Easter Basket Gifts That Will Make It Feel Like Spring Has Finally Sprung

You can’t fill an Easter basket without starting with the basics. And if you’re in the market for a keepsake basket that will last your kids for years, this is a classic and beautiful choice. These are the baskets both my kids have had since they were babies, and I am reminded of how darling the seagrass vessels are each year when I bring them out of the attic.

The handles collapse for easy stacking, and they’re available in small — 11.5 inch (in) diameter by 14 in. height —or large — 15 in. diameter by 18.5 in. height (I suggest the large). Don’t forget a basket liner for extra flair.

Bunny ears are a classic Easter basket gift, but getting your baby to leave them on for more than 30 seconds is nearly impossible. Enter the Meri Meri Peach Sparkle Bunny Baby Bonnet. A baby bonnet was the answer to this problem for my boys’ first Easter, and the floppy ears are the most adorable thing on a little one. This bonnet buttons at the chin, so there will be less chance of them ripping it off immediately, giving you a chance to snap a couple of pictures Easter morning in their Easter outfit or PJs. It’s knit with organic cotton, and the pink on the ears adds a bit of sparkle. It’s also available in mint.

Great for a sensitive kid, one who is navigating big feelings, or just the kid who loves to snuggle, Slumberkins are each created with a themed emotion. The Otter Kin is all about community and building connections (he even comes with a little plush heart). The entire package includes a soft, cuddly pal and two books on community and connections with friends and family. This is a great gift for kids who are making new friends or need to be reminded of the love that surrounds them.

“Both of these stuffies are way, way softer than you'd expect: I mean truly, they're one of the softest stuffed animals I've ever seen, which makes them really fun to hold or sleep with,” says editorial director Simone Scully. “My son immediately wanted to bring them upstairs to sleep with him in his bed.”

My kids love their Tonie Box, and I love being able to create recordings for them to play whenever they want. If you’re not familiar, Tonie Box is an audio player for toddlers and preschoolers that’s easy to use and has a seemingly endless number of popular book and movie characters who tell stories, sing songs, and more. Kids just pop the figurine on top, and it will start playing. With Creative Tonies, parents can record stories, songs, and messages in their own voices using the Tonies app, which then loads them onto the figurine. This was a fun surprise for my kiddos, who have had a Tonie Box almost their whole lives.

Kids who love a sensory experience can have fun setting up scenes with dinos and incorporating all the other goodies this fun sensory kit comes with, such as seashells, kinetic sand, molding dough, pipe cleaners, leaf-shaped wildflower seed paper, mushroom crystals, cookie cutters, and more. 

“I like that this comes in a nice storage box that everything fits in,” says Scully.  “This is important to me when I'm choosing toys for my son because quite honestly, he has SO much stuff, it's hard to stay organized. The items themselves are also very nice: he was particularly into the wooden dinosaurs that came with it and he played with those the longest.”

Another classic, I am a Bunny, by Ole Risom and Richard Scarry, follows a furry friend through all four seasons. The bunny shows off spring’s beautiful butterflies, summer’s dandelions, autumn’s falling leaves, and winter’s peaceful snowfall with warm, welcoming illustrations. The bunny theme again makes for a great Easter gift, but you can revisit this book with your little one as each season approaches.

This is another one I read to my kids over and over to talk about the wonders of the seasons. Though it was first published in 1963, it feels timeless. Grandparents will be delighted to see this on your shelves as well, since they might remember this from their childhood or parenthood. 

While it won’t exactly fit in a basket, there’s no better springtime gift than a new set of wheels. This is a great first pedal bike for the kid who is ready to graduate from a balance bike or training wheels. This is meant for kids ages 3 to 4.5, and I tested it out with my 4-year-old. He’s still learning, and not quite off and away on it (all the snow we’ve experienced this winter has forced us to take quite a break), but he loves the red one we got, and he’s excited about trying again this spring.

This bike has 14-inch (in.) wheels, an adjustable seat and handlebar height, and only weighs 12 pounds (lb.) 3 ounces (oz.), so it’s close enough to the ground and lightweight enough for some of the littlest preschoolers. It comes with a kickstand, which is my son’s favorite part, and hand brakes as well as back pedal (or coaster) brakes. Many big names in biking recommend that children start out learning with hand brakes so that they don’t have to learn something new down the line when they get older.

“It doesn't have a bunch of harsh chemicals, is mineral-based, applies easily, and stays water resistant for up to 80 minutes,” Scully says. “It is also sensitive skin-friendly; it did not cause my son to get a rash like he has with other sunscreens we’ve tried.”

This is another gift that won’t fit in the basket, but they’re perfect for spring, so we had to put these rollerblades on this list. These will save you from having to buy a new pair of skates every year as your child grows, as they’re size-adjustable across four full sizes. 

