Spring has finally — OK, almost — sprung! Which means Easter is right around the corner. Soon, there will be Easter baskets in the living room brimming with all sorts of hard-to-resist goodies, from chocolate peanut butter cups to Cadbury's eggs. (Mmmm, Cadbury's eggs …)
Then again, anyone who's got kids under 10 is well-acquainted with the chaos a sugar overload can bring on — especially during a family holiday. Isn't it super fun how a handful of jelly beans in the morning will suddenly turn those tiny angels into tiny monsters faster than mom can say "For the love of God, that's enough Sour Patch Kids!"
And who doesn't love when that basket of sugar-laden treats they bought winds up all over the house, like evidence to some kind of crime scene? Chocolate smushed into the living room rug, a handful of Skittles mysteriously shoved between couch cushions … Sigh.
So pick some non-candy options to throw in those Easter baskets. Things that will get kids outside — and away from those screens. Things that won't be a total buzzkill (even though they woke up expecting a mountain of candy). But most of all, things that won't cause them to run around Aunt Kathy's house on Easter Sunday like a maniac, because they've had way too much sugar. (Trust me, Aunt Kathy will appreciate it.) Read on for 40 candy-free Easter gifts kids will love. Oh, and best of all? They're all under $25! Which means no one has to break the bank playing the Easter Bunny. (Save that business for Santa.)
'It's Not Easy Being a Bunny' Book
For any 6-year-old who thinks life is tough now, just wait until they meet a bow tie-wearing rabbit named P.J. Funnybunny. P.J.'s sure life would be better if he was anything other than a bunny, so he sets off on a little adventure to become something else. Would things be more fun if he was a bird who could soar high above the clouds, or a pig who could roll through the mud, carefree?
In the end, this sweet little picture book teaches kids that it's OK to be who they are — in fact, it's way better!
It's Not Easy Being a Bunny ($5, Barnes & Noble)
Psst: If purchasing an item on this list, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Easter-Themed Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is one of those classic outdoor kids' activities that stands the test of time. Sure, maybe kids don't exactly play hopscotch anymore, but do they love drawing and doodling all over things they (technically) shouldn't? Oh yeah, they do! This Easter-themed set of six will give them plenty of color options to choose from so they can unleash their creativity all over the driveway.
JOYIN 18 Pieces Easter Sidewalk Chalk Set ($12, Amazon)
Animal Matching Memory Game
Memory-matching games never get old — kids love 'em, and adults … well, can't help but kind of love 'em, too. This wildlife-themed set comes with 16 wooden pieces, representing eight different sets of animals that kids can match up while learning about zebras, elephants, and more.
USATDD Wooden Memory Matching Game ($11, Amazon)
Emoji Window Cling Art Kit
For emoji-obsessed kiddos, these colorful window clings are the coolest. The kit comes with seven tubes of colorful glitter, which kids can use to decorate each window cling in their own special way. Then watch as they arrange and rearrange them wherever they like, letting the sun shine through each pretty color.
Creativity for Kids Emoji Window Art ($16, Amazon)
'The Don't Laugh Challenge' Joke Book
Perfect for the middle schooler who loves to throw sick burns. OK, make that G-rated knock-knock jokes. Kids will love reading this hilarious Easter joke book aloud to the family, and seeing who cracks a smile first.
The Don't Laugh Challenge Easter Edition ($11, Barnes & Noble)
Lego Holiday Easter Egg Kit
What tiny LEGO fanatic wouldn't be psyched to open a brand new set on Easter morning? This one comes with two figurines, a mini hen house, a vegetable garden with a secret compartment, and so much more for mom and dad to step on! (I kid … only kinda.)
Lego Holiday Easter Hunt Building ($9, Amazon)
Easter Egg Matching Set
For kids just learning their colors and shapes, this egg matching game will help them flex those developmental skills, and have fun while they're at it. The plastic eggs are easy for little hands to grip and maneuver (and are durable enough not to break when they inevitably sail one across the room).
Kidzlane Color-Matching Egg Set ($18, Amazon)
'Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure' Picture Book
Ever wonder how the Easter Bunny manages to hop from house to house each year, doling out candy without any help? Spoiler alert: He doesn't! Even the Easter Bunny needs an extra hand sometimes, and in this fun-filled tale, Pete the Cat wakes up one day to learn the Easter Bunny needs his help. Kids will love reading all about Pete's holiday adventures — and really love that the book comes with bonus stickers and a poster.
Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure Picture Book ($9, Barnes & Noble)
Easter Egg Bath Bombs
Make bath time even more fun, with this Easter-themed set of six bath bombs. Each one has its own signature scent — from green apple and cotton candy to cocoa kiss!
Eggs Kid Bath Bomb Gift Set ($20, Amazon)
'Drawing Pad for Kids' Easter Edition
Got some budding Picassos in the fam? Let them unleash their creativity in all sorts of ways with this kid-friendly drawing book that encourages coloring, sketching, and doodling.
