{Practical & Purposeful} Easter Basket Filler Ideas

I’m pulling together some last-minute Easter ideas and I thought I would share my list with you. Thank goodness for Dollar Tree and free shipping!

When it comes to Easter basket filler ideas, I’m all about being purposeful with my gift giving, but keeping it practical at the same time.

During this time of the year, we run out of glue, pencils, etc. My kids seem to always need more toothpaste, hand soap, and Superhero band-aids. We all know that our kids run out of these essentials!

It got me thinking about an easy way to incorporate practical {cheap} gifts into each basket that are also purposeful in sharing the Easter story. I gathered up some essential items and whipped up a quick scripture printable to wrap them with. Download my Easter Basket Scripture Printable.

Fill that Easter basket with more than just candy. Add some purpose and practicality into your gift giving this year by giving gifts that remind them of God’s promises.

I want my children to find the Easter promise in their baskets.

You don’t have to fill Easter baskets with mindless toys. Kick the confetti grass to the curb and personalize them with practical, every day things that they can use. Make it fun and share the Easter story through the goodies in their basket. They will have a friendly reminder every time they use it. Who knows. Maybe they will even share it with a friend! Don’t leave the older siblings out. Scroll down for a list of items that can be useful to high school and college students.

1. Band Aids. You can never have too many of these on hand! Little ones love a good Superhero to cover up their boo boos, don’t they? If your kids are anything like mine, then you may catch them patching up their stuffed animals, too.  Add in some of my favorite vitamin C lollipops as a bonus treat!

“By His wounds, we are healed.” –Isaiah 53:5

2. Hygiene products. You can find about every scent in the entire world when looking at hand sanitizer now. And, they are not just for girls! Did you know that Bath & Body Works  has a Just for Men section?  Pop em’ in their school bag and send ’em on their way. Try adding in some fun flavored toothpaste and a toothbrush, scented hand soap, or other travel size toiletries.

Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”  –Psalm 51:7

 ^“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”   –Psalm 51:10

3. Travel Kleenex. Those mini travel Kleenexes are just too cute! We all know that our kids always need them for one reason or another. When they need to wipe away a tear or two, they will remember these promises:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” -Proverbs 17:22

“You have seen how many places I have gone. Put my tears in Your bottle.” -Psalm 56:8

4. Worship CDs/DVDs. What are your children’s favorite worship songs? Incorporate them into their personal quiet time or listen to them on the go. If you don’t know what your child’s music interests are, purchase a compilation CD with a variety of artists. There is a variety of Christian music for all ages.

• Wow Worship compilation
• Gawvi
• Sarah Reeves
• Kari Jobe
• Matthew West
• Social Club Misfits
• Rend Collective
• Lauren Daigle

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” -Psalm 98:4

5. Journal & Pens. Encourage quiet time with a prayer journal and some bright coloring pens. Do you remember passing notes with those milk pens?! Check out how we utilize a Mommy & Me prayer journal at home.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” -Joshua 1:8

6. Personal Bible & Devotional. There are so many bibles to choose from today. Grab a large print bible with a version that your child can easily understand and find one to match their personality. From soccer themed bibles, to pink princesses, there is one for every child. I love these kid-friendly CozyPhones earplugs for personal quiet time. Here are my favorites:

7. Bible Themed Activity Books. Get your crossword puzzles, coloring books, and other games here.

8. Easter Books

Check over here and see my must-have Easter book list. Check out my other Easter book review here. Add a new one every year to your library.  It’s the message at the end that tugs at my heart strings!

9. Flashlight. Do you remember falling asleep with the Lullaby Glo-Worm growing up? Help your child overcome the fear of the dark and grab a glow pet or flashlight friend to stuff into their baskets.

“You make my lamp bright. The Lord my God lights my darkness.” -Psalm 18:28

10. A Stuffed Animal. We all need a cuddle buddy. It’s all about the lamb here! Remind your wee ones that the Lord is their Shepard. Check out this stuffed sheep! It’s an aromatherapy pal filled with dried lavender to soothe your babe to bed.

“Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” -Psalm 23:4

11. Play dough/Silly Putty/Crafts/Decor. Build a bird house or purchase a pack of play dough. Get creative!

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” -Isaiah 64:8

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.”  -Psalm 139:14

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 

-2 Corinthians 5:17

12. Gardening Tools. Get dirty this spring by providing them with some tools to work alongside mom or dad in the garden. Get rid of the weeds and plant some new blooms.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

13. A Kite. Because it’s spring!

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

-Isaiah 40:31

14. Family Service Project. Sponsor a child or mark your calendar for a family mission trip. With busy schedules, set aside intentional time to be outreach-focused.

• Make a meal for a family in need
• Fill baskets with gifts to share at a local shelter
• Sponsor a child
• Commit to praying or financially supporting a missionary

15. Candy. Whether it’s organic or super unhealthy, a sweet treat is always a must!

“God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb” -Psalm 19:10

Got older siblings? Incorporate scripture with these ideas to create a college care package:

• survival kit
• worship CDs/DVDs
• bible or devotion
• topical books that spark their interest. {baking, how-to books, etc.}
• sports water bottle
•  gum
• gas gift card
• hair putty/gel {instead of play dough}
• pottery or art classes
• art supplies
• scripture artwork
• key chain flashlight
• hair cut gift certificates
• hygiene products
  • shaving cream
  • electric toothbrush
  • electric razor {Dare I say beard trimmer?!}

What do you like to include into your children’s Easter gift giving? I hope that your loved ones find the true meaning of Easter in their baskets.