Easter Basket Fillers for All Ages

In my opinion, you're never too old to receive an Easter basket. Much like Christmas stockings, a collection of small, funny or practical gifts can be more fun than "real presents." In my house growing up, just like stockings had certain predictable gifts and categories of gifts (sweet treats, savory treats, underwear, toothbrushes, jewelry, puzzle books, desk toys, etc.), Easter baskets also had certain predictable gifts and categories of gifts (books, cassette tapes/CDs, desk toys, candy). So if you're looking to up your Easter basket game this year by including more than just a chocolate bunny, marshmallow Peeps, and jelly beans, here are some inexpensive suggestions for children and adults of any age to enjoy.

Gift Cards

Gift cards may seem like a boring gift, but I like to include low-denomination gift cards for little treats, like an ice cream shop, book store, coffee shop, online games, etc. If you can't easily get gift cards to local stores (for a student away at college, for example), large chain food stores that carry smaller items like Panera, Dunkin', Starbucks, Chipotle, or KFC are good choices, as are online stores like Amazon (they don't sell exclusive book cards, but you can get a gift card with the Kindle logo as a suggestion for its use), Barnes & Noble, or gaming sites like Roblox, Valorant, STEAM, and Fortnite (just make sure you know what games they play - or would like to play).

Books

 

Depending on the recipient's age, level of religious interest, and taste in books, you can tuck in anything from a board book about the Easter bunny to a daily devotional to a short paperback book. Don't forget about timeless bunny-themed children's books like The Velveteen Rabbit, The Country Bunny, Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and Richard Scarry's The Bunny Book.

Magazines

Yes, print magazines still exist, and receiving a single issue focusing on something the recipient is interested in can be a lot of fun. (It can also be a great setup for a future birthday or Christmas gift for a hard-to-buy-for family member!)

Desk Toys

Who doesn't love to have something to do with their hands while they're at their desk, whether they're on a phone call, listening to a lecture, watching YouTube, or studying? Toys in this category can be as simple and inexpensive as a little windup toy or as interesting and educational as a gyroscope or magnetic sand. Other good choices include a mini Lego set, fidget toys, stress balls or worry stones, small wooden puzzles, small Koosh balls, mochi squishies, and tops.

Unusual Snacks

Hit up your local Asian market or British import shop, the international aisle of your local supermarket, or Walmart's or Target's grocery section, or go online to find some intriguingly different sweet or savory snacks to include alongside the usual Easter goodies.  

Jewelry

A cute pair of Easter- or spring-themed earrings, a pretty brooch to go on a spring sweater or jacket, or a floral necklace can be found at every price point. This is also a nice item to wrap for an extra-fun reveal on Easter morning. 

Socks

We all wear socks, so throw in a pair or two with a little extra pizzazz! Easter- or floral-themed socks for those who like a little whimsy; classy but colorful dress socks for those who prefer something more subtle. 

Toiletries

Everyone likes to feel pampered, so include a few small or travel-size toiletries, such as good quality lip balm or lip gloss, rich hand or foot cream, deep conditioner, shower bombs, individual facial masks, a solid perfume stick, or even a few non-consumables like a satin sleep mask, loofah sponge, good quality nail file or travel-size manicure set, or a pack of emery boards.

Candy

Shake it up a little with some variations on the usual Easter sweets: try an unusual flavor of jelly beans, like Sour Patch Kids or Dunkin' iced coffee. Instead of a chocolate bunny (which, let's face it, never gets eaten all the way before it gets tossed), try a bunny-shaped lollipop or cake pops. Instead of the usual marshmallow Peeps, try chocolate-covered Peeps, or marshmallow-flavored gummies, or marshmallow eggs. Go to a local candy store and see what kind of fun homemade spring sweet treats they have: popcorn balls with pastel M&Ms? Floral truffles? Individual bites of fudge wrapped in fancy paper? 

Small Games

Travel-sized board and card games are a great addition to the basket that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Opt for a classic like chess, checkers, cribbage, Yahtzee, or Uno, or try something less familiar you can all learn to play together, like Bananagrams, Dutch Blitz, Exploding Kittens, or The Chameleon.

Art/Writing Supplies

A calligraphy set, stickers, watercolor paints and brushes, construction paper, a sketch pad, colored pencils, modeling clay, craft scissors - these will all be hits with the more artistic set. For the less-artistic among us, a few good-quality pens, highlighters, Sharpies, or other writing utensils, as well as a  notebook, notepad, or Post-It notes will be much appreciated. 

Something Silly

No matter the age of your recipient, always be sure to include something silly.  Silly Putty, Slime, a set of finger puppets, a novelty keychain, light-up chopsticks, an inflatable musical instrument, a kazoo, whatever you find that's cheap and will make the recipient laugh. 

Bottom line? Think about the types of things the recipient like and likes to do, then try to find something from a few of these categories. Go to a local toy store, stationery store, department store, book store, grocery store, candy store, or party store and browse to see what catches your attention. Have fun shopping and they're sure to have fun receiving!