I have put all kinds of things in my families Easter baskets. One year I put swimwear, sunblock, flipflops, and sunglasses. Other ideas are books, coloring books, crayons, summer sand toys, and hats. This year I have a book for each family member, for my son I have earbuds and for my daughter I have kids fake nails w/ tootsie rolls on them (I often call her Tootsie and she loves them).
My MIL prepares Easter baskets for all of us full of candy, so I usually just do toys in the baskets I make for my kids. I love the dollar bins at Target! They have great holiday themed coloring books, socks, board books, sidewalk chalks, all kinds of fun things. I usually get them one or two bigger things, like a small stuffed animal or a swimsuit or something, then fill the rest of the baskets with silly stuff.
Books. I’m putting in our house’s next installment of Calvin and Hobbes.
When she was young, DD got her play kitchen from EB.
Movie passes?
But we will share some candy. We don’t drink soda and we don’t buy candy unless it is a holiday.
i did the dollar store thing for a couple of years when i was cutting back on candy, but found i disliked the crappy little toys and ‘crafts’ almost as much.
the best baskets were ones that encouraged them to go outside and play after a winter of so much indoor fun. kites, fishing supplies, whiffle sets, swim gear. and lots and lots of gardening stuff! (after the initial playing in the dirt they didn’t garden much with me, but it felt good.)
khairete
suz
Books, WII games, DVD’s, summer toys, coins in easter eggs instead of jelly beans (we do half and half), kids plate/cup set, water bottle for bike rides
Not sure of their ages but:
puzzles
key chains
bubbles
sidewalk chalk
magazine for the pre-teen set
kid books
coins in eggs
coloring pens
costume jewelry (cute inexpensive ring, earrings)
paperweight for a desk
iTune gift card for the older set
playdough
jacks
Matchbox cars
cute water bottle
coloring pens
crayons
stickers
travel game
small bouncy ball
marbles
kid sunglasses
mini bright color picture frame
paint brushes, water paints
coloring book
plastic tea set
blocks
thermos
Again all depending upon their ages.
You’ve got some great suggestions for non-food items. I do more snack type items along with some candy in the eggs. Goldfish crackers, animal crackers, pretzels, fruit snacks, granola bars, etc. I had a friend who filled the eggs with different types of cold cereal. Still sweet, but not as much sugar as candy.