Easter Basket Ideas Without the Clutter

Written By Mark Coggins

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Easter morning is such a special time for kids, and while the excitement of discovering baskets is fun, Mark and I want the baskets to take a backseat to the true focus of Easter — Jesus. Giving our kids an Easter basket can be a beautiful metaphor for sharing the free gift we've been given through Jesus' death and resurrection.

In past years, I’ve been so excited that it was finally my turn to make Easter baskets for my kids that I probably went a little overboard, filling them with things they absolutely didn’t need. After realizing it wasn’t adding to their experience, I decided to scale back and focus on things they would actually use and appreciate. This year, I’m all about creating intentional baskets that are both fun AND practical — gifts that bring joy but also serve a purpose beyond just Easter morning.

Ready for some clutter-free Easter basket ideas? Let’s jump in!

1. Consumables

Easter is the perfect opportunity to buy consumables that fill out an Easter basket without creating long-term clutter. Think outside the box:

  • Favorite Snacks: We always include the girls' favorite snacks in gifts like Easter baskets or stockings.

  • Hair Ties/Clips: Great for refreshing their collection or replacing lost ones. These are great for kids with thick hair.

  • Bubble Bath: A fun and relaxing treat for bath time that gets used up quickly. We add these to every birthday and holiday wish list.

  • Art Supplies: Crayons, markers, or watercolor sets. These chunky crayons are perfect for little hands.

  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Choose a fun design featuring their favorite characters.

  • DIY Popsicle Bags: We’ve had these forever and they’re a summer essential!

2. Practical Gifts

This is where I’m focusing most of my energy this year. Practical gifts are a win-win — kids love them, and they’re things we actually need. Here are some ideas that will get plenty of use:

  • Spring PJs: A cute set of lightweight pajamas for warmer nights.

  • Swimsuits: Get ahead of summer with a new suit.

  • Sandals or Water Shoes: Great for splash pads or beach days.

  • Water Bottles: Replace worn-out cups with ones featuring their favorite colors or characters.

  • Sunglasses or Hats: Perfect for sunny spring days.

  • Elastic Shoe Laces: Game changer for kids who want independence putting on shoes. We recently got these for our oldest and she loves them.

  • Lunch Box/Accessories: This lunch box is a HIT in our house. A gift they would love to receive and something I would likely buy regardless! (Plus, no plastic!)

These items are things I would likely purchase anyway, so adding them to an Easter basket makes it feel a little extra special.

3. Outdoor Play

With warmer weather on the horizon, outdoor play gifts are both practical and fun. Consider adding items that encourage your kids to get outside and explore:

  • Sidewalk Chalk or Bubbles for classic springtime fun.

  • Stepping Stones: We have this set and it’s been a favorite for active play.

  • Gardening Tools: Kid-friendly tools, gloves or flower seeds are perfect for little gardeners.

  • Kites: Fun for a breezy afternoon at the park or on the beach! This one has held up great for us.

4. Books

Books are always a wonderful choice for Easter baskets. Whether it’s a faith-based story to celebrate the season or a fun spring-themed read, books encourage imagination and bonding. We love having books we can swap out each season or holiday (yes, we are adding "stuff" to our house, but we don't keep every seasonal or holiday book out all the time, only the applicable ones, so it feels less overwhelming).

5. Experiences Over Things

Experience gifts are a fantastic clutter-free option, but they might not be as exciting when there’s nothing to unwrap. That’s why I recommend pairing experience gifts with some of the tangible item ideas above or an item representative of the experience. Here are a few ideas:

  • Tickets or Memberships: Children’s museum passes, zoo memberships, or local play gyms. You could add a book that relates to the experience.

  • Movie Night Coupons: Include a bag of popcorn or their favorite snack for a family movie night at home.

  • Art Class or Activity Passes: Pair with a simple set of crayons or a sketchpad.

What’s In My Girls’ Baskets This Year

This year, I’m keeping it simple but intentional. For my girls, I’m including:

  • New swimsuits for our upcoming beach days

  • Their favorite snacks

  • Fubbles No-Spill Bubble Tumbler - Do we need more bubbles? Absolutely not. We have 10,000 gallons of bubbles. BUT I do value purchasing items that allow us to say "no" less. Normally I can't let my kids hold the bubbles because they would pour them straight out, maybe on accident…maybe not. This contraption doesn't allow the bubbles to spill, meaning they get to do it themselves and we get to say YES. Side note: I did find this cheaper at T.J.Maxx

  • A book replacing one of their favorites that was so well loved, it had to be tossed…

They’ll have a few things to open but nothing that will end up in the dreaded “toy clutter” category.

Final Tips for Creating Clutter-Free Baskets

  • Balance Practical and Fun: A little bit of everything makes the basket feel full and exciting without going overboard.

  • Set a Budget: Easter baskets don’t need to be extravagant. Pick 4-5 items that fit your child’s interests.

  • Make Space First: If you anticipate adding new outdoor toys or clothes, consider donating unused items beforehand.

I hope these ideas help you create a joyful, clutter-free Easter for your family! I’ll link some of my favorite Easter basket finds below if you’re looking for easy, practical gifts.

Happy Easter, friends! 🌸🐰✝

- Brittany

Mark Coggins
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Embracing Christmastide: A Slower Approach to Christmas