Easter baskets come in all shapes and sizes. There are animal-shaped caddies, personalized totes, and edible baskets made of chocolate. When I was a kid, our family had the tradition of decorating shoeboxes for Easter, with construction paper, stickers, and glitter—and that was back before recycling was a common thing!
No matter what kind of Easter basket you choose for your kids, why not put some meaningful thought into the things that go into them? Along with the traditional jellybeans and plastic eggs, think outside the box (or basket) and consider these 10 meaningful things to put in your kids’ Easter baskets.
1. Seeds to Plant Outdoors
Typically, Easter is the official mark of springtime, even as snowflakes continue to fall in certain parts of the world. To usher in the spring season, why not tuck bright packets of vegetable and flower seeds into your kids’ Easter baskets this year? Add a dollar-store watering can and some gardening gloves, and you’ll be well on your way to filling their baskets with things that will last far beyond Resurrection Sunday. In addition, here are some cool gardening projects for families—even if you don’t have a lot of space!
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
2. Inspirational Journal
Kids these days need a personal way to record their thoughts, pen their emotions, and jot down their creative ideas. Why not choose an inspirational Bible journal for their Easter basket, and encourage them to start writing?
Along with their inspirational journal, include a pack of colored pens or pencils, stickers, and bookmarks. Write a heartfelt message inside the cover, and know this will be a meaningful Easter gift that your children will cherish for many years to come.
*While many journals seem to be geared for girls, there are cool options for the boys in your house as well!
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
3. Bible Story Puzzle
Sometimes, kids are too distracted to focus on the true meaning of Easter. Thoughts of Easter-egg hunts and tons of candy often cloud their little minds. Even though parents and Sunday school teachers try their best to convey the Bible story, important facts about Jesus’ life may be missed.
That’s why a Bible story puzzle would make a great addition to your child’s Easter basket. Together as a family, you can fit the pieces together while recreating the scene of Jesus’ life. What a meaningful way to celebrate the Savior on Easter day!
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
4. Children’s Bible
When was the last time your child received their own Bible? Perhaps, they are still carrying around a toddler version, even though they are in grade school. Easter is a wonderful time to search for the perfect age-appropriate Bible for your kids. And, you can even have it personalized!
Take a look at this post revealing the best Bibles for kids according to their age.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
5. Christian DVDs
Kids love watching T.V., so why not make their viewing options more Christ-centered? While many families are switching over to streaming options in their home, DVD players still exist! Christian movies and Easter DVDs can make for meaningful gifts in their Easter basket— and be cost-effective.
Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 4:25
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/William Daigneault
6. Personalized Pillowcase
Eventually, the Easter egg hunts and candy binges must come to an end. New, fluffy pillows and personalized pillowcases would be a great way to end the day. Consider using fabric markers to design your own pillowcase, or order a personalized pillowcase to slip into your kids’ Easter baskets. (You could even use the pillowcase AS the Easter basket!)
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
7. Cross Necklace
Encourage your kids to display their Christian faith by including a cross necklace in their Easter basket. You can search for quality jewelry options, which can even be engraved, or opt for simple, inexpensive versions. Nonetheless, this gift will symbolize Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and encourage your kids to show others what they believe.
Here is a sand-art cross necklace that can be fun for your kids to assemble themselves!
I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 1:6 ESV
8. Easter Stamps
Most kids love arts and crafts. That’s why Easter stamps can be a fun addition to their baskets this year. Include a few card-making supplies, such as card stock and envelopes, and encourage your kids to make Easter cards for neighbors and friends. There are many rubber stamps and colorful ink pads to choose from, so get creative and let Easter become a neighborhood outreach!
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2
9. Easter Activity Books
Once the church service is over, and Easter dinner is through, your kids will need an activity to wind down the day. Activity books are the perfect choice for getting your kiddos to settle down and reflect on the true meaning of Easter.
By coloring, doing word puzzles, and reading Scripture verses about Easter, kids will hopefully end the day with more “Jesus” on their minds. Consider adding a few resurrection day stickers, and allow your kids the fun of recreating the Biblical Easter scene.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” Mark 16:5-6
10. Scripture Songs
Turn on the worship music this Easter by including a CD of Scripture songs in your kids’ Easter baskets. Not only are there many worship songs that are written from the Bible, there are specific songs that help your children memorize Scriptures. Take the CDs with you in the car and make it a family challenge to memorize the verses in the songs. This is one meaningful gift the whole family will enjoy.
Ultimately, Easter is so much more than baskets and egg hunts. It’s the celebration of the risen Savior. Make Easter extra meaningful this year, by pointing your kids towards Christ and sharing the best news of all—He is risen!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Liana Mikah
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.