Drawing Pad for Kids (Easter Edition) ($8, Barnes & Noble)
Easter Flyer Toys
These fun Easter flyer toys will get kids outside and into the sunshine. Encourage a fun game of catch or just see how far they can throw one in the backyard. They're safe to play inside, too, as they're made of soft foam, so they make gentle landings wherever they fall.
Easter Flyers Bunny Perfect Baskets ($13, Amazon)
Wooden Name Puzzles
These personalized wooden puzzles are part toy, part keepsake in one. Kids will love learning how to spell their names with colorful letter blocks, but even when it's not in use, it doubles as a display piece in the nursery. The best part, though? There's an option to engrave a message on the back of each one, which adds a personal touch that will be sweet to look back on years from now.
Wooden Name Puzzles (from $20, PageBrookMarket/Etsy)
'Easter Eggstravaganza Mad Libs'
Oh, Mad Libs. Will they ever go out of style? (Answer: Nope.) This Easter edition will keep kids entertained for hours with its silly Easter-themed fill-in-the-blank stories made for laughs.
Easter Eggstravaganza Mad Libs ($5, Barnes & Noble)
Easter Egg Crayons
There's nothing like a fresh box of crayons. And there's really nothing like a fresh box of these crayons, which come in bright colors and fun Easter egg shapes. Each one is handmade from 100 percent nontoxic wax, making them totally safe for little artists.
Easter Egg Crayons ($8, KagesKrayons/Etsy)
Skip Hop Zoo Kids Insulated Bunny Lunchbox
Say goodbye to boring brown lunch bags. This bunny-shaped lunchbox is super cute and super convenient, with its many roomy compartments, insulated pockets, and machine-washable material that makes it easy to clean. Its top handle hooks on to any backpack, too, which makes it even easier for little ones to keep track of when they're going to and from school.
Skip Hop Zoo Kids Insulated Bunny Lunchbox ($15, Amazon)
Wooden Easter Bunny Toy
Hop to it! These adorable wooden bunnies are perfect for babies and toddlers who are just starting to grasp the concept of push toys, and are working on their motor skills. Each one is handmade using poplar and maple wood, and carefully painted with nontoxic finishes.
Wooden Easter Bunny Toy ($10, MarilouCreations/Etsy)
Stuffed Bunny Rabbit
Talk about the perfect springtime lovey! These sweet bunny rabbits are handmade and truly one-of-a-kind. Each one is stuffed with fluffy fiberfill and sewn together with a super soft pastel fabric, and is purposely made without any facial features or small parts, which eliminates the risk of choking hazards.
Stuffed Bunny Rabbit ($6, Stitchcrafty4u/Etsy)
Cozy Fleece Memory Foam Bunny Slippers
Who wouldn't love a pair of comfy slippers to slip into on Easter morning? (No one, that's who!) These fuzzy little foot treats have a soft rubber sole and a memory foam insole, which makes them super comfy, but also supportive.
Cozy Fleece Memory Foam Bunny Slippers (from $17, Amazon)
Dinosaur Building Blocks in Easter Eggs
Got a kid who's a big fan of the prehistoric era? Trust me, they'll get a major kick out of this fun dinosaur set, which features four different jumbo Easter eggs filled with building blocks inside. Kids can use their minds to assemble each one — from the ferocious T-Rex to the high-flying pterodactyl.
Dinosaur Building Blocks in Easter Eggs ($16, Amazon)
Garden Pot Craft Kit
Pass on that green thumb early (or at least, avoid passing on that black thumb) with a DIY potted planter kit. Each set comes with colorful foam stickers kids can apply to give their plant a custom look. Plus, the pots are made from paper mache, meaning they're 100% biodegradable.
Garden Pot Craft Kit ($8, Amazon)
Grow n' Glow Terrarium
This all-in-one kit allows kids to build their own terrarium in a jar, and then watch with wonder and amazement as it grows. It teaches patience and responsibility, as kids water it themselves and see nature take over before their eyes. Translucent glow-in-the-dark stickers make things even more fun, since they can peek inside at night, even after the lights go out.
Grow n' Glow Terrarium ($15, Amazon)
Easter Egg Puzzle
For kids who love a good brain-teaser, this Easter-themed jigsaw puzzle will keep them busy for hours (or at least until Easter dinner is ready). The 30-piece set features big pieces that are easy for tiny hands to grab and maneuver as they figure out which one goes where.
Easter Egg Puzzle ($13, Amazon)
Sequin Bunny Ears
Forget floral Easter dresses and pastel-pink cardigans — the real showstopper on Easter Sunday will be this sequinned pair of bunny ears. (If that doesn't make a style statement at family dinner, I don't know what will.)
Sequin Bunny Ears ($6, Target)
Fuzzy Fleece Bunny Socks
Keep toes cozy warm all Easter weekend with these adorable fleece slipper socks. Their whimsical bunny ears and adorable little "faces" give them a quirky style kids will love.
Fuzzy Fleece Bunny Socks ($13, Amazon)
Classic Birdhouse Kit
One of the best parts about spring is the fact that the birds are out and happily chirping. (Of course, the warm, sunny days and blooming flowers don't hurt, either.) That's exactly why this DIY birdhouse will be a gift that keeps on giving — kids will have a blast painting it in their own way, but have even more fun watching as birds discover it and set up a nest inside.
