60+ Safe & Adorable Easter Basket Ideas for Babies
Did you know that nearly 80% of American families celebrate Easter? Your baby's first Easter is a milestone worth celebrating—even if they won't remember unwrapping those adorable bunny-themed gifts. As a mom of 5, I've filled countless Easter baskets. I remember my daughter's first Easter at six months old—we were excited, but then panic set in: What do you put in an Easter basket for someone who can't eat candy, doesn't understand toys, and mostly just wants to chew everything?
Creating the perfect Easter basket doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether shopping for a newborn or curious 11-month-old, this guide offers safe, developmental, and genuinely useful gifts. From sensory-stimulating toys to practical items parents will actually appreciate (much like what you'd find on a thoughtful baby registry checklist), these Easter basket ideas for babies go way beyond plastic eggs and chocolate bunnies.
And if you're looking for more seasonal fun as your little one grows, check out our collection of Easter crafts for kids for year-round creative inspiration.
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
Easter Basket Ideas for Babies
Best Easter Basket Toys for Babies by Age
For Newborns (0-3 months)
These tiny humans are still figuring out that the world exists beyond eating and sleeping. High-contrast black and white toys are absolute winners at this stage. The Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile costs around $15 and keeps babies' attention way better than pastel rattles.
Newborn Easter basket ideas:
One or two soft rattles with different sounds
A small lovey or security blanket (the Aden + Anais ones are well-made)
A teething toy for future use (Sophie the Giraffe is classic for a reason)
A soft bunny with embroidered features instead of button eyes
For 3-6 Month Babies
Babies this age are developing hand-eye coordination and understanding cause and effect. They're also probably beginning to teethe, so teething toys are essential. The Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys are amazing because you can freeze them for sore gums (around $4).
3-6 month basket ideas:
2-3 different textured teething toys
A crinkle book with Easter or spring themes
Soft stacking rings they can grab and mouth
A small mirror toy (babies love looking at themselves)
Bath toys like rubber ducks or squirting animals
For 6-9 Month Babies
These babies actually interact with their toys. They're sitting independently, many are crawling, and they're showing preferences. Stacking cups are the MVP of baby toys. The Munchkin Caterpillar Spillers are perfect because they stack, pour water, and work as bath toys—all for about $5. They'll use these until age two.
6-9 month basket essentials:
Stacking cups or nesting toys
1-2 bath toys (Munchkin bath squirts are classic)
A simple musical toy or rattle
Board books with touch-and-feel elements
Large textured balls for rolling and grasping
Soft blocks they can knock over
For 9-12 Month Babies
You're basically shopping for a tiny toddler at this point. They need toys that challenge their developing problem-solving skills. Shape sorters are perfect for this stage. The Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle is easier than traditional shape sorters and costs about $10.
9-12 month basket must-haves:
A shape sorter or simple puzzle
Board books with interactive elements
Bath crayons or bath toys
Small push or pull toys
Nesting blocks or soft building toys
Textured balls for throwing practice
Practical Easter Basket Fillers Parents Will Love
Can I just say that practical Easter basket fillers are where it's at? Like, yeah, toys are cute and all, but you know what I actually got excited about? The things I was gonna have to buy anyway.
Seasonal Clothing
Easter-themed onesies are absolutely adorable and they're not super expensive. Carter's usually has them for $8-12. My favorite was this onesie that said "Some Bunny Loves Me"—cheesy but so cute in photos. The key is buying them in the next size up so they'll actually fit when Easter rolls around.
Bonnets and sun hats are practical for spring too. Babies need sun protection and those wide-brimmed hats with the chin straps are perfect for Easter photos and regular use.
Try these clothing items:
1-2 onesies in the next size up
A sun hat with UV protection
A spring romper or bubble suit
Bunny ear headband for photos (so cute)
Soft booties or sandals for warmer weather
A lightweight jacket or cardigan
Baby Care Essentials
I love including organic diaper cream in Easter baskets because it's something you use every single day. The Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is around $10 and it works so much better than the regular stuff. Bath products are great too—the California Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash is like $15 but a little goes a long way.
