Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas {From 6 Different Bloggers}

I thought it was so fun when my friend Aimee asked if I wanted to contribute a themed-Easter basket idea to her Easter Basket Post. There are 6 bloggers that contributed ideas, so be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to check them out!

I decided right away to go with a story-time theme because storytime is so fun and so important for kids.

The child-parent bonding that takes place is irreplaceable. The learning and development that occur during storytime are crucial.

At home with the kids? Instantly access any of these printable activity bundles to keep them learning!

Plus it's just fun. It's a time to be silly, repeat silly rhymes, talk in funny voices, make random noises, and to sing catchy songs. So if you want to give an Easter basket that will keep giving all year-long (and beyond), I would highly suggest a storytime basket! I realize my picture and caption say “Bedtime Stories,” but that was my goof (it was late when I created it).

I'm going to give you a variety of ideas. You might choose one things or another depending on the age and interests of your child.

Storytime Themed Easter Basket:

1. Felt sets. Felt sets are a great way to make storytime interactive, whether it's your child acting out the felt pieces while you read, or the other way around! My favorite felt set contains 5 different boards and stories, but I have also seen individual sets for The Three Pigs, Five Monkeys, Farm Friends, and quite a few others. Also, if you have time to make your own, I have a tutorial for DIY felt pieces.

2. Rhymes. When I think of fun rhymes I instantly think of Mother Goose classics. Rhyming is great for language and rhythm development in kids and it's fun for storytime bonding and laughter.

3. Songs. Fun children' songs are another crucial aspect of childhood! Be sure to involve some song-time into your child's favorite stories. Kids especially love songs and stories that require actions and movement!

4. Sensory Books. These are books that require the child to do something: pop up, lift flaps, touch-and-feel, etc. Nick Sharratt has a lot of these kind of books (the one pictured above is Pirate Pete: you choose how the story goes each time by popping different story elements into the slots). My toddler also really enjoys poke a dot books (great for counting).

5. Imaginary play. This is where puppets come into the picture! My kids LOVE it when I am willing to pull out a puppet, put on my silly voice, and tell a story! You can get finger puppets for just a few bucks, or if you are willing to invest more you can get some hand puppets.

6. Character Development. This is the time to teach your child how much you love them, as well as instill important virtues and character traits. Sometimes it takes a good storybook to finally instill a lesson in a child. Can't figure out how to teach your child to share? Eat their vegetables? Potty Train? Try a children's book! In my post Children's books that teach important life lessons, I share some favorites from my readers.

7. Bedtime. Stories are a great way to wind kids down before naps or bedtime. Here are some favorites: Bedtime Peekaboo!, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Kiss Goodnight, Love You Forever, The Going To Bed Book, I'll Follow the Moon, and Back to Bed Ed!

One other fun thing for bedtime (if you have toddlers that have a hard time detecting when it's time to get up), is a tot clock. You can set them to glow certain colors at different times of the day (nap time, nighttime, wake time, etc.) so that little ones know when it's okay to get up, and when they should go back to sleep.

What are some of YOUR storytime favorites?