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So you need Easter basket ideas for 12-month-olds, the first basket is all about marking this significant first with joy and care.
It’s not just about the cute bunnies or the colourful eggs; it’s a moment to create memories that will last a lifetime.
However, choosing the right items for your baby’s Easter basket is crucial. At this tender age, everything they touch (and more likely, taste) needs to be safe, stimulating, and suitable for their developmental stage. With a thoughtful selection, you can ensure that their first Easter is not only fun but also enriches their learning and growth.
Let’s hop into some great ideas to make your baby’s first Easter a delightful and safe celebration!
15 Perfect Easter Basket Ideas for Your 12-Month-Old
1. Soft Cloth or BPA-Free Plastic Baskets
Opt for baskets made of baby-safe materials like soft cloth or BPA-free plastic. These materials are gentle for little hands and eliminate any risk of injury from sharp edges, making them perfect for your baby’s first Easter.
You can grab these adorable easter baskets in grey, blue, and pink on Amazon.
2. Adorable Easter Baskets Filled with Sensory Toys
Choose soft, plush baskets filled with sensory toys designed to delight little hands. Think of items with different textures, bright colours, and gentle sounds to captivate your baby’s attention and stimulate their senses, for example:
- Soft Fabric Easter Eggs: Colorful eggs made from various fabrics with different textures (silk, corduroy, velvet) to stimulate touch.
- Plush Bunny with Crinkly Ears: A small, cuddly rabbit toy whose ears make a crinkly sound when touched, perfect for auditory stimulation.
- Silicone Teething Rings in Pastel Colors: Safe for chewing and exploring with the mouth, these teething rings can come in Easter-themed shapes like bunnies and carrots.
- Textured Balls: Small, soft balls with bumps, ridges, and other textures. These can roll, bounce, and provide a tactile experience for little fingers.
- Fabric Book with Easter Theme: A soft, durable book featuring bright colours and Easter stories, with pages that make sounds or have different textures to explore.
3. Interactive Board Books with Spring Themes
Include durable board books that celebrate spring and Easter with engaging stories and interactive elements like flaps and textures. These books are perfect for little fingers to explore and for parents to read aloud, fostering a love for storytelling.
All three of our kids have loved the Little Blue Truck series of books. The Springtime book is a fun lift the flap book to reveal the different animals in springtime. If you’re looking for a board book to add to the basket, you can pick up the Little Blue Truck Springtime book on Amazon.
4. High-Quality Wooden Toys for Endless Fun
Opt for wooden toys, such as shaker eggs or chunky puzzles, that are safe and durable for young explorers. These toys support fine motor skills development and offer a tactile experience with natural materials.
Melissa and Doug make fantastic quality wood toys for kids of all ages. We have several of their toys including the food set and train. For a 12-month-old the maze toy pictured above would be a great Easter gift and can be purchased on Amazon here.
5. Soft Stuffed Animals for Cuddly Companions
A soft, cuddly bunny or a plush chick makes the perfect companion for your baby’s Easter basket. These stuffed animals can become beloved friends for your little one, providing comfort and encouraging nurturing play.
Grab this adorable and soft bunny on Amazon.
6. Non-Candy Sweet Treats for Healthy Smiles
Skip the jelly beans in favour of teething biscuits or small pouches of fruit purees. These healthy alternatives are not only safe for little ones but also delicious and nutritious, making them a guilt-free addition to the Easter celebration.
7. Easter-Themed Sippy Cups and Feeding Accessories
Brighten up mealtimes with Easter-themed sippy cups, plates, and bibs featuring cute designs and favourite characters. These practical items add a festive touch to the dining table and are useful gifts that keep on giving.
8. Creative Play with Sidewalk Chalk and Finger Puppets
For older babies ready to explore more active play, include sidewalk chalk for outdoor fun or finger puppets for imaginative storytelling. These items encourage creativity and social skills as your child grows.
You can grab the Crayola sidewalk chalk off of Amazon for less than $10.
9. Dress-Up Items for Adorable Easter Photos
Add a touch of whimsy with bunny ears headbands or pastel tutus perfect for Easter Sunday photos. These cute attire items make for memorable pictures and can be fun for dress-up play.
10. Educational Plush Toys
Add plush toys that promote learning and development, such as those that introduce basic concepts of shapes, colours, and textures. These toys are great for nurturing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Our second got Scout for a gift when he turned one. You can personalize it to say your child’s name and plays games and music as well. He’s a fun toy for a 12-month-old and would make a great addition to the Easter basket, buy one on Amazon here.
11. Soft Building Blocks
Soft blocks in different shapes and textures are ideal for encouraging problem-solving skills and fine motor development. They’re also a safe and fun way for your baby to explore building and stacking.
No toy box is complete without a set of stacking blocks. Buy these blocks off Amazon for your Easter basket.