Consider these care items:
Organic diaper cream or balm
Gentle baby lotion or oil
Natural shampoo and body wash
Soft hooded towels with bunny ears
Baby nail care kit
Teething gel or natural teething tablets
Feeding Accessories
Silicone bibs are game-changers because they catch everything and you can just rinse them off. The Bumkins SuperBib is around $10 and comes in tons of cute patterns including Easter themes. The ezpz Mini Mat is expensive at $25 but it literally suctions to the table or high chair tray so babies can't throw it. Worth every penny when you're tired of cleaning sweet potato puree off the walls.
Here's what to include:
1-2 silicone bibs in fun colors
A suction bowl or divided plate
Soft-tipped spoons (get several, they disappear mysteriously)
A sippy cup or straw cup
Reusable food pouches for homemade purees
A placemat with Easter designs
Milestone Cards and Photo Props
The Pearhead Milestone Cards are around $12 and include cards for all the major firsts. They make Easter photos way cuter and more memorable. I went a little overboard with photo props for my daughter's first Easter, not gonna lie. I had the backdrop, the bunny stuffed animals arranged just so, the perfect outfit... and she cried through the whole thing. But we got one good shot and that's all that matters, right?
If you're planning a special photo session for baby's first Easter, these props will help you capture those precious memories.
Photo-worthy additions:
Milestone cards for "First Easter"
Chalkboard or letterboard for custom messages
Bunny ear headband or costume
Easter-themed monthly stickers
A nice picture frame for Easter photos
Background blanket or backdrop for photos
Books About Easter and Spring
Board books are indestructible (mostly) and babies this age love looking at pictures and hearing your voice. "Pat the Bunny" is a classic that every baby needs—it's only about $7 and it's been around since 1940 for good reason. I try to add at least two books to every Easter basket because books are never a waste.
Book recommendations:
"Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt
"The Tale of Peter Rabbit" board book version
"Spot's First Easter" by Eric Hill
"Happy Easter, Mouse!" by Laura Numeroff
"Little Blue Truck's Springtime" by Alice Schertle
"Llama Llama Easter Egg" by Anna Dewdney
Everyday Useful Items
Pacifier clips keep pacis from hitting the ground every five seconds. The Mam Clip is only like $5 and it attaches to any pacifier. Game changer for when you're out and about. Burp cloths, washcloths, changing pad covers—these all make sensible fillers that add bulk to the basket without adding junk.
Try these everyday items:
2-3 pacifier clips in different colors
A teething necklace for mom to wear
Extra burp cloths or muslin cloths
Diaper bag clips or stroller organizer
Baby sunglasses (mostly for photos but also practical)
Sensory and Developmental Easter Basket Ideas
Sensory and developmental toys sound all fancy and educational, but really they're just toys that help your baby learn while they play. And honestly? Babies learn from everything at this age.
Textured Sensory Balls
I didn't realize how important different textures were until I watched my daughter literally spend 20 minutes just touching and examining a bumpy ball. The Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set is perfect, and the Oball is like $5, comes in tons of colors, and babies can grip them super easily because of all the holes.
Best sensory ball options:
Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set ($10)
Oball Classic ($5)
Edushape Sensory Balls 4-pack ($12)
Wooden Teethers and Natural Rubber Toys
These are safer than plastic, more eco-friendly, and they just look nicer. Plus wood has natural antibacterial properties which is pretty cool. The Calmies Teether is made from maple wood and it's only about $10. Sophie the Giraffe is $25 which seems crazy for a baby toy, but she's been around since 1961 and babies are obsessed with her.
Try these natural options:
Wooden teething rings or bracelets
Natural rubber teething toys
Organic cotton teethers filled with cherry pits
Maple wood rattles
Beechwood grasping toys
Silicone and wood combination teethers
Sound-Making Toys
When babies shake a rattle and hear the sound, they're learning that their actions have results. It's actually pretty amazing to watch them figure this out. I learned the hard way not to get toys that are TOO loud. We received a toy drum that was legit painful to listen to and I "accidentally" lost it after like a week.
