear out cleanly for painting and display
- Helps teach color recognition and promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
Melissa & Doug Spill-Proof Paint Cups
We found our cups at our local Dollar Tree, but these are a great option too! Paint (and water!) is safe from accidental spills. They do come with lids, but from experience you have to fill the paint almost to the rim otherwise they will still dry out after a few days, even with the lids on.
- Pour paint in and keep it fresh for the next art session
- Lids snap on tightly for an air-tight seal
- Colorful lids help identify paint contents
- Dishwasher safe
- Fits in Deluxe Standing Easel
Educational Insights Jumbo Gem Kit
This is like diamond painting for little kids! The gems are big and easy to maneuver and stick with the included tool.
- MESS FREE ART: No need for glue, tape, or scissors; this preschool craft kit includes all tools and materials, so kids can enjoy crafting independently and safely without creating a mess
- TODDLER CRAFT KIT INCLUDES: Gem popper tool, 500 jumbo craft gems, and 16 fantasy design cards that can be pieced together and displayed to showcase a magical, sparkly scene; for children ages 5+
Educational Insights Pom Pom Kit: Animal Dress Up
Use the tool to grab a pom pom, then place it on the pre-glued dots for a mess-free sensory craft.
- TODDLER CRAFT KIT INCLUDES: Pom pom popper tool, 16 animal dress-up design cards with loops at the top for easy hanging, and 1000 colorful pom poms; for girls and boys ages 5 and up
Music and Multimedia Books for the Basket
Books aren’t part of our toy rotation. They’re always out. That makes them a great basket filler, because a new book never gets packed away.
Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Old MacDonald’s Farm
I’ll admit I was skeptical of this series. At first glance it looked like someone glued a pop-it to a book. But once we read one, I realized the popping is part of the story: finding things on the page, crossing things off, counting. We now own four of them and counting. The farm one is perfect for spring.
Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot Old MacDonald's Farm Book
I will admit I was skeptical about this book series. At a first glace it seemed like just adding a "pop-it" to a book page (I didn't see the value). But after reading, I realized the popping is an interactive part of the story (sometimes finding pictures or words on the page, sometimes "crossing off" items, etc.). Now we are the proud owners of 4 of these books and counting! My kids love them!
Two more for little readers: a Pop-Up Peekaboo book (the series that finally got my youngest interested in books) and the LeapFrog 100 Words book, which my kids loved. You touch a picture and it says the word, and it switches to Spanish too.
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Under the Sea
We probably have 10+ books from the Pop-Up Peekaboo! Series. My youngest struggled to engage with books, but these classic pop-ups got his attention right away. As he got older he started lifting the flaps himself too.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
My kids loved this book. It seems to read to them like magic (just touch a picture and hear a word or sound). I loved that it can also be switched to Spanish.
- Learn Categories: This baby activity book includes word categories such as pets, animals, food, mealtime, colors, activities, opposites, outside and more
- Learn Sounds: Touch the words on the pages to hear new vocabulary, sound effects, and fun facts; hear the two theme songs by pressing the light-up star button
- Learn Languages: This highly engaging book for kids includes words, songs, and instructions heard in both English and Spanish to promote both language skills
Yoto, Tonies, and Dream Machine Audio
Once you have one of these players, content becomes a great Easter basket gift for toddlers, or a stocking stuffer!
YOTO: Spidey & His Amazing Friends
- MARVEL – SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS: Young Spidey fans will love this action-packed audio collection full of heroic super hero stories.
- IN THE BOX: Single audiobook card; Language: English; Accent: US, Running Time: 35 min; Ages 3+
YOTO: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR AND OTHER STORIES: Eric Carle's all-time household classic comes alive with four other stories in this beautiful audio collection.
- IN THE BOX: Single audiobook card; Author: Eric Carle; Read by: Kevin R. Free & Eric Carle; Language: English; Accent: US; Running Time: 26 min; Ages 1+
YOTO: Disney Animals Storybook Collection
- DISNEY ANIMALS STORYBOOK COLLECTION: 17 stories featuring new & old Disney animal friends & stories full of heart, friendship & adventure! Tag along with Pua, Heihei, Lucifer, Simba & Nala & more on their quests!
