It's already Good Friday - how did that happen? Easter definitely snuck up on us this year, especially being in March this year instead of April. If you're looking for some last minute, but clutter-free Easter basket filler ideas for kids, look no further!

The last minute scramble can definitely lead to grabbing whatever we can find at the Dollar Store or the dollar spot at Target. But then, what do you do with all the little junk after Easter? It becomes a stress to figure out where it should go - or - it just ends up scattered around the house!

I try to be pretty intentional about what I put in my kids' Easter baskets for that reason. We do not need any more plastic junk in our house - so here are my ideas to limit that.

P.S. The very last one on my list might be controversial - I can't wait to hear your thoughts...

Just like for Christmas stockings, I do an inventory of what my kids actually need around this time, then use the Easter basket as an excuse to replace:

• Underwear
• Socks
• Toothpaste / flossers / toothbrushes
• Shampoo / body products / makeup or nail polish / chapstick

Easter means spring/summer is coming, so I like to include outdoor-related items:

• Bubbles
• Chalk
• Beach/sand/water toys
• New sprinkler
• Sunglasses
• Beach towels
• Swimsuit
• Goggles
• Sandals
• Playground balls
• Bike helmet

With spring sports season coming up for us, we like to think of things related to any sports the kids are in...

• Baseball gloves
• Eye "black"
• Big League Chew
• Any other accessories or items needed for their sports (ex: hand chalk for my son who does Ninja Warrior classes)

For toddlers/babies specifically, they don't really know what's going on, so I feel like half the reason they even get a basket is so their siblings don't ask questions :) For that reason, I like to keep it super practical. Again, what do they need?

• Pacifiers/Teethers
• Snacks - like teething biscuits, pouches, or Annie's bunny grahams or crackers
• New bibs
• Board Books
• Mess-Free arts & crafts items, like these paint pens
• Hooded beach or bath towel

• A craft or kit they'll actually do
• Flashlights / hand held fans / headlamps / bike lights - this year we got the boys headlamps for when we go camping or if they ride their bike outside when it's getting dark
• Recycled toys from last year (Hear me out! I put any of the Easter-related silly plastic toys in a bin for the next year. Believe me, they've totally forgotten about the plastic Peep wind-up toy they got last year, and it acts as "filler" - plus it's on theme. I haven't gotten caught yet (obviously this works best with younger kids), but if I do, I will basically plan to say that the Easter bunny only has so many options of things he can bring...)

It goes without saying we also get the kids some chocolate and sweets for their baskets too. Snacks, gum and candy are great (literally) consumable, clutter-free items - but that's a no brainer!

I don't get ALL of these items of course - but hopefully these trigger some ideas for you that are useful and fun!