Sound toy suggestions:
Traditional rattles in different shapes
Egg shakers (perfect for Easter)
Maracas designed for babies
Rain sticks or calm-down bottles
Toys with crinkle sounds inside
Simple xylophones with safe mallets
Visual Stimulation Items
Babies can't see all colors well until around 3-4 months, so high-contrast items are super beneficial. "Baby Faces" by DK is amazing because babies are naturally drawn to faces. It's around $6 and it's got simple, high-contrast photos of babies making different expressions.
Visual development items:
High-contrast pattern books
Baby-safe mirrors (plastic, not glass)
Books with bold, simple images
Pop-up books for older babies
Fabric books with different patterns
Light-up toys that respond to touch
Tummy Time Essentials
Tummy time helps build neck and shoulder strength, but let's be real—most babies hate it at first. Water mats are genius for tummy time. The Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat is only about $12 and babies are mesmerized by the floating toys inside.
Tummy time helpers:
Supportive pillows or loungers
Water play mats
Mirrors at baby's eye level
Crinkle books to look at
Textured mats with different zones
Small toys to reach for
Water Play Toys for Bath Time
Most babies have to bathe every day anyway, so you might as well make it fun. The Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles are classic bath toys that are only like $5. Stacking cups work for bath time too—my daughter would stack them, knock them down, fill them with water, pour them out... endless entertainment.
Bath time favorites:
Floating toys in different shapes
Stacking cups that pour water
Squirt toys (rubber ducks are classic)
Bath crayons for older babies
Foam letters or numbers for the tub
Water wheels that stick to the wall
DIY and Homemade Easter Basket Ideas for Babies
I love DIY projects but I'm also realistic about my time and skill level. Pick what works for you and don't stress about the rest. For more hands-on activities, check out our guide to Easter crafts for babies and toddlers.
Creating Personalized Soft Books with Family Photos
This is easier than it sounds and babies absolutely love looking at pictures of familiar faces. You can buy a fabric photo album on Amazon for like $10-15 that's specifically designed for babies. Just print out photos of family members, pets, and your baby herself (babies love looking at themselves).
Steps for a photo book:
Choose 6-10 family photos showing clear faces
Print on photo paper or fabric transfer sheets
Use a soft photo album OR create fabric pages
Add ribbons or tags for extra sensory elements
Make sure everything is securely attached
Laminate photos if using a homemade version
Handmade Sensory Bottles
These are so cool and they're actually pretty easy to make. You just need clear plastic bottles, various filler items, and super glue to seal them shut. I made spring-themed sensory bottles for Easter using small clear bottles from the travel section at Target. The key is making sure the bottles are completely sealed so babies can't open them.
For Easter themes, try filling bottles with:
Pink and yellow water beads in water
Pastel pom poms and rice
Glitter and water with food coloring
Small plastic eggs and beans
Silk flowers and clear oil
Sequins and hair gel (moves slowly)
DIY Teething Toys Using Food-Grade Silicone Beads
The Chewbeads DIY Kit comes with different shaped beads and it's idiot-proof, which I appreciated. You just string the beads onto the cord and attach the clasp. It takes maybe 15 minutes. Make sure any DIY teething jewelry is the right length—no longer than 12 inches to prevent strangulation risk.
Easter color combos that look cute:
Pink, yellow, and white alternating
Pastel rainbow pattern
Green and pink for spring
All white with one pop of color
Wood beads mixed with silicone
Fabric Scrap Sensory Tags and Ribbon Blankets
Every baby I know is obsessed with tags on clothes and blankets for some reason. So why not make that the whole toy? I made one using leftover fabric from other projects and various ribbons I had lying around. It took maybe an hour and cost basically nothing. My daughter dragged that thing everywhere for months.
Tag blanket tips:
Use 8-12 different ribbons
Include some with patterns or textures
Make sure ribbons aren't longer than 8 inches
Double stitch everything for safety
Wash before giving to baby
Add a crinkly material inside for sound
Easter Basket Keepsakes and Memory Items
Here's where I get a little emotional—keepsakes and memory items. These are the things you'll treasure forever, long after the toys are donated and outgrown.
Personalized Easter Baskets
Instead of buying cheap plastic baskets every Easter, get one nice one that becomes part of your family tradition. I found my daughter's basket at Pottery Barn Kids on sale for $25 (regular price is like $40). It's a wicker basket with her name embroidered on the liner. We've used it for three Easters now and it still looks great.
