47 Healthy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers (And Young Kids)
Looking for healthy Easter basket ideas for toddlers and young kids? Here are some ideas for healthier Easter gifts to throw in!
Hi there. I’m Chantal. Welcome to my site!
I’m a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. But more importantly, I’m a mom of two. 🙂
That being said, it is super important for me to not only model healthy behavior for my kids, it is also important that I am the one offering them healthy foods.
Raising healthy kids (physically, mentally, and emotionally) is no easy feat, but there are many simple things we can do to help our kiddos grow up into healthy adults.
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One really important thing that we can do is teach our kids how to enjoy holidays and fun events without overindulging.
Life is full of birthday parties, holidays, seasonal festivals and so much more. It can be easy to go overboard with celebration and associate those joyful times with food.
Easter is no different.
Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and part of the tradition often involves indulging in sweet treats.
I know from experience just how much candy can come from the “Easter bunny” and fun things like Easter egg hunts.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between enjoying the festivities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially for our little ones.
Finding healthy Easter treats for kids is important!
I say this as a mom but also as someone who values nutrition and would like to model healthy habits for my kiddos.
Related Reading: 5 Easy Ways to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables
So this year, let’s explore some fun and nutritious Easter basket treats that will bring smiles to your toddler’s face without sugaring them up!
With a few creative ideas, we can transform their baskets into a treasure trove of healthy delights and other fun things.
P.S. The first part of my list is dedicated to healthy Easter treats for kids, and the last bit is all about non-food items to stuff into their baskets. If you’re looking for non-candy easter basket ideas, scroll to the bottom of the list!
Let’s dive in!
47 Healthy Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers & Young Kids
1. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is always a good choice. You can easily put Clementine oranges, small apples, or even bananas into a cute Easter basket.
If you’re feeling creative, swap the traditional Easter candy for colorful and enticing fruit kabobs. Skewer chunks of watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes onto kid-friendly skewers.
These fruity snacks offer a refreshing and naturally sweet treat packed with vitamins and fiber. Arrange them in a fun Easter-themed cup or container for added appeal.
2. Homemade Energy Balls
Whip up a batch of homemade energy balls as a nutritious alternative to store-bought candies.
Combine ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruits. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and decorate them with pastel-colored sprinkles or shredded coconut.
(You can find a ton of recipes on Pinterest!)
These energy balls provide a burst of energy, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, perfect for an Easter treat.
Here’s a really good kid-friendly recipe to try out.
3. Beef Jerky or Pepperoni Sticks
If your kids are a fan of jerky and pepperoni sticks like mine, why not stick some into the Easter basket?
You can get preservative-free versions these days, making this option a great high-protein treat to add in.
4. Hard Boiled Eggs
It’s not Easter if there aren’t any eggs, but you can make them a lot healthier by serving them up boiled. (You can still dye them for added fun!)
Eggs are a good source of protein, fat, and Omega-3s, which are great for growing bodies.
5. Yogurt Parfaits
If you have some kid-friendly jars or resealable cups available, delight your toddler with a festive yogurt parfait.
Layer low-sugar yogurt, fresh berries, and granola in a colorful cup or jar.
Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a few pastel-colored Easter-themed candies.
This treat is not only visually appealing but also offers a dose of calcium, antioxidants, and whole grains.
6. Fruit Pouches
Consider adding applesauce pouches or similar to the basket! Other options are Chia Squeeze, vegetable & fruit blends, and juice pouches.
7. Veggie Sticks with Dip
Encourage healthy snacking by including a variety of vegetable sticks paired with flavorful dips.
Cut cucumbers, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips and present them alongside hummus, guacamole, or Greek yogurt-based dips.
These crunchy snacks provide essential nutrients and promote a love for vegetables.
8. Cheese Shapes
Get creative with cheese by using small Easter-themed cookie cutters to shape them into fun designs.
Present an assortment of cheese shapes like bunnies, chicks, or eggs.
Serve them with whole-grain crackers or cucumber slices for a wholesome and protein-packed snack.
9. Dye-Free Fruit Snacks
Include a pack of dye-free fruit snacks in your toddler’s Easter basket.
Look for options that are made with real fruit juice and do not contain artificial colors or flavors.
Dye-free fruit snacks offer a chewy and fruity treat free from artificial additives.
They are a great alternative to traditional fruit snacks, providing a burst of flavor without any unnecessary artificial ingredients.
10. Honey Sticks
For kids over 12 months of age (never give honey to babies), fun, flavored honey sticks are an easy Easter basket option.
You can typically find these at natural food stores, farmer’s markets, and local produce stands.
They come in various flavors and are the perfect healthy Easter basket idea!
11. Rice Cake “Nests”
Create adorable nests using rice cakes as the base.
Spread a thin layer of almond or peanut butter on top of a rice cake, and nestle a few pastel-colored Easter candy eggs on the surface.