“My daughter loves them and they're a fun way for her to stay active,” says editor Ashley Ziegler. “Plus, we've had a lot of fun together as I've helped her learn how to skate (I love mom/daughter time like this).” Ziegler said that her daughter never complained about the fit, and that she plans to purchase another pair for her other daughter.

In our house, we’re always looking for projects to keep us busy and to keep the TV off on rainy days. KiwiCo has endless projects and learning toys, like this ice cream-making kit. This box comes with everything you need to make ice cream (except the ingredients). And when you’re done, your kids will enjoy eating up their tasty treat, which somehow tastes even better after you’ve made it yourself.

“I'd definitely recommend them to a friend,” says Ziegler, who tried several different kits from the company, including the Crystal Ombre Soap Making Kit. “There are options for various ages and they incorporate education into them. Even the food kits came with instructions and guides with facts about how the process works (weighing the ingredients, how things freeze, etc.).” KiwiCo offers subscriptions as well as the option to purchase individual boxes.

This STEM subscription box offers educational projects for ages 6 and up. There’s the Creative Box, which lets kids ages 6 to 10 build cute, colorful dioramas (and includes an animal friend each month). The Build Box, which focuses on build-it-yourself simple mechanical toys for ages 8 to 12. Both boxes come with an educational video about the month’s project, as well as the chance to win a Platinum Ticket to visit Crunch Labs if you submit a mini-movie of your kid building and playing with the kit. Kids ages 14 and up are old enough for the Hack Pack, where they’ll learn about infrared turrets, laser synthesizers, and omnibot forklifts. They’ll also get a monthly video that teaches them real hacking skills and the chance to win a Platinum Diploma, which grants college tuition and a visit to Crunch Labs.

“I like that there are boxes/subscriptions for different age groups and interests,” says Ziegler. “They are well-made and I like that they come with everything you need to do the project.”

Soccer Bot reinvents soccer practice for rainy (or muddy) days at home. This game is perfect for a 5-foot (ft.) indoor area like a larger playroom or basement, and it keeps score and helps your soccer player work on skills when the whole team isn’t around. 

“This is a fun toy to give a child who really loves soccer and wants a tool to help them practice in between games and weekly team practices,” Scully says. “The set comes with a ball, four ‘smart disks’ and a ‘bot’ (which looks like a mini baseball diamond). This set can track your child as they kick, dribble, and control the ball.” The idea is to keep the ball away from the little robot that scoots after the ball, and players can choose between three settings, from beginner to advanced and improve their footwork with customizable skill challenges saved on the smart disks. The toy also has a multiplayer mode, so your child’s friends can join in on the fun. 

Chocolate is delicious enough on its own, but when paired with a bit of salt, it just elevates the flavor. This chocolate bar from Compartes pairs smooth, silky dark chocolate with the crunch of sourdough pretzels and sea salt for a rich, dynamic treat. They’re handmade in Los Angeles with simple ingredients and no junk, so you’ll feel good about this purchase.

“If you know someone who likes unique flavor combinations and gourmet chocolate, these are a nice departure from your typical box of chocolates,” says writer and editor Katie Tuttle, who described these bars as “excellent.”

For a chewy snack that fits right into lunchboxes, sports totes, or anywhere, really, Welch’s Absolute Fruitfuls Fruit Strips are the perfect gifts. They’re full of vitamin C and made with natural coloring and whole fruits, so it’s a better choice than many fruit snack products.

“I love fruit leather and dried fruit strips, so I was interested to try Welch's new version,” says Campbell. “My favorite flavor was the Mango-Peach.” You can also find these in Strawberry, Berry Medley, and multi-packs.

Searching for allergy-friendly Easter treats? Cooper Street Snacks are made in a peanut-free facility and are dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. The biscotti-like cookies are crunchy, delicious, and made using only all-natural ingredients.

“I'd recommend the cookies to a friend,” says writer Jana Pollack. “They seem a bit more adult-friendly (my 4-year-old son wasn't interested in them), but they're really tasty. For anyone with nut allergies or dairy allergies, they're an excellent option and a fun snack to have around.”

It’s not Easter without a sweet or two. You can opt for a healthier option, like Bissinger’s Assorted Gummy Pandas, which are vegan, non-GMO, and use organic sweeteners. Each bag contains four flavors: blueberry açai, pink grapefruit, raspberry pomegranate, and mandarin orange.

“These gummies are delicious,” says writer and editor Olivia Campbell. “They are so soft and flavorful and juicy — just how I like my gummies. Most gummy bears are hard, chewy, and taste like chemicals. These are the exact opposite. Soft, and tasting of real fruit. Really excellent.”