- IN THE BOX: Single audiobook card; Author: Disney; Read by: Erin Bennett; Language: English; Accent: US; Running Time: 1h 39 min; Ages 5+
Tonies My First Jungle Set
- Sneak through the trees with a tiger, swing through the branches with a monkey, or fly high with a colorful parrot! With short, lovingly told stories about tigers, monkeys, and parrots, they help build vocabulary, boost listening skills, and encourage early language development in a fun, engaging way.
- Real sounds from the real world: Boost kidsu2019 curiosity about the world around them with real audio, from the roar of a plane engine to that of a tiger. Sounds and songs for the big first words.
- Soft and squeezable design for tiny hands: From the squishy and soft texture to the larger yet lightweight size, My First Tonies are specifically created for kids 1+ to safely handle all on their own.
Tonies Curious George Audio Toy Figurine
Tonies Nemo Audio Toy Figurine from Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine World of Eric Carle
- 3 STORIES & 1 CHARACTER – Includes 3 World of Eric Carle The VERY stories and 1 Hungry Caterpillar character that adds light effects in nightlight mode.
- BRING STORYTIME TO LIFE – Use with the Story Dream Machine to watch, listen, and read along to stories as they shine bright on the wall.
- READ ALONG u2013 Develops beginning reading skills and word recognition as children see words projected and hear a narrator read them a story.
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Sesame Street Elmo & Friends
- 3 STORIES & 1 CHARACTER – Includes Sesame Street stories and 1 Elmo character that adds light effects in nightlight mode.
- BRING STORYTIME TO LIFE – Use with the Story Dream Machine to watch, listen, and read along to stories as they shine bright on the wall.
- READ ALONG u2013 Develops beginning reading skills and word recognition as children see words projected and hear a narrator read them a story.
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine PAW Patrol Heros
- 3 STORIES & 1 CHARACTER – Includes 3 PAW Patrol stories and 1 Chase character that adds light effects in nightlight mode.
- BRING STORYTIME TO LIFE – Use with the Story Dream Machine to watch, listen, and read along to stories as they shine bright on the wall.
- READ ALONG u2013 Develops beginning reading skills and word recognition as children see words projected and hear a narrator read them a story.
STEM toys
We love to incorporate STEM with nature this time of year. It’s a great way to introduce science concepts with the natural changing of seasons and new life cycles starting.
Kidnoculars and Telescope (ages 4+)
Educational Insights Kidnoculars
These binoculars for kids have survived two boys and hundreds of nature adventures!
- FOCUS FREE BINOCULARS FOR TODDLERS: Kidnoculars are sturdy, portable binoculars designed specifically for toddlers to help them develop a sense of adventure and a love of exploration and discovery
- SPARK A LOVE FOR SCIENCE: Nature toys for toddlers like Kidnoculars allow children in preschool and kindergarten to develop an early interest in multiple fields, from geology to astronomy and beyond
Educational Insights My First Telescope
This no-squint telescope is like binoculars, so it makes it easy for kids to look out of.
- STARTER KIDS TELESCOPE: Designed specifically for ages 4-8 years old, this kid-sized telescope is focus-free so little explorers can get going right away with no complicated adjustments
- SPARK A LOVE FOR SCIENCE: STEM Toys like My First Telescope provide an out-of-this-world way to encourage STEM learning and an early interest in astronomy, exploration, and discovery
Sensory Fillers
Sensory play doesn’t have to mean a mess (dry pasta and a scoop count). But if you’re going to have a mess, spring is the time, because you can take it outside.
Kinetic Sand Beach Sand
We are a natural-color Kinetic Sand only household.
Kinetic Sand 3.25lb Beach Sand
We are an exclusive natural Kinetic sand only household. We once bought a kit with colored sand, and it got in the carpet (years ago) and the pigment is still visible, although it is coming out. Plus the colored sand always seems dried out.