12. Easter Egg Shakers
Large, baby-safe Easter egg shakers make for a musical addition to the basket. Ensure they’re made from non-toxic materials and are too big to be a choking hazard, offering a safe way to introduce rhythm and sound.
Grab a set of 6 easter egg shakers off Amazon for a great Easter basket filler.
13. Sensory Toys
Toys with different textures, sounds, and colours are perfect for sensory play. They can help your baby explore the world around them in a safe and engaging way.
A Montessori-style toy like the one pictured above gives your toddler the ability to experiment and expand their imagination.
You can get one on Amazon.
14. Bath Toys
Add waterproof, Easter-themed bath toys to bring extra fun to bath time. These toys should be easy to clean, free of small parts, and made of materials that won’t harbour mold.
Our kids have loved the simple foam letters and numbers in the bath. There is no risk of mold issues with them and it’s fun moving them around for being used to help learn their name or count to 10.
You can buy the Munchkin foam numbers and letters on Amazon.
15. Customized Items
Include items personalized with your baby’s name, such as a bib or a sippy cup with Easter motifs. These add a special touch to the basket and make wonderful keepsakes for the future.
Each of these ideas is chosen with your baby’s safety and developmental stage in mind, ensuring that their first Easter is not only memorable but also enriches their learning and growth.
5 Healthy Easter Basket Alternatives for Your 12-Month-Old
1. Teething Biscuits in Fun Shapes
Swap out the candy for teething biscuits that come in a variety of fun Easter shapes. These biscuits not only provide relief for sore gums but also introduce your baby to new textures and tastes in a safe, nutritious way.
2. Fruit Puree Pouches
Include small pouches of organic fruit purees. These are a sweet, healthy treat that can satisfy your little one’s taste buds without the added sugars. Choose flavours that are baby-friendly and free from artificial additives, making them a perfect snack for your baby’s Easter basket.
3. Yogurt Melts or Snacks
Yogurt snacks are a great alternative to traditional Easter candy. They melt in your baby’s mouth, making them a safe option for younger babies. Look for products with no added sugar and made with real fruit and yogurt to ensure a healthy, tasty treat.
4. Homemade Mini Muffins
Bake some homemade mini muffins using baby-appropriate ingredients like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Baking these together as a family activity adds a special touch to the Easter preparations, and you can customize the ingredients to suit your baby’s dietary needs.
5. Soft-Baked Fruit Bars
Create or find soft-baked fruit bars that are easy for little hands to hold and safe for babies to chew. These can be made with whole-grain oats and real fruits, providing a nutritious snack that’s also delicious. Homemade versions allow you to control the sweetness and avoid any unnecessary preservatives or additives.
Each of these healthy alternatives offers a delightful way to celebrate Easter without relying on sugary treats. They’re not just better for your baby’s health; they also provide a fun and engaging sensory experience, helping to develop fine motor skills and explore new flavours and textures.
5 Creative Easter Basket Additions for Your 12-Month-Old
1. Easter-Themed Sippy Cups and Bibs
Brighten up mealtime with sippy cups and bibs adorned with Easter motifs like bunnies and eggs. These practical items not only serve their usual purpose but also add a festive touch to everyday routines, making hydration and dining more enjoyable for your little one.
2. Spring-Themed Clothing
Include clothing items that celebrate the season, such as onesies, hats, and socks with spring and Easter designs. Soft pastels, floral patterns, or cute bunny prints make these outfits perfect for Easter celebrations and beyond, offering both style and comfort.
3. Zoo or Museum Passes
Gift an experience that extends beyond the Easter weekend with passes to local attractions like zoos or children’s museums. These outings are perfect for family bonding and offer your baby new learning and sensory exploration opportunities.
4. Outdoor Adventure Kit
For families who love the outdoors, assemble a mini adventure kit with items like a sun hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and a child-friendly water bottle. This kit encourages outdoor exploration and introduces your little one to the joys of nature in a safe and prepared way.
5. Custom Storybooks
Create or order a custom storybook that features your baby as the main character in an Easter-themed adventure. This personalized touch not only makes for a memorable gift but also encourages a love for reading and storytelling from a young age.
By incorporating these creative additions into your Easter basket, you’re offering more than just toys; you’re providing useful items, memorable experiences, and opportunities for learning and growth. These thoughtful touches will make your baby’s Easter basket a source of joy and discovery, celebrating the season in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.
Making Easter Memorable for Your 12-Month-Old
Easter is a magical time, especially for families celebrating with a 12-month-old. It’s a season filled with new beginnings, joyous celebrations, and the delight of discovery through your baby’s eyes. Making this Easter special for your little one involves more than just the traditional egg hunt; it’s about creating moments that are engaging, educational, and safe, tailored to their developmental stage.
