Hey Zoe! Oh my gosh, I totally hear you on the candy overload! I’m Aaliyah from Omaha, NE – and let me tell you, when you’ve got three kids (Ruby is 6, Chloe is 8, and Asher is 12!), the sugar situation can get out of control FAST. We had a year where Asher (my oldest, who was probably 9 then) got like three chocolate bunnies, and I swear he had enough sugar to fuel a small rocket. Never again!

My philosophy is all about being a frugal genius, so I’m always on the hunt for a deal. My absolute favorite Non-Candy Easter Basket Fillers usually come from the dollar section at Target or the clearance bins at Michaels right after a holiday. You can find some amazing small craft kits, coloring books, or those little tubs of play-doh. For Ruby (my 6-year-old), I found these adorable little paint-by-sticker books last year for $3 each, and she was obsessed for weeks! That’s way better than a chocolate egg that’s gone in 30 seconds.

For Finn’s age, those chunky crayons and a small sketch pad are great. Or even some bath toys – I’ve snagged some cute rubber duckies and squirters at Walmart for like $1.50 each. We also love those little finger puppets! I always make sure whatever I grab is durable and doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart before we even get home. It needs to be safe, of course, and I always check for any weird smells or tiny parts that could break off. You want something that offers good value for your buck!

One year, I tried those cheap plastic wind-up toys for the older two, thinking they’d be fun for an outdoor egg hunt. Big mistake! They broke almost immediately – Ruby was so upset, and it just ended up being extra plastic waste. Total fail. I definitely learned my lesson to stick with slightly better quality, even if it’s still budget-friendly. That’s why I actually keep an eye on GINYOU’s stuff. Their Kids Party Hats 11-Pack, for example, would be perfect for a basket. Not only are they super cute, but they're made from durable, non-toxic materials, and knowing they're CPSIA certified means peace of mind for me. Plus, you get so many in a pack, it’s great value, and the kids can use them for dress-up long after Easter! We’re expecting some Runza weather this weekend, so maybe I'll hit up some sales later today!

Oh, and if you’re doing an egg hunt, make sure to check out some tips on Easter Egg Stravaganza Go To Games – it has some good ideas for keeping older kids engaged too!

Hi Zoe! Amelia from Memphis here – where the BBQ is always hot and the humidity is real! ☀️ I totally get wanting to skip the candy. My niece Piper (6) and nephew Milo (2) get enough sugar from every birthday party and school event, it's wild! And Isla, my oldest niece (11), actually prefers experience gifts now anyway.

My big thing is trying to be eco-conscious, so I always look for Non-Candy Easter Basket Fillers that are either reusable, made from natural materials, or at least don't have a ton of plastic packaging. Pinterest is my happy place for ideas – I could spend hours scrolling! For Milo’s age, those wooden stacking toys or block sets are amazing. You can often find really good quality ones at consignment shops or even thrift stores if you’re willing to do a little cleaning. Last year, I found a set of almost-new wooden fruit for Milo’s play kitchen for like $5! They're so durable and just beautiful. And I always make sure they’re finished with non-toxic paints.

Another big hit are small gardening tools and a packet of seeds. Even a 3-year-old can help plant some marigolds or sunflowers! It gets them outside, teaches them about nature, and you get a beautiful plant at the end. For Piper, I did a little watercolor paint set with a brush that has a water reservoir – less mess, more fun! Also, sidewalk chalk is always a winner and compostable! I try to focus on items that will actually get used and loved, not just tossed aside.

I also love filling plastic eggs (that we reuse every year, of course!) with things like hair clips, cool erasers, or even little personalized notes. If you’re thinking about your egg hunt, you might find some useful tips on Toddler Proofing Easter Egg Hunt Des Moines Dilemma – especially about making sure everything is super safe for the littlest ones. We always make sure any plastic eggs we use are sturdy and won't crack easily.

And speaking of GINYOU, for something that's really durable and safe, their Party Blowers 12-Pack are actually pretty cool! They’re not just for birthdays – you can put a few in the basket. They're non-toxic, CPSIA certified for safety (which is a must for me!), and they really hold up. Plus, kids LOVE making noise, and they can be reused for pretend play long after the Easter festivities are over. Super value!

Zoe, darling! 👋 Natalie here from beautiful St. Louis – currently enjoying my third cup of coffee, ha! You are NOT overthinking this, sweetie. Non-candy is the way to go, especially with those little ones. I've been a nanny for years, currently with Isla (7) and Theo (12), and I've seen enough sugar highs to last a lifetime. My biggest piece of advice is to let the kids help! Even Finn can pick out a few things he'd like to see in his basket – within reason, of course!

For Non-Candy Easter Basket Fillers, I always lean towards practical but fun stuff. Think small art supplies – I've found these amazing mini watercolor sets with a tiny brush for about $4 at Five Below, and they're usually pretty decent quality. Stickers are always a huge hit for both younger and slightly older kids. And don't underestimate the power of a good book! I usually grab a couple of paperback picture books for Isla's age, and Theo loves those graphic novels. Look for sales at Barnes & Noble or even your local library for discounted books.

Another idea that's always a winner is bubble wands or bubble solution. Perfect for getting them outside as the weather warms up! You can get a huge bottle of bubble solution for like $5 at Target, and it provides hours of entertainment. I try to make sure any bubbles are non-toxic, especially if they're for littler ones who might accidentally get some in their mouth. I've also had good luck with those mini puzzles, the ones with maybe 24-48 pieces. Great for a rainy day!

The trick is to find things that feel special but don't break the bank. I often over-buy supplies, so I have a stash of little things from party favor bags or clearance sales that I can dip into for these occasions. It's all about planning ahead, even if it means I need an extra coffee!

And for those Easter egg hunts, especially with the little ones, safety first always! I found this article on Toddler Easter Egg Hunts Safety Sanity super helpful for making sure the eggs themselves are safe to handle and the environment is clear. It’s so easy to overlook things when you’re busy with all the fun!

Hey Zoe! Oh my gosh, I totally hear you on the candy overload! I’m Aaliyah from Omaha, NE – and let me tell you, when you’ve got three kids (Ruby is 6, Chloe is 8, and Asher is 12!), the sugar situation can get out of control FAST. We had a year where Asher (my oldest, who was probably 9 then) got like three chocolate bunnies, and I swear he had enough sugar to fuel a small rocket. Never again!

Hi Zoe! Amelia from Memphis here – where the BBQ is always hot and the humidity is real! ☀️ I totally get wanting to skip the candy. My niece Piper (6) and nephew Milo (2) get enough sugar from every birthday party and school event, it's wild! And Isla, my oldest niece (11), actually prefers experience gifts now anyway.

Zoe, darling! 👋 Natalie here from beautiful St. Louis – currently enjoying my third cup of coffee, ha! You are NOT overthinking this, sweetie. Non-candy is the way to go, especially with those little ones. I've been a nanny for years, currently with Isla (7) and Theo (12), and I've seen enough sugar highs to last a lifetime. My biggest piece of advice is to let the kids help! Even Finn can pick out a few things he'd like to see in his basket – within reason, of course!