Personalization options:
Embroidered name on basket liner
Printed name on canvas tote
Monogram on wicker basket
Hand-painted wooden basket
Iron-on name on fabric basket
Personalized basket liner you can swap out
Handprint and Footprint Kits
Babies' hands and feet are only this tiny for such a short time. The Pearhead Babyprints Wall Frame Kit is around $20 and it comes with everything you need. I actually messed up our first attempt because I didn't press hard enough and the print was too shallow. Do a practice one first if you can.
Handprint/footprint ideas:
Frame-ready clay impression kits
Ornament kits for hanging on the tree
Canvas prints with paint (messy but fun)
Ink-free impression kits for newborns
Salt dough painted in Easter colors
Clay impressed into Easter egg shapes
First Easter Ornaments and Photo Frames
Hallmark has a whole line of "Baby's First Easter" ornaments that are around $15-20. I've found that the best keepsake frames are ones that include the year, because otherwise you forget when it was. Trust me, three years later you're like "wait, was that 2023 or 2024?"
Ornament and frame options:
Hallmark Baby's First Easter ornaments
Personalized photo frames with year
Hand-painted ornaments from Etsy
Clay hand/foot impression ornaments
Picture frame ornament combos
DIY painted ornaments
Growth Charts with Easter Bunny or Spring Themes
You mark your child's height at each Easter and watch them grow over the years. I got a wooden growth chart from Etsy for $35 that has a bunny at the bottom and marks up to 6 feet. She's not old enough to appreciate it yet but I know she will someday.
Growth chart options:
Wooden growth charts (most permanent)
Fabric hanging growth charts (portable)
Canvas growth charts (cute but less durable)
DIY painted wood charts
Paper growth charts (cheapest option)
Growth chart picture frames
Edible Easter Basket Ideas for Babies (Age-Appropriate)
This is where Easter baskets get tricky for babies. Traditional Easter candy is obviously a no-go, but there are some age-appropriate edible options depending on your baby's age and what solids they're eating.
Baby Food Pouches in Fun Spring Flavors
I love the Plum Organics pouches because they come in interesting flavor combinations and they're organic. They're usually around $1-1.50 each, so you could include 3-4 in the Easter basket without breaking the bank. Spring flavors like "Strawberry Banana" or "Peach" feel more Easter-appropriate.
Pouch suggestions:
Fruit-based pouches for babies 6+ months
Veggie and fruit combinations
Pouches with yogurt for babies 8+ months
Grain and fruit pouches for texture
Stage-appropriate based on baby's eating
Organic options when possible
Teething Wafers and Puffs
The Happy Baby Organic Teething Wafers come in a pack of 12 for around $5. They dissolve easily and come in flavors like "Strawberry" and "Blueberry." Gerber Lil' Crunchies are available in a "Strawberry" flavor that's pink—close enough to Easter colors.
Snack options:
Teething wafers in fruit flavors
Puffs in containers you can decorate
Rice rusks for teething babies
Freeze-dried fruit for older babies
Baby crackers in Easter packaging
Yogurt melts in spring flavors
Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks in Easter Colors
Brothers-All-Natural Freeze-Dried Fruit Crisps are amazing—they're literally just freeze-dried fruit with no added sugar or anything. The strawberry ones are red/pink which works for Easter. Just be aware that freeze-dried fruit can be a choking hazard for younger babies. These are better for babies 9+ months who are confident with finger foods.
Freeze-dried options:
Strawberries (pink for Easter)
Raspberries (pretty red color)
Blueberries (purple-ish)
Mango (yellow/orange)
Mixed fruit combinations
Yogurt melts in berry flavors
Baby-Safe Yogurt Melts and Cheese Puffs
The Happy Baby Organic Yogurt & Fruit Snacks are like little melts that come in strawberry and banana flavors. They're around $3 per bag. Gerber Graduates Lil' Crunchies are basically baby cheese puffs—they're very popular and babies are obsessed with them.
