Clutter-Free Easter Baskets
Ok, off the bat, I will say that I spend a lot of time thinking about Easter baskets, Christmas stockings, and birthday gifts. It’s my Roman Empire (well, one of them). I truly enjoy of picking out the perfect combination of items that will bring joy to my favorite little people, and honestly, I thought about this sort of thing long before I even had my own kids. What changed after having kids? Well, I also started to layer in the realities of a budget and wanting them to receive items I WANTED them to have, if that makes sense.
Clutter feels like my nemesis these days. We need to be organized to keep this family functioning and quite frankly, I’m sick of picking up little toys and/or sneaking them out into the trash in the dead of night :). Cue this year’s goal of making “clutter-free” Easter baskets. I will say- clutter is in the eye of the beholder. Clutter is the stuff you constantly find yourself picking up that never seems to make it back to where it goes- for me, currently, I’d say those items are hot wheels, crayons, doll clothes, hair clips, and an Encanto slap bracelet that we can NEVER EVER THROW AWAY.
So this year I focused on items in the following categories: Consumables (if it goes away, it won’t be in my house forever), things I would have bought anyways, and low-clutter activities.
Note: I know they WILL receive some cluttery gifts and I’m totally ok with that. Gift-giving is supposed to be fun and I’m not that big of a stick-in-the-mud, I’m just doing what I can to make my life a touch easier.
If you’re in the same boat, maybe this list will be helpful! These ideas are probably most relevant for the 3-6 age group, but I’ve included some favorites from earlier years as well!
Consumables:
Candy! The classic easter basket treat. A small chocolate bunny, mini m&ms , and the best jelly beans.
Animal Crackers Inexpensive and take up a good amount of space- this is an every year thing for us.
Bath Bombs. These ones do have a small toy inside, but it’s a key chain so it will go straight on the backpacks! Apparently that’s still cool :). These cute bunny shaped ones have no toy in the center- even better.
Chapstick- Lip Smackers are still around!
Temporary Tattoos- I splurged a little and got these tins from Tattly, but we’ve also had these cute ones from Ooly.
Non-Cluttery Activities:
Books! Claire will be receiving Buffalo Fluffalo, James is receiving Would You Rather?
Word Pop. This is a must-have for any rising Pre-K or Kindergartener on the cusp of learning to read! We have this and have loved it.
Flashlights- perfect for summer adventures!
Sidewalk Chalk- a cute egg-shaped set!
Ooly Gel Crayons - I love anything Ooly! I have purchased and repurchased these for gifts over and over and over.
Watercolors- I grabbed two of these large palettes, but a regular one works just as well and is very inexpensive!
Charades Game- no reading required!
Make-believe pads- I’m saving at least half for Christmas, since I bought the large pack, but they make smaller packs too!
Reusable water balloons - They sell this in all different sized packs- split up a pack for siblings!
Bubbles that are less likely to get dumped
Things I (You) Would Have Bought Anyways
Bathing Suits
Rash Guards- I got these Cat & Jack ones
Summer Shoes- The last few years my kids have been wearing mostly Natives, but also love Salt Water sandals, especially when they were littler (they are impossible to destroy, even if you walk into the ocean with them! And toddlers who like to rip their shoes off can’t get them off)
Slippers- Ok these are not a need, but these bunny ones are too cute to resist. We already have these and love them!
Pajamas- Amazon has informed me I’ve bought these exact pajamas 8 times (different sizes and colors)- they are my favorites! They are stretchy and soft like bamboo jammies, but thicker so they hold up wonderfully!
Bathrobe- This one is so cute and holds up really well!
Hooded Beach Towels- We don’t need any more but this is a fun, takes up space in that basket, and won’t end up on your floor every day
Goggles that don’t hurt or let the water in. Recommended by a swim teacher and we’ve been happy with them!
A cute hat for the beach
Collapsible Water Bottles - These are fun! And I’m sure we’ll be glad we have some extras this summer.
Sunscreen sticks- This won’t last all summer, but for whatever reason my kids love putting sunscreen on in stick form? I’ll take it. They’ll be happy to have their own sunscreen.