Easter Morning Surprise
Begin with an Easter morning surprise that caters to the curiosity of your little one. A baby-safe Easter basket filled with sensory toys, soft books, and plush animals can kick off the day with excitement and exploration. These items not only offer fun but also stimulate fine motor skills and sensory development, making playtime an opportunity for growth.
Family Traditions and Experiences
Easter is the perfect opportunity to start new family traditions that can be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s a gentle backyard Easter egg hunt with large, plastic eggs containing baby-friendly toys or a special Easter brunch with family members, creating traditions around this holiday fosters a sense of belonging and joy.
Sensory Play Activities
Engage your 12-month-old with Easter-themed sensory play activities. Fill a clear plastic container with Easter grass and hide chunky, colourful toys inside for them to discover. Or, create a safe, edible paint activity using yogurt mixed with natural food colouring to decorate boiled eggs. These activities not only entertain but also enhance cognitive development and motor skills.
Capturing the Moments
Don’t forget to capture these special Easter moments with photos and videos. Dressing your little one in Easter-themed attire, like a bunny hat or a pastel onesie, can make for adorable pictures. Creating a photo album or a digital slideshow of these moments can become a treasured keepsake for both your family and your child as they grow.
Quiet Time Together
After a day full of excitement, wind down with some quiet time together. Reading an Easter-themed storybook or simply cuddling with a soft, plush bunny can help your baby relax and feel loved. These peaceful moments are just as important as the day’s activities, offering a time for bonding and reflection on the joy of the season.
By focusing on activities and traditions that are suited to the unique needs and developmental stage of a 12-month-old, parents can ensure that their baby’s first Easter is not just a day to remember but a foundation for future celebrations. It’s these early experiences, filled with love, learning, and laughter, that create lasting memories and a deep sense of family connectedness.
Safety First: Tips and Tricks
Ensuring the safety of your 12-month-old’s Easter basket is paramount. With everything likely to be examined by little mouths and hands, here are some essential tips to keep your little one safe while they explore their Easter surprises.
Watch Out for Choking Hazards
When selecting toys and items for your Easter basket, it’s vital to avoid anything with small parts that could become choking hazards. This means checking not only the toys themselves but also any packaging or additional small items that might be included. Toys that are large enough not to fit entirely in a baby’s mouth but still easy for little hands to hold are ideal.
Choose Non-Toxic Materials
Babies explore the world around them with all their senses, including taste. Ensuring that all items are made from non-toxic materials is crucial. Look for toys and products that are BPA-free, lead-free, and made from natural or safe synthetic materials. This applies to everything from plush toys to the paint used on wooden blocks.
Soft and Gentle Items
Opt for items that are soft and gentle to touch. Soft books, plush animals, and cloth toys are great choices for 12-month-olds. They provide the sensory experience babies crave without the risk of hard edges or stiff materials that could harm them.
Stay Age-Appropriate
Always check the recommended age range on toys and products. Items designed specifically for 12-month-olds or young toddlers take into account their developmental stage and safety needs. These products are more likely to be suitable in size, complexity, and safety features for your little one.
Keep an Eye on Quality
High-quality items are not just about longevity; they’re also often safer. Well-made toys and products are less likely to break, reducing the risk of sharp edges or small parts coming loose. Investing in a few high-quality items rather than lots of cheaper ones can make your baby’s Easter basket both safer and more special.
Regular Inspection
Before the Easter excitement begins, take a moment to inspect each item you plan to include in the basket. Look for any potential risks, such as loose parts, sharp edges, or anything that could easily break. It’s also a good idea to regularly check toys and items after they’ve been played with to ensure they remain safe for use.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can create an Easter basket that’s not only fun and engaging for your 12-month-old but also safe for them to enjoy. Safety doesn’t have to be a barrier to fun; with the right precautions, you can ensure a happy and safe Easter celebration for your little one.
Wrapping Up Easter Basket Ideas For 12-Month-Olds
As we wrap up our exploration of Easter basket ideas for 12-month-olds, it’s clear that this Easter holds the promise of joy, discovery, and cherished memories for your family. Celebrating Easter with your little one is not just about the baskets and the goodies; it’s about the moments you create and the experiences you share. These early celebrations lay the groundwork for traditions that will grow with your child, embedding themselves in the fabric of your family’s story.
This Easter, as you select each item for your baby’s basket, remember you’re not just filling a basket; you’re creating the backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you opt for the tactile joy of soft toys, the developmental boost of educational items, or the sheer fun of experiencing new activities together, each choice is a thread in the tapestry of your child’s first Easter celebration.
So, embrace the opportunity to make this Easter special. Cherish the smiles, the giggles, and even the messes, for these are the moments that become the cherished memories of tomorrow. Here’s to an Easter filled with love, laughter, and the making of new traditions with your little one. Happy Easter!