Caramelized brown rice in rich bittersweet chocolate? Yes please! These candies are made with simple ingredients: 65 percent bittersweet chocolate, crisped brown rice, and pure cane sugar. They’re vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and gluten-free (however, they’re manufactured at a facility that processes products containing tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy).

“My teen tried the crisped rice bar and loved it,” says Campbell. “I was impressed that he liked dark bittersweet chocolate. It's high quality, with very transparent information on allergens and ingredients.”

“The interesting thing about these products, and actually the company as a whole, is that they make clean and effective fruit powered skincare for glowing skin,” says writer Raki Swanson after testing this product out. “They base their products on ‘Korean skincare philosophies,' which include innovative formulas that pair fruit with other things for healthy skin…This is a nice alternative to skin care that actually does provide results.” Consider following this cleanser up with the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer.

This is a fun way to convince kids to take care of their lips in the winter. Inspired by the classic candy favorite, this Smarties Cherry Vanilla Lip Balm smells (and tastes) like creamy cherry vanilla and is made with 100 percent natural ingredients and packaged in an eco-friendly, recyclable cardboard tube.

“I have been using the same flavor of lip balm, every day, for the past 2 months (several times a day) and I haven't used it all yet,” says Swanson. “I love that the lip balm comes in recyclable cardboard packaging — not plastic. You push up more balm from the bottom and don't have to "twist" it up. If you have too much, use your lips to push it back into the tube.” These don’t include any artificial or synthetic fragrances. They’re made with hydrating coconut oil and vitamin A-rich beeswax.

Lip stain is a great way for teens (or adults) to apply lip color that’s fun and subtle. The substance sits on your lips and dries, and then you peel it off to reveal a smudge-proof color that lasts longer than your typical lipstick.

I’m always looking for a gentle shampoo for my boys that packs in safe, healthy ingredients, and I was so impressed with Evereden after testing it that I bought it again when I ran out. The bottles are super cute with little happy faces on them, so my boys love playing with them, and they smell marvelous.

These products are formulated with plant peptides and argan oil, and I’ve noticed fewer tears when these suds inevitably run into my kids’ faces. The trio comes with a shampoo, a conditioner, a detangling spray, and a hairbrush, so it really is a gift set that’s as useful as it is cute.

You may not have ever thought of putting a hairbrush into an Easter basket, but one peek at this one, and you’ll understand why we’re suggesting it. The periwinkle and pink flowers add a feminine touch, so you won’t mind leaving this brush out on your bathroom counter or vanity. It’s great for detangling, blow-drying, and adding definition to your curls. And for those who like to detangle in the shower, the company makes the D28 The Deluxe Wide Tooth Detangler.

“They're very pretty, so they would be a nice gift from that standpoint,” says Scully. “I preferred the paddle, just because that's the kind of brush I like better, but both were nice. I used the wide tooth in the shower to help distribute my shampoo and to help detangle my hair — and it held up well. The paddle itself worked best on my hair - it helped detangle and make my hair look nice without hurting. My son would even let me use it to brush his hair (and he's pretty sensitive).”

Bubble bath solution is a must if you’ve got little kids — it’s the magic trick to get a cranky kid into the tub with less complaints after a long day. But we’ve all been in the sticky situation when you’ve promised a bubble bath only to find an empty bottle. The Dabble & Dollop Build Your Own Bundle addresses the situation, offering three bottles of soap that create a perfect bubble bath and double as shampoo and body wash.

“I love the scents and that they're so gentle on the skin,” says Ziegler. “We got the Melon, Vanilla, and Strawberry scents, and both of my kids absolutely love them. I also like that they're safe as body wash, so I don't feel like I need to rinse them off in the shower after taking a bubble bath.” These are vegan and free of artificial dyes and fragrances. Ziegler added that this product didn’t bother her daughter’s sensitive skin. 

Here’s a unique Easter basket filler that probably never would have crossed your mind. Pastabilities makes themed pasta for almost anything you can think of, and this cute and yummy bunny-shaped pasta is perfect for the season. It’s pretty rare to meet a kid who doesn’t love pasta, but this would also make a great gift for an adult who loves to cook (and loves cute things).

“Honestly, the pasta didn't seem all that different than noodles you can get elsewhere, besides the shape,” says Scully, who tried the Dog Lovers Pasta and Cat Lovers Pasta. “But my son did finish his whole bowl because he liked the animals.” Try gifting these to your picky eater.

The kids have been in school for several months, and some of their gear may well be wearing out. Lunchboxes can easily get grimy and go downhill with everyday use. That’s why we suggest sneaking the OmieBox Bento Box into their basket this Easter. It’s easy to clean, easy for kids to use, and it packs both warm and cold foods at the same time. 