Melts and puffs:
Yogurt melts in fruit flavors
Cheese puffs/crunchies
Baby puffs in various flavors
Veggie puffs for variety
Fruit and veggie combined puffs
Organic options preferred
Budget-Friendly Easter Basket Ideas for Babies
Listen, Easter baskets do NOT need to be expensive. I've put together amazing baskets for under $20 total, and the babies were just as happy as if I'd spent $100.
Dollar Store Finds
I was skeptical at first, but Dollar Tree has stepped up their baby game in recent years. I've found board books at Dollar Tree that are perfectly fine quality for $1.25 each. They also have plastic eggs that are great for filling with puffs or small toys. Just wash them really well before using.
Dollar store wins:
Board books ($1.25 each)
Plastic Easter eggs (12 for $1.25)
Bath toys and rubber ducks
Sippy cups and snack containers
Bibs and feeding spoons
Easter grass and basket filler
Repurposing Household Items
Wooden spoons from your kitchen make great toys for babies. They're safe to chew on, they make noise when banged together, and they're free. I literally gave my daughter a set of wooden spoons tied with a ribbon and she played with them for months. Measuring cups and plastic food storage containers are also perfect baby toys.
Household items to use:
Wooden spoons as teethers/toys
Measuring cups for nesting
Plastic containers with lids
Fabric scraps for sensory play
Cardboard boxes for discovery
Mason jar lids (for older babies only)
Shopping Off-Season Sales for Next Year's Basket
I buy Easter stuff in April when it's 75% off and save it for the next year. Target's Easter clearance is legendary. I've gotten baskets for $2, books for $1, toys for $3—all good quality stuff. Just make sure if you're buying clothes to size up appropriately.
Off-season shopping tips:
Shop Easter sales in late April
Buy one size up for clothing
Stock up on decorations
Get baskets when they're cheap
Buy books year-round on sale
Keep a list of needed items
DIY Alternatives to Expensive Boutique Items
Instead of a $30 personalized Easter basket liner from Pottery Barn, make one yourself. Get a $5 basket from Michaels, some fabric from Joann's ($8), and either hand-sew or use iron-on letters for the name. Total cost: $18 and it's truly personalized.
DIY saves:
Make your own basket liner
Create felt food and shapes
Sew simple soft toys
Make sensory bottles
DIY teething necklaces
Handmade fabric books
Free Printables for Easter Decorations
You just need a printer and you can have adorable Easter decorations and activities for the cost of printer paper and ink. Pinterest is full of free Easter printables. Just search "free Easter printables for babies" and you'll find tons.
Free printable ideas:
Easter egg decorations to tape on
Milestone cards for photos
Easter bunny masks
Banner decorations
Coloring pages for siblings
Gift tags for the basket
Themed Easter Basket Ideas for Baby's First Easter
Themes make Easter baskets look more put-together and they're honestly easier to shop for. Instead of randomly grabbing stuff, you have a direction.
Classic Bunny Theme
For a bunny basket, start with a plush bunny as the centerpiece. Jellycat makes gorgeous bunnies that are around $20-30 but they're so soft and well-made. Add bunny books like "Pat the Bunny" ($7), "Goodnight Moon" ($9), and "The Runaway Bunny" ($7).
Bunny basket essentials:
1-2 plush bunnies in different sizes
3-4 bunny-themed books
Bunny ears headband
Bunny rattles or teethers
Bunny socks or clothing
Bunny decor items
Spring Garden Theme
This theme works great if you want something that lasts beyond just Easter. Look for items with floral patterns or bright colors. The "Planting a Rainbow" board book is perfect for this theme ($8).
Garden basket ideas:
Floral patterned items
Books about flowers and gardening
Flower or vegetable toys
Sunhat with flower decoration
Nature-themed teethers
Garden scent baby products
Woodland Creatures Theme
This is really popular right now and it's adorable. Gender-neutral and works for kids who don't love traditional Easter stuff. The Jellycat Bashful Fox is precious and around $20.
Woodland basket contents:
Fox, deer, or raccoon plush toy
Forest-themed books
Mushroom or acorn toys
Wooden forest animal toys
Clothing with woodland prints
Natural basket or container
Farm Animal Theme
Lambs especially are very Easter-appropriate. "Moo, Baa, La La La!" ($7), "Big Red Barn" ($7), and "Goodnight, Farm" ($8) are all great choices.
