30 Best Easter Basket Stuffers

I’m so over Easter baskets that are 90% sugar and 10% plastic junk that breaks by noon. Every year, I try to find stuffers that my kids will actually play with for more than five minutes. Things that are fun, maybe a little creative, and won’t just end up in a landfill next week.

So I spent the last few months testing, poking, and prodding dozens of potential basket fillers. I looked for quality, play value, and that little spark of joy. My kids gave their brutally honest opinions, too.

This is my list of the 30 best Easter basket stuffers for 2026. From the squishiest plush to brain-boosting toys, there’s something here for every bunny.

 

 

The Squishy & Cuddly Crew

You can’t have an Easter basket without something soft. These are the top-tier Easter stuffed animals we found, and they’re all perfectly sized to tuck in next to the eggs.

 

 

2026 Easter Squishmallows Squad

Let’s just get this out of the way. If you have a kid between 3 and 13, you need some Easter Squishmallows. The 2026 collection features a fluffy yellow chick named Pip and a tie-dye bunny named Bop that are ridiculously soft.

They come in a 5-inch basket-friendly size. My daughter immediately claimed Bop and has been sleeping with it ever since. They’re the standard, high-quality Squishmallows feel everyone loves.

 

 

Jellycat Bashful Bunny

Jellycat is a classic for a reason. The Bashful Bunny has long, floppy ears and a slightly weighted bottom so it can sit up on its own. It’s more of a traditional stuffed animal than a squishy plush.

It’s an heirloom-quality toy. We’ve had one for years that’s been through the washing machine a dozen times and still looks great. Perfect for a baby’s first Easter.

 

 

Squishables Mini Carrot

For something a little different, the Squishables Mini Carrot is hilarious and cute. It’s a 7-inch round, plush carrot with a sweet little embroidered face. It’s just as soft as the big brands and adds a pop of color to the basket.

 

 

Palm Pals Woolly Lamb

These little guys are designed to fit right in the palm of your hand. The Woolly Lamb is unbelievably soft, with a nubby texture and tiny little legs. It’s a great sensory toy and small enough to not take up much room.

 

 

For Toddlers & Little Kids

This age is all about discovery. I looked for toys that are durable, safe, and engaging for little hands and developing brains.

 

 

Green Toys Stacking Cups

Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, these things are indestructible. My toddler uses them in the bath, in the sandbox, and for stacking. They’re dishwasher safe and have no BPA or phthalates.

 

 

Hape Wooden Egg Shakers

These are a perfect alternative to plastic eggs. Each wooden egg in this trio makes a different sound. They’re beautifully painted with non-toxic, water-based paint and feel great in a little one’s hands.

 

 

Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Pad

No-mess painting is a parent’s dream. You just fill the chunky pen with water and “paint” on the pages to reveal colors and pictures. Once it dries, the color disappears and you can do it all over again. Perfect for car rides.

 

 

Indestructibles Books

You can’t rip them, and you can’t ruin them with drool. Indestructibles are thin, paper-like books that are waterproof and tear-resistant. The “Baby Animals” one is perfect for an Easter theme.

 

 

Munchkin Bath Bobbers

These are our go-to bath toys. The set includes a penguin and a polar bear that float and bob in the water. They are sealed tight, so you don’t have to worry about mold growing inside.

 

 

For Big Kids (Ages 5-10)

They’ve outgrown the baby stuff, but they still want something fun in their basket. These picks encourage creativity and getting outside.

 

 

LEGO Spring Animal Playground (40709)

This is a fantastic little LEGO set that doesn’t break the bank. It comes with a squirrel and a bird figure, a small treehouse, and a seesaw. My 7-year-old put it together in about 20 minutes and it’s been part of his LEGO city ever since.

 

 

Plus-Plus Mini Maker Tube

Plus-Plus blocks are these cool, interlocking puzzle-like pieces. A 70-piece tube is the perfect size for a basket. The pastel mix is great for spring, and kids can build 3D or 2D creations.

 

 

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Way better than slime. It doesn’t dry out, and it doesn’t make a huge mess. The small 2-inch tins are ideal for baskets. We like the “Super Scarab” color that shifts from blue to purple.

 

 

A Good Kite

Get them outside. A simple pocket kite, like the Prism Pocket Flyer, is a great choice. It comes in its own little pouch and requires no assembly. Just unpack and let the wind catch it.

