This post highlights the best Easter basket ideas for a 12 month old to make their first Easter memorable!
Easter is a holiday full of hope and joy, especially when you’re celebrating a baby’s first Easter. There are many memorable moments, from shopping for the perfect outfit to gathering items to fill their baby Easter basket. As you’re thinking about what to include in your baby’s first Easter basket, maybe you’re also wondering, Why do we give Easter baskets?
Here’s a little background explaining the origin of Easter baskets: Easter marks the end of a time of fasting and reflection. For 40 days before Easter, many Christians choose to give up certain foods, like meat, candy, or coffee, as part of a tradition called Lent. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and the end of this fasting period. Many years ago, people would bring their food to church in baskets to be blessed by the clergy before they ate it. Over time, this became the tradition of filling Easter baskets with gifts and treats! How cool is that?!
There are so many fun ideas to create an Easter basket your little one will enjoy! Here is a list of the top picks that will make this Easter so much fun for your 1-year-old girl or boy:
Safety First
When choosing items for your baby’s Easter basket, safety should always be your number one priority. Babies at this age love to explore with their mouths, so here are a few essential things to keep in mind:
- No choking hazards: Avoid small items like chocolate bunnies or jelly beans, which can be a choking risk.
- Non-toxic materials: Choose toys and items made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials.
- Right size for little hands: Select toys that are easy for little hands to grasp.
Last year, we had to closely watch our littlest family member. The little guy wanted to keep up with the big kids looking for Easter eggs during our Easter egg hunt. But we quickly learned last Easter that the 5 year olds favorite items are not necessarily safe for the 12 month old. These safety considerations will help you choose the best, safest, and most fun Easter basket ideas for your little one!
12 Best Easter Basket Ideas for 12 Month Old
1. Stuffed Animal
A cuddly stuffed animal is a classic addition to any baby’s Easter basket and one of the very best Easter gifts you can give your little one. Soft toys provide comfort and are perfect for Easter morning snuggles. This is the perfect gift to add a friendly face for your little one, such as one of their favorite characters or a soft Easter bunny or lamb that your little one will enjoy well beyond Easter. Here is a super cute option!
2. Interactive Board Book
Reading is one of the best ways to help your baby’s language development. Adding an Easter book to the baby’s first Easter basket can be a fun and educational gift. Look for age-appropriate board books with bright colors or interactive features. Springtime animals like little ducks are perfect for the season. Little kids love touch-and-feel books with different textures as they explore sensory play. Look for a book with simple words and pictures, like the one below!
3. Shaker Eggs
These musical toys make noise and encourage babies to shake the eggs, helping them develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Babies are constantly learning and growing, and sensory toys, such as egg shakers, are a fun way to encourage the development of their fine motor skills. This is the perfect opportunity to develop some rhythm!
4. Building Blocks
High-quality wooden blocks are a classic childhood toy you may remember from old Easter basket ideas. Blocks of different colors, shapes, and sizes are a good idea for giving babies a head start on problem-solving abilities, concentration, and focus. Building blocks are not only fun for babies but also great toddler toys for cognitive and motor development. These soft building blocks are a fun addition instead of more small toys.
5. Montessori Wooden Puzzle
Simple wooden puzzles with large pieces help babies improve problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination. A Montessori toy is a different kind of wooden puzzle that makes a great addition to your child’s educational toy collection. Wooden baby toys feel like a gift you give on special occasions!
6. Easter Sippy Cup / Water Bottle
Including a sippy cup or water bottle in your child’s Easter basket is such a fun, practical idea! They’ll use it every day, and watching them enjoy sipping from it will make you smile. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them hydrated and add a little excitement to their routine! A spring theme water bottle is such a fun gift!
7. Favorite Snacks
Adding your child’s favorite special treats is a fun way to personalize their Easter basket. Adding their favorite snack to the Easter basket will surely bring a huge smile! Whether it’s little puffs, a banana, or something sweet, it’s a fun way to treat them and make their day even more special. Plus, seeing them enjoy a familiar favorite is always a joy!
8. Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk in an Easter basket is such a simple, artsy addition! It sparks creativity and allows your little one to draw and explore. Watching them color the sidewalk or driveway with bright designs is always a delight, and it’s a perfect way to let them express themselves outdoors! Sidewalk chalk is also something you can include in a toddler’s Easter basket if you’re looking for an idea that appeals to a wider age group!
9. Rubber Ducks
Rubber ducks in the Easter basket is a must for little ones! Bath toys are a perfect way to make a bedtime routine more exciting, and they’ll love every minute of bath time! Who else remembers playing with rubber ducks as a child?!
10. Bubble Bath
Bubble bath in an Easter basket makes bathtime feel like a fun adventure! The bubbles turn the tub into a frothy wonderland, and let kids get creative with the bubbles while getting clean. Watching the bubbles float and pop all around them never gets old. It’s a creative way to keep their attention; listening to their laughter as they try to catch the bubbles is the sweetest thing.
11. Stickers
Stickers in an Easter basket are always a hit! Kids love decorating everything from their books to their toys with them. It’s such a simple way to spark their imagination and let them get creative. Plus, watching them show off their sticker masterpieces never gets old! Kids have a great time with stickers and can be a quiet activity while relaxing on Easter Sunday!
12. Balls
A ball in an Easter basket is a classic, timeless gift! Whether it’s for tossing around during outdoor playtime or rolling inside, it’s bound to bring endless fun. Watching them chase, kick, or even hold it excitedly is a joy. It’s perfect for getting them moving and active, especially if they want to keep up with older kids!
There are so many great ideas to create fun Easter baskets! Putting together the perfect baby’s first Easter basket is all about choosing fun, safe, and practical items. From cuddly stuffed animals and educational board books to sensory toys and sweet treats, there are so many great Easter gift ideas to choose from. Both practical items and fun items make for great Easter basket fillers.
Remember your baby’s developmental needs and interests as you prepare for Easter. Whether celebrating with outdoor activities or indulging in sweet treats, your 1-year-old little girl or boy will love their Easter basket gifts. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!