- Amazon exclusive 3.25lbs Kinetic Beach Sand: This play sand develops creative & sensory skills for endless creativity; store sand in the resealable bag (packaging may vary) for quick clean up
- Loads of sensory sand fun: Kinetic Sand for kids develops creative & sensory skills & allows kids to create anything they can imagine; this Kinetic Sand kit is a welcome addition to the sensory bin
- Made with natural sand: The One & Only Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out & magically sticks together for easy cleanup; itu2019s safe for creative play, sand art & kids crafts
More sensory fillers: Helping Hands sensory scoops (add them to the bath, a bowl of dried rice, or the Kinetic Sand), and a Play-Doh starter set (can be stuffed into eggs!)
Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set
Droppers, scoopers, and tweezers all made for little hands and fine motor development. Use them in DIY sensory bins with dried pasta or rice, add them to the bath for water play, or use them with Kinetic sand or Play-Doh.
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Strengthen hand muscles, dexterity, and pincer grasp skills with 4 specialized tools designed to support writing readiness, sorting, and everyday learning activities
- VERSATILE SENSORY PLAY: Use these sensory tools with sensory bins, water beads, rice, beans, pom poms, and other sensory bin materials for hands-on exploration and discovery
- 4 ESSENTIAL LEARNING TOOLS: Includes tweezers for kids, sensory scoops, tongs, and droppers that help children grab, pick, squeeze, transfer, and sort objects with precision
- IDEAL FOR HOME & CLASSROOM: Perfect for preschool sensory bins, occupational therapy activities, STEM learning, fine motor centers, and sensory table accessories for kids
Learning Resources Helping Hands Sensory Scoops
You can play with these scoops in so many ways! Add them to the bath for water play, pair it with a bowl of dried rice or pasta for scooping practice, or add add it to your Kinetic sand or Play-Doh tools.
- SENSORY EXPLORATION: Engage children with four uniquely designed scoops that encourage tactile play while they pour, sift, scoop, and funnel different materials in sensory bins, sand tables
- FINE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT: Build essential hand strength and coordination as little ones manipulate these perfectly sized tools, developing the precise finger control needed for writing
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from thick, high-quality plastic that withstands enthusiastic daily play, these sturdy scoops won't break or crack like typical sandbox toys even with regular use
- MADE FOR LITTLE HANDS: Specially designed with easy-grip handles and child-friendly shapes that allow toddlers and preschoolers to scoop and pour independently, boosting confidence
Play-Doh Starter Set
This was the exact first set I bought, and it's still in circulation 6 years later! Granted the play-doh itself has long been dried up, mashed together, and stuck to my carpet… But the tools and case remain!
- Reusable storage is bas great for storage and to take Play-Doh on the go
- 9 tools & 4 cans of doh
- Rigorously tested for quality, Play-Doh compound is made primarily with flour, salt, and water, making it a great choice for arts and crafts for kids who love modeling clay (contains wheat)
After the Egg Hunt
Between grandparents, aunts, and friends, Easter can turn into a mini Christmas. Don’t put it all out at once. Pick a few things from different categories for this week’s rotation, and store the rest where the kids can’t get to them. Rotate on a schedule you control (once a week, on Sunday, is a solid start) with 8 toys out, max. The outdoor stuff can live in the garage or shed and come out a few pieces at a time too.
Small, open-ended picks like puppets, art supplies, and figurines are also great for quiet time. And if you liked this list, our stocking stuffers for toddlers has more small gifts that actually get used.
FAQ
Bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a board book, an egg matching toy, art supplies like dot markers or a Water Wow, a small gardening set, or a Play-Doh set. Toddlers are just as excited about bubbles as they are about jelly beans.
Keep it chunky and safe: a matching egg toy, a GO Tots set, a Poke-a-Dot or pop-up book, and a bottle of bubbles for you to blow. Skip anything marked 3+ because of small parts.
A T-ball set next to the basket, a mess-free finger painting station, sensory scoops, a hand puppet, and a book. Two is a great age for anything that gets them moving outside.
Three to five things is plenty. Pick from different kinds of play (something to move, something to create, something to read) instead of piling on more of the same.
Sure, if it fits your family. We think of Easter as the start of outside season, so a balance bike or T-ball set next to the basket makes sense. Just rotate the new stuff in slowly so it doesn’t all get old at once.
Grab the Free Toy Rotation Guide
A simple two-page system for cutting the mess and making playtime more fun & last longer!