25 Best Easter Basket Ideas For 12-Month-Old Toddlers

Looking for Easter basket ideas for your 12-month-old toddler? Check out our 25 fun, age-appropriate gift ideas that are sure to delight your little one this holiday!

Looking for Easter basket ideas for your 12-month-old? This first Easter is all about creating special memories while choosing safe, stimulating items for their growth. Let’s dive into some thoughtful ideas to make it both fun and developmental!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 an exciting day, unwind with quiet time—reading an Easter story or cuddling with a plush bunny. These moments of peace are key for bonding and reflecting on the joy of the season.

Focusing on age-appropriate activities ensures your baby’s first Easter is not just memorable but sets the stage for future celebrations, filled with love and family connection.

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 filling the basket, inspect each item for potential risks like loose parts or sharp edges. Regularly check toys after play to ensure they stay safe.

With these safety tips, you can create a fun, secure Easter basket for your 12-month-old, ensuring a safe and joyful celebration.

Wrapping Up Easter Basket Ideas For 12-Month-Olds

As Easter approaches, this holiday is all about joy, discovery, and creating lasting memories with your 12-month-old. It’s not just about the basket; it’s the moments you share and the traditions you begin.

Each item you choose adds to the tapestry of your baby’s first Easter, whether it’s soft toys, educational gifts, or fun new activities.

Make this Easter special by embracing the giggles, smiles, and even the messes. These moments become cherished memories, building a foundation for family traditions that will last a lifetime. Happy Easter!