Easter for Toddlers

I have been seeing lots of buzz lately in message boards, facebook groups, and even on Pinterest about what to put in a toddlers Easter Basket.  I think most moms of toddlers, babies, and small children (heck maybe even older children too) can agree that candy overload is not something we are thrilled about and at the same time this is also NOT a major gift giving holiday-we cannot and won't compete with Santa here, AND I don't know about you but little teeny trinkets are not my cup of tea either.  SO where does that leave us!?  Well I consider myself an excellent shopper and researcher so I am here to offer a little help if anyone is looking for ideas.  I finished shopping for my kids (3 and 1-almost) a week or so ago.  Here are some of my shopping hot spots for Easter goodies:

Target (DUH!).  I hit up two major places and avoided ONE (almost) major place in the store.  The ONE Spot had tons of cute ideas.  From bug boxes to small potted grow your own plants-this place is a gold mine for small non candy basket items.   I also hit up the out door aisle-they have everything from bubbles to sprinklers-fun!  Also checked out the books and electronics and the art section.  I AVOIDED (sorta) the candy/Easter aisle although I did happen to pick up a few small candy items and they did have some toddler friendly snacks too but those you can find in a grocery store as well (I will reveal what I got below!)

The Disney Store:  My main reason was FROZEN but of course I came away empty handed in that department except for a rare find of an Elsa tee shirt!  Disney though has a lot of small plushes and cute little toys that kids love-I know Lilly can spend all her time checking out the stuff right by the checkout.  Also good for tee shirts and summer gear like suits, towels, and flip flops!

Carters:  Socks, accessories, sunglasses, PJ's and more.  With their Spring Sale and coupons you can get away with spending little and getting some needed items in the process that double as great Easter items.  They also have some cute stuff right at the checkout-like small finger puppets (I wish I had purchased)

Gymboree:  A little more expensive clothing wise but I went there for one single item:  The Bubbles.  They are awesome end of story.  I cannot wait to bust them out on Easter.  Trust me on this one.  You won't ever buy another kind of bubbles again.   

So what is ending up in our Easter baskets this year.  I do a basket for each kid (I ordered them baskets from PBK-love them!) and a family basket for everyone (cough cough mommy and daddy).

Both kids are getting PJ's, an outfit, and a tee shirt.  All things they need right now as they are growing and the weather is getting warmer.  Socks again are a needed item which they both are getting.  Again for both I got bunny ears (dollar section at Target!), Crayola bath drops (change the color of their bath water!), Gymboree bubbles, Disney small plush (Belle and Pluto), 2 books each, a bath puff, sunglasses, and Tommy got a small play truck to play with outside and Lilly got a necklace and bracelet set and fairy wings and wand (again from the dollar section @ Target!).    

As far as the treats go I tried to do as much non-candy items as possible but what is Easter without a chocolate bunny so they both did get a small candy treat.  Both are getting Utz Cottontails (white cheddar cheese balls) found at Walmart, Annie's cheddar bunnies (Target), Goldfish crackers (Target), and Tommy is getting a small (very small) chocolate chick pop and Lilly is getting a Reese's egg and small bag of mini eggs.  

For our family basket I bought a large jar of popcorn (we like to pop ours on the stove), 2 blu rays (OZ and the Pirate Fairy movie) and some mini eggs and Reese's eggs for mommy and daddy-because I cannot resist!

I have to say I was pretty proud of my finds and pretty excited to spend a fun spring like weekend with my little family.  We have some fun events planned for the weekend-I cannot wait.  
Hope everyone enjoys the holiday!  I am looking forward to it.  What a beautiful time of year!