Classic Birdhouse Kit ($10, Target)
Stop Motion Claymation Kit
Now this is cool. For kids who love getting lost in stories — and think movies are just about the coolest thing ever — this claymation kit is right up their alley. It'll teach them all about the art of DIY animation, which they can use to make their own feature via a smartphone app.
Stop Motion Claymation Kit ($20, Uncommon Goods)
Easter Character Bubbles
Bubbles are always a crowd-pleaser. And these adorable bubble kits are no exception! With their silly bunny heads and springtime colors, they've got a sweet Easter theme that makes them the perfect addition to any Easter basket.
Easter Character Bubbles ($5, Oriental Trading Company)
Jellycat Bashful Bunny
Doesn't this sweet little bunny just look like he was made to be cuddled? His super plush body and long, floppy ears make him perfect for squeezing and holding close before bed, which is why kids love having him as their constant companion, long after Easter's over.
Jellycat Bashful Bunny ($23, Amazon)
Lip Smacker Easter Trio Egg
Lip Smacker + Skittles candy = what's not to love?! This three-pack of lip balms comes inside its own Easter egg, making it perfect for sticking inside baskets on Easter morning. (And hey, if they can't actually eat a bag of Skittles, this is the next best thing, amiright?)
Lip Smacker Easter Trio Egg ($5, Lip Smacker)
Free Play Magnetic Tablet
Can't seem to tear those kids away from their iPads? This magnetic tablet will do the trick. Watch as they draw and doodle with a magnetic pen, creating shapes, scenes, and more. It'll keep them busy for hours — and best of all, there are no screens at all! (Talk about some old-school fun.)
Free Play Magnetic Tablet ($22, Uncommon Goods)
Wooden Nesting Rabbit Family
This sweet bunny "family" is like a mini puzzle for kids, made from three wooden blocks that nest together to create a heartwarming scene. Let kids arrange and rearrange them, use them to role play, or turn the into a decor piece when not in use.
Wooden Nesting Rabbit Family (from $16, WoodenJoyToy/Etsy)
Fidget Blocks
For kids with ADHD or other fidgeting problems, this endlessly fascinating set of fidget blocks might be just the trick to keep those busy minds — and hands — focused. Watch as they twist and turn the blocks to form new shapes, animals, and more, with seemingly never-ending configurations. Inspired by Tangrams, which were two-dimensional puzzles created in ancient China, these simple yet inspiring blocks are both fun and educational.
Fidget Blocks ($16, Uncommon Goods)
Little Live Pets Hatching Surprise Chick
Kids will be on the edge of their seats (and their best behavior) waiting for their little chick to hatch. Once the egg cracks open and the baby hops out, kids can pet them gently as they chirp and sing. (The more affection they get, the more lively they get!)
Little Live Pets Hatching Surprise Chick ($11, Target)
Elmer's Color Slime Kit
The slime craze ain't over yet, folks. (Sorry.) But this colorful glitter set sure makes things fun, with relatively easy clean-up. The glue itself is safe, nontoxic, and easily washable, while the glitter gives the slime a cool look that'll shimmer in the light as kids stretch and pull it apart.
Elmer's Color Slime Kit ($10, Amazon)
Glow-in-the-Dark Unicorn Putty
Another craze that isn't going anywhere any time soon? Unicorns! This colorful ball of putty is a fun alternative to the slime-making kit (and, potentially, a lot less messy) — but kids will still love kneading and stretching it just as much.
Glow-in-the-Dark Unicorn Putty ($10, Uncommon Goods)
Easter Bunny Rabbit Ears Ring Toss
Got a bunch of kids coming over for Easter? This inflatable ring toss game will definitely keep them entertained (and soften the blow that they're not getting any candy this year). But who are we kidding? Adults will love this game just as much, as it creates a fun party atmosphere wherever it goes.
Faburo Easter Bunny Rabbit Ears Ring Toss ($10, Amazon)
Bunny Water Squirters
The next best thing to water guns? Water squirters! These adorable little bunnies are perfect for little hands to hold, whether they're playing with them in the bath or in the backyard.
Bunny Water Squirters ($7, Amazon)
Design Your Own Kite
April may often bring plenty of rain showers, but it also brings gusty spring winds perfect for kite-flying. This DIY kite set lets little ones color it in and design it however they like before taking it out into the open air.
Color Your Own Unicorn Kite ($10, Oriental Trading)
'Guess How Much I Love You' Bunny & Book Set
This classic children's tale, of the love between Little Nutbrown Hare and his father, Big Nutbrown Hare, has been a family favorite for decades. Add on this matching stuffed bunny, and it's an unforgettable gift set that'll make story time even better.
Guess How Much I Love You, Bunny & Book ($16, Barnes & Noble)
Hatchimals Walkie Talkies
These kid-friendly walkie talkies will encourage little imaginations to run wild. Watch as kids hatch "secret" plans and dream up big adventures from room to room with these handheld talkies, that house hidden baby chicks inside.
Hatchimals Walkie Talkies ($15, Target)
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