Ask my kids and they will say their favorite thing about Easter is the egg hunt. They like the hunt better than even the candy. Surprisingly, every holiday where they get candy, thereâs a day or two of âmust eat candy,â then they forget about it. In order not to overload on candy that they wonât eat and Iâll end up giving away, I try and come up with new ideas of items to put in the eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Because whatâs the fun in finding an empty egg? Here are 10 alternatives to candy for an easter egg hunt:
- Stickers: Kids love stickers! You can find themed stickers related to their favorite characters, animals, or hobbies. It’s a fun and inexpensive option that encourages creativity. Also, sticker journals are trending, so add a journal to the Easter basket.
- Temporary Tattoos: Temporary tattoos are a hit with kids of all ages. Buy Easter-themed designs or characters that your child loves. They’ll enjoy applying them and showing off their temporary ink.
- Coupons or Vouchers: Create homemade coupons or vouchers redeemable for special treats or activities, such as “One Free Movie Night,” “Choose a Family Outing,” or “Extra 30 Minutes of Screen Time.” It adds an element of surprise and anticipation for future fun. You can buy pre-made tokens on Etsy.
- Craft Supplies: Encourage creativity by filling eggs with craft supplies like beads, stickers, mini markers, or small packets of modeling clay. It’s a great way to inspire artistic expression and keep little hands busy.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Items: Glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, or miniature glow-in-the-dark toys can add an element of magic to the Easter egg hunt, especially if you plan to have it in the evening or indoors.
- Seeds or Bulbs: For a more nature-inspired option, consider filling eggs with flower seeds or bulbs. Kids can plant them in the garden and watch them grow, connecting them to the wonders of nature.
- Puzzle Pieces: I like to split a puzzle into pieces and hide a few pieces in a different egg. Kids will have a blast collecting the pieces and then assembling the puzzle.
- Arcade Tokens: This one is always a hit. Pick up some tokens from your local arcade or game center. It’s a fun way to extend the Easter fun beyond the egg hunt.
- Jibbitz. If your kids are into Crocs, these shoe charms are a fan favorite. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, so there’s something for everyone.
- Money. Cold hard cash is always a winner. I mix it up with coins and bills, really whatever I have on hand. Go big and include a $5!
Stuffing the Easter eggs with options other than candy ups the excitement level, especially when you mix it up year to year. Who knows what they will find? Plus these items provide lasting enjoyment beyond the holiday. So, mix it up and get ready for a day of smiles. Happy hunting!
I’ve also shared some non-candy ideas for Easter baskets and ways to make Easter more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