 

 

Mad Libs

An old-school classic that never fails. The “Egg-cellent Easter Mad Libs” edition is hilarious and gets kids thinking about nouns, verbs, and adjectives without realizing they’re learning.

 

 

Creative & Crafty Stuffers

Give them something to make and do on a quiet afternoon. These are my favorite screen-free activities that fit perfectly in a basket.

 

 

Crayola Sidewalk Chalk Eggs

It’s sidewalk chalk shaped like big Easter eggs. It’s a simple idea, but kids go wild for it. The colors are bright and the egg shape is easy for little hands to hold.

 

 

Kinetic Sand Single Container

Kinetic Sand is mesmerizing stuff. It feels wet but it’s completely dry, and it holds its shape when you squish it. A single 6oz container in a spring color like green or pink is a perfect basket addition.

 

 

Klutz Mini Clay Critters Kit

This tiny box contains everything you need to make little clay animals like a pig or a bunny. It comes with polymer clay and a small instruction book. You just bake the finished critters in your oven to harden them.

 

 

Paint by Sticker Kids

This is like a paint-by-number, but with stickers. It’s surprisingly calming and great for fine motor skills. My son will sit and work on one of these for a solid 30 minutes, which is a miracle.

 

 

Wikki Stix

These are bendable, waxy sticks that you can shape into anything. They stick to paper and windows but peel off easily without leaving a mess. The small Rainbow Pak is great for travel and quiet time.

 

 

Practical (But Still Fun) Ideas

Sometimes the best gifts are things they actually need. But you can make them fun.

 

 

Woven Pear Socks

My kids love getting fun socks. Woven Pear makes super comfortable and durable socks with quirky designs like carrots, bunnies, and chickens. They’re a high-quality treat for their feet.

 

 

Zak Designs Kids Water Bottle

A new water bottle for spring sports or school is always a good idea. The Zak bottles with the pop-up straw are easy for kids to use and they don’t leak in a backpack. We’ve run ours through the dishwasher for a year and it’s held up great.

 

 

Babiators Sunglasses

These sunglasses for kids are nearly indestructible. The frames are made of a flexible rubber that you can bend and twist. And the best part? If you lose or break them in the first year, the company sends you a new pair for free.

 

 

South Beach Bubbles Wand

Forget those tiny bubble wands that spill everywhere. This kit creates massive, amazing bubbles. It comes with a wand and a concentrate you mix with water. It’s an activity the whole family can do in the backyard after Easter brunch.

 

 

And A Few More Faves…

Here are the last few items that earned a spot on our list.

 

 

Ooly Scented Glitter Gel Pens

These are a huge hit with the elementary school crowd. The ink flows smoothly, the glitter is super sparkly, and each color has a fruity scent. They make homework feel a little more fun.

 

 

Manhattan Toy Skwish Rattle

For the littlest bunnies, the Skwish is a perfect sensory toy. It’s made of smooth wood rods and elastic cords, so babies can “skwish” it down and watch it pop back up. The wooden beads slide and make a gentle rattling sound.

 

 

National Geographic Egg Dig Kit

My son got one of these last year and loved it. It’s a clay egg that you have to carefully excavate with the included tools to find a small dinosaur model inside. It’s messy, so do it outside, but it’s a huge amount of fun.

 

 

BumBumz Easter Collection

These are another popular choice in the world of Easter stuffed animals. BumBumz are floppy, beanbag-style plush that have a unique, slouchy feel. The spring collection often includes a cute lamb or duck.

 

 

Sun Catcher Paint Kit

A simple craft that delivers a great result. These little kits come with a plastic sun catcher shape (like a butterfly or flower) and a few small pots of translucent paint. Hang it in a window when you’re done.

 

 

How I Picked These Items

My main goal was to find things with staying power. I’m a parent, not just a reviewer, so I know the disappointment of a toy that’s forgotten by Monday. I looked for items made from good materials that could stand up to real play.

I also prioritized things that encourage creativity, outdoor time, or imaginative play. Whether it’s a set of Easter Squishmallows that become characters in a big adventure or a simple pack of chalk, the best toys are the ones that get used.

Ultimately, a great Easter basket isn’t about the quantity of stuff. It’s about a few well-chosen items that show you know your kid and what makes them light up. Hopefully, this list helps you find a few of those gems.