Farm basket ideas:
Lamb or chick plush toys
Farm animal books
Rubber ducks (chicks)
Toy farm animals
Barnyard clothing items
Farm sounds toys
Rainbow and Pastel Color-Coordinated Baskets
Pick a color scheme and stick with it. All pastels (pink, yellow, lavender, mint green, peach) is classic Easter. The Grimm's Rainbow Stacker would be perfect for this theme—it's educational and beautiful.
If you're coordinating Easter celebrations with a baby shower, check out our pastel Easter baby shower ideas for beautiful color inspiration.
Rainbow basket must-haves:
Rainbow stacking toy
Books about colors/rainbows
Items in coordinating colors
Pastel clothing items
Color-themed bath toys
Coordinated basket and filler
Personalized Name or Initial Theme
Everything features baby's name or initial. Etsy is full of personalized baby stuff—blankets with names, wooden name puzzles, initial bibs, name rattles.
Personalized basket items:
Personalized basket with name
Name puzzle or blocks
Initial bibs or clothing
Personalized books
Name rattles or teethers
Custom blanket or lovey
Non-Toy Easter Basket Fillers for Minimalist Families
I totally get the desire to avoid more toys—they take over your house SO fast. These ideas are perfect for families trying to keep things simple.
Experience-Based Ideas
A zoo or aquarium membership is amazing because you can go multiple times throughout the year. Most zoos offer family memberships for $75-150 depending on location. Baby music classes, swimming classes, or other activities make great gifts too.
Experience ideas:
Zoo or aquarium membership
Baby music or swim classes
Children's museum membership
State/national park passes
Mommy-and-me yoga classes
Library story time series (often free)
Consumable Products
Baby toiletries are always needed. The Tubby Todd products are amazing but expensive ($18-25 each), so they feel like real gifts. Diapers and wipes might sound boring but listen, you go through these so fast. Get a pack of patterned diapers (Honest Company has cute ones) or natural wipes and wrap them up nicely.
Consumable options:
High-quality baby toiletries
Bath products and soaps
Baby food and snacks
Diapers and wipes
Burp cloths and washcloths
Laundry detergent for baby clothes
Subscription Boxes
Bookroo sends board books monthly tailored to baby's age. Plans start around $20/month and you can prepay for several months. Lovevery Play Kits are pricier at around $80 every 2-3 months, but they're incredibly well-designed developmental toys.
Subscription ideas:
Bookroo board book subscription
Lovevery Play Kits
KiwiCo Panda Crate
Little Passports Early Explorers
Monthly diaper subscriptions
Charitable Donation in Baby's Name
You could donate to an animal rescue in baby's name—maybe a bunny rescue for Easter. Include a stuffed bunny in the basket with a card explaining the donation. Pair the donation with a related small item so there's something physical in the basket.
Donation ideas:
Local bunny rescue or animal shelter
Children's hospital in baby's name
Food bank or community pantry
Literacy programs
Wildlife conservation
International children's charities
Photo Session Vouchers
Local photographers often offer mini sessions around holidays for $75-150. These are 15-30 minute sessions with a set number of edited photos. Perfect for Easter.
Photo session options:
Local photographer mini session
JCPenney or Picture People
Outdoor photo session
Newborn photographer for young babies
DIY photo shoot with props
Photo book credit for Shutterfly
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect Easter basket for your baby is about balancing safety, developmental appropriateness, and holiday magic. Your little one won't care if their basket cost $20 or $200—what matters is that every item is chosen with love and safety in mind.
The best Easter baskets combine fun with function, featuring sensory-stimulating toys and practical items. Whether going all-out or keeping it simple, you're creating lasting memories and traditions. And if you're combining Easter festivities with a celebration like a baby shower, explore our complete guide to Easter baby shower ideas or try an Easter brunch baby shower theme for a unique spring celebration.
Focus on quality items your baby will actually enjoy and use. Take photos, start traditions, and enjoy watching them explore. Ready to start shopping? Check age labels, test with the toilet paper roll, and fill that basket with joy and zero choking hazards.