This delightful treat offers a combination of crunch, sweetness, and whole grains.
12. Homemade Fruit Popsicles
Celebrate the arrival of spring by making refreshing and healthy fruit popsicles.
Blend together your toddler’s favorite fruits with a little water or pure fruit juice, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze.
These fruity popsicles are a perfect way to cool down and provide essential vitamins and hydration. Of course, you would need to add these to your toddler’s Easter basket at the last minute, but they can still work!
13. Mini Whole-Grain Muffins
Bake mini whole-grain muffins using wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, mashed bananas, grated carrots, or blueberries.
These bite-sized treats are packed with fiber and nutrients and make a great addition to your toddler’s Easter basket.
14. Fruit and Vegetable Bunny Shapes
Give your little ones a creative and healthy snack option by including bunny-shaped fruits and vegetables in their Easter basket.
Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from slices of watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon.
Alternatively, you can cut out bunny shapes from colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
These playful treats will capture their imagination while providing essential vitamins and fiber.
15. Whole Grain Crackers
Include a pack of whole-grain crackers in your toddler’s Easter basket. Look for options that are made with whole wheat or other whole grains and have minimal added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Whole grain crackers are a nutritious and crunchy snack that provides fiber and essential nutrients.
They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with cheese or healthy spreads.
16. Dried Fruit
Include a variety of dried fruits in your kid’s Easter basket. Choose options like dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, or mango slices. (Note that some dried fruit may not be the best for little kids.)
Dried fruits are naturally sweet and offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They make a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with whole grain crackers or nuts for a trail mix.
17. Yogurt-Covered Raisins
Include a small bag of yogurt-covered raisins in your toddler’s Easter basket.
Yogurt-covered raisins offer a sweet and tangy taste while providing the natural goodness of raisins and the added creaminess of yogurt coating.
They make a delightful treat that combines the benefits of dried fruit and dairy.
18. Baked Chips
Include a packet of baked chips in your toddler’s Easter basket.
If possible, look for options that are made from whole grains and have minimal added salt and preservatives.
Baked chips offer a crunchy and savory snack alternative to traditional fried potato chips. They provide a satisfying treat while offering a healthier option for your little one.
19. Veggie Straws
These are those crunchy store-bought crisps that taste like french fries (but with a fraction of the fat and calories)!
They come in a variety of flavors and make a light, low-sugar treat. It’s a great healthy Easter basket idea for younger kids and older kids alike!
20. Dark Chocolate
Include a small portion of dark chocolate in your toddler’s Easter basket.
Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) is rich in antioxidants and may provide various health benefits.
Opt for individually wrapped dark chocolate pieces or choose Easter-themed dark chocolate treats. Remember to keep the portion size small to limit their sugar intake.
If you can find tiny dark chocolate bunnies, even better!
21. Fruit Leather
Include colorful and naturally sweet fruit leather in your toddler’s Easter basket.
Look for brands or homemade options that use pureed fruit without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Fruit leather offers a chewy and flavorful snack that is rich in vitamins and fiber. Opt for a variety of fruit flavors to add a burst of fruity goodness to their Easter treat assortment.
22. Sugar-Free Jelly Beans
For a fun and colorful addition to your toddler’s Easter basket, include sugar-free jelly beans.
Look for brands that use natural sweeteners or are sweetened with stevia or monk fruit extract.
These jelly beans offer a sweet treat without the added sugars, making them a healthier alternative to traditional jelly beans.
Non-Food Easter Basket Treats
23. Stuffed Animals
Incorporate cuddly and plush toys into the Easter basket. (AKA stuffies!) Opt for animal-themed plush toys that encourage imaginative play and physical activity.
Stuffed bunnies, chicks, or lambs can become your child’s new favorite companions, promoting creativity and social interaction. This is one of the best Easter basket ideas for kids ages 10 and under – it’s a must!
24. Books
Encourage reading habits early on by gifting age-appropriate books.
Choose Easter-themed board books or stories about animals and springtime.
Engaging your toddler with books stimulates their cognitive development and helps them associate the holiday with learning and imagination.
25. Art Supplies
Stimulate your toddler’s creativity with art supplies such as non-toxic crayons, washable markers, and coloring books featuring Easter-themed illustrations.
Engaging in arts and crafts activities encourages fine motor skills, self-expression, and imaginative thinking.
26. Sidewalk Chalk
I’ve never met a child who doesn’t love sidewalk chalk, and toddlers are especially excited by it. Find some in bright colors and let your kiddo enjoy the fun of chalk!
27. Fun Lip Balm
Include a fun lip balm in your toddler’s Easter basket.
Look for lip balms with child-friendly flavors like fruit, bubblegum, or vanilla.
Lip balm not only keeps their little lips moisturized but also adds an element of fun and sensory experience. Choose lip balms that are safe for young children and made with natural ingredients.