“I love that it comes with the insulated bowl so I can pack hot or cold items for my daughter's lunch,” says Ziegler. “I also love that there are a couple of customization options. Plus, it's so cute!” These come in bright, cheery colors, perfect for spring. “ It's easy to use, can be carried on its own as a lunchbox or fit into a larger lunchbox (which is what my daughter likes to do), and it keeps food hot/cold for hours,” Ziegler added.

Movie night is, of course, about the film, but it’s also about the snacks, let’s be real. And the Here Here Movie Night Gift Box gives movie watchers and snackers the opportunity to try some snacks they may have never tasted before, like Luella’s Mix Popcorn from Luella’s Southern Popcorn, Vibes Snacks Sour Watermelon Chill with Chamomile Fruity Stars, Mayana Fix Bar Mini, B-Sides Vegan Ranch Crunch Puffs, Wims Delights Oat Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, and BjornQorn Classic Sun-Popped Popcorn.

“Though it's not advertised explicitly, most of these are vegan, or dairy-free, or gluten-free,” says Tuttle. “The Bjorn Corn is flavored with nutritional yeast to make it vegan, for example, and the Whims Delights Oat Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are made from — you guessed it — oat milk instead of dairy. I love a surprise box of goodies, and it was a lot of fun trying a bunch of new-to-me snacks (the peanut butter cups did not last very long).” 

Lip balm is almost always a welcome gift, and California Naturals Hydrating Lip Balm is made with 100% natural ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and vitamin E, so it will be an even more exciting gift for your recipient.

“I like that it's really long-lasting,” says writer and editor Lili Ladaga. “I have dry skin, so I'm a lip balm junkie — I always have a lip balm at designated locations: purses, night table, bathroom, desk, car, and jacket pockets.” Ladaga added that this would be a great part of a larger beauty-focused gift.

This can be an Easter basket in and of itself: Eku Box Let Your Garden Grow is a gift basket chock full of seeds, gardening tools, and other earthy gifts like a candle, Gardener’s Hand Soap, and Bella Cucina’s Artichoke Lemon Pesto (one of Oprah’s favorite things). This is perfect for your friend who’s just itching to get into the garden once the soil thaws. 

“This is such a pretty, well-made gift,” says Ziegler. “It arrived in a sturdy box tied with a ribbon and fresh lavender. Inside it's filled with fun gifts for a gardener, like seeds, shears, a little pot, a candle, pesto, and more. I would say it's truly a luxury box. My husband is more of the gardener in our home and he was really excited by a lot of the products in the box.”

Now that the birds are making their way back home (if you’re in a place that gets cold and birds migrate away from), you’ll never miss a winged visitor when you have the Birdfy Bath Pro installed. As birds swoop in for a drink or a bath, the camera will spy them and notify you on your app. The app can even identify more than 6,000 bird species, so you’ll get an education as well. 

“These are fun gifts for someone looking for a new hobby: bird watching,” says Scully. “And before you roll your eyes and think ‘sounds like an old lady hobby,’ I found myself more entertained by this than I expected.” Scully added that the app will let you know birds’ habits, such as if a chickadee tends to visit your feeder in the early afternoon. “My son also really loved these: he liked asking me what birds visited and found the bird bath particularly amusing,” Scully says. “These were surprisingly easy to set up, so they'd be an OK gift for a grandparent too.”

Just because the weather is warming up doesn’t mean anyone has to stop their daily tea habit. However, you may want to opt for a brighter flavor, like Republic of Tea’s Wild Blueberry Black Tea. The fruity flavor can be prepared hot or iced, and this canister of unbleached tea bags brews 50 cups. 

“I was surprised by how much I liked this tea,” says Scully. “It has a smooth flavor with a nice, subtle blueberry fruity taste (but it's not overpowering either)..It reminds me of my Maine camping trips.” Scully added that this flavor goes well with honey, and that she likes that the teabags come in a tin that you won’t mind leaving out on your shelf. 

Spring is a great time for a house reset, and Swedish dishcloths are one way to help your home move in a greener direction. The reusable cloths can be used as sponges or in lieu of paper towels, and they’re great for sopping up a mess, cleaning down the counters, and washing dishes. When they get dirty, pop them in the washing machine and reuse them again and again. 

“I really like that these dishcloths are plant-based (vegan) and biodegradable — they can apparently decompose naturally in 6-8 weeks, so it's a very sustainable, environmentally friendly item,” says Scully. “They also just work very well: they are great at cleaning up spills and messes (and save you having to get paper towels).” These come in plenty of patterns and colors, so you’re bound to find a pack that goes with your kitchen.