28. Fidget Spinners
For endless fun, why not add a fidget spinner to your toddler’s Easter basket?
Fidget spinners provide a fun and interactive toy that can help promote focus and sensory exploration.
They are designed to be visually stimulating and provide a calming effect, making them a great addition to encourage fine motor skills and provide a source of entertainment.
Just remember to consider age-appropriate fidget spinners and supervise their use to ensure safety and prevent any small parts from becoming a choking hazard.
29. Silly Putty
Do you remember getting an egg full of Silly Putty and just being so dang excited as a kid?
Why not include a container of silly putty in your toddler’s Easter basket?
Silly putty is a stretchable, moldable, and squishy toy that provides hours of entertainment. It’s a great way to engage their imagination and fine motor skills.
Choose a non-toxic and child-safe silly putty option that is age-appropriate for your toddler.
30. Outdoor Toys
With spring in full swing, encourage outdoor playtime by including toys that promote physical activity.
Add items like a jump rope, hula hoop, squirt guns, or a colorful ball to their Easter basket. These toys will motivate your toddler to get moving and enjoy the fresh air.
31. Bath Bombs
Make bath time extra fun and colorful with child-friendly bath bombs. These fizzing delights will turn an ordinary bath into a sensory adventure.
32. Small Box of Crayons
Encourage your toddler’s artistic side with a small box of crayons and Easter-themed coloring books. They’ll love bringing their imagination to life on paper.
33. Coloring Books
Transform snack time into a creative experience with adorable and Easter-themed cookie cutters. Your little one can help you make their favorite snacks into fun shapes.
34. Fun Cookie Cutters
Transform snack time into a creative experience with adorable and Easter-themed cookie cutters. Your little one can help you make their favorite snacks into fun shapes.
35. Cute Popsicle Molds
Beat the heat with healthy homemade popsicles!
Choose cute popsicle molds in Easter-themed shapes and fill them with fruit juice or blended fruits for a refreshing treat.
36. A Cute Sippy Cup
Stay hydrated in style with a cute Easter-themed sippy cup. Look for ones that are spill-proof and easy for small hands to hold.
37. PlayDoh
Let their creativity soar with Play-Doh!
This classic modeling compound will keep them entertained for hours as they mold and shape their own Easter creations.
38. Card Games
Introduce your toddler to the world of card games with age-appropriate options.
Games like “Go Fish” or memory-matching games with Easter-themed cards will provide endless entertainment.
39. Bubbles
Toddlers love bubbles! Include a bottle of bubbles and a bubble wand in their Easter basket for hours of outdoor fun.
40. Stickers
Spark your little one’s imagination with a variety of Easter-themed stickers (or any stickers, really) on Easter morning.
Let them decorate their artwork, notebooks, or even their Easter eggs with these cute adhesive decorations.
41. Temporary Tattoos
Give your toddler a chance to be “inked” with temporary Easter-themed tattoos.
They’ll love showing off their new “body art” without any long-term commitment.
42. Easter-themed Puzzles
Challenge their problem-solving skills with Easter-themed puzzles. (Or any age-appropriate puzzles – they have a lot of them at the dollar store!)
Choose puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces that are perfect for tiny hands.
43. Kinetic Sand
Bring the beach indoors with kinetic sand! This moldable and squishy sensory toy provides endless possibilities for imaginative play.
44. Play Jewelry
If your little ones like to play dress up, delight them with play jewelry!
Choose necklaces, bracelets, or rings adorned with bunnies, eggs, or spring flowers to add a touch of whimsy to their dress-up games.
45. Easter-Themed Socks
Keep their tiny toes cozy and stylish with Easter-themed socks. Look for socks featuring adorable bunny patterns or vibrant spring colors.
46. Hot Wheels Cars
Zoom into Easter fun with a couple of Hot Wheels cars.
These miniature vehicles are perfect for little hands and will inspire imaginative play. Little kids have so much fun with tiny cars, and they are really affordable – so give it a try!
47. A Cheap Ball
All kids love a good ball, and there are several cheap, midsized ones available at stores like Walmart and Target.
For toddlers, opt for larger, lightweight colorful balls. Older kids might like real sports balls or fun foam balls. For outdoor play, opt for a wallball or soccer ball.
That’s it!
Hopefully, this gives you enough healthy Easter basket ideas to come up with something great!
Hopefully, you can see that not all Easter basket fillers need to be full of sugar and artificial ingredients.
There are plenty of healthy Easter treats for kids that also make practical gifts or healthy snacks.
By promoting these nutritious snacks, engaging activities, and interactive toys, we encourage healthy habits and create memories that go beyond sugary indulgence.
This Easter, let’s make an effort to balance fun and wellness. With these great ideas, your little ones can still have a fun day while staying on a healthier path.
If you have any other healthy Easter basket ideas for toddlers, feel free to share them with me below!
Until next time,
Chantal
