13 Ideas for a Montessori-Inspired Easter Basket

Are you as excited as we are that spring is FINALLY here?

While it may still be chilly in some areas of the country, the warm and sunny days of spring are coming soon – and we’re ready to get out there and enjoy it. But it seems as though less and less kids are appreciating that precious outdoor play, especially as technology is becoming more and more advanced and present in our lives. We wanted to inspire you to create an Easter basket this year for your child that will ENHANCE outdoor play, and get them (and you!) out there soaking up the sun.

Here are our top picks:

1. Water Balloons
   Just be forewarned, as the parent, you may be swindled into filling up these multiple times for your children. (They can never seem to get the knot to stay and your kitchen will become quite slippery.) I encourage you to show your child how to fill them and knot them outside and remind them to pick up all the pieces once they pop! (I would not intend for these to be used by small children.)
2. Kite
   This one can be a challenge at first. If the wind is right, take your kiddo outside and teach them how to fly the kite. It will be an activity that they need to practice for sure, but encourage them to not give up!
3. Some Cool Sunglasses
   With all these outdoor activities, let your kids rock out in style with some super cool shades! Whether they are into Disney characters or love Dad’s aviators, get something that they will enjoy wearing as they play. (Don’t spend too much money as they run around, chances are they might end up squished.)
4. Velcro Ball & Catch Game
   This was my favorite as a child! It allows the child to work on their hand and eye coordination and puts a smile on their face with each catch while doing so. This is a must have in your child’s Easter basket this year!
5. Sidewalk Chalk
   You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy some good ole’ sidewalk chalk. Drawing is fun for all ages and this can be a great activity for both the parent and child. From drawing out a hopscotch game to playing tic-tac-toe, sidewalk chalk has endless possibilities. Get creative and let your inner child show!
6. Frisbee
   They may serve you rocks in the Frisbee or not be great at tossing it but let them use their imagination. As your child gets older, you can teach them how to properly through the Frisbee and this becomes a great game with not only humans but even the family pet! We recommend starting out with a soft Frisbee and as your child advances moving on to the hard plastic ones.
7. Sand Toys
   Children love to play in sandboxes and what better way to entice them than with some new toys for them to create castles and new adventures while playing. Don’t be surprised if they ask you for water to go with it, all sand castles require a moat!
8. Build Your own Wooden Airplane
   Let your child be the creator of their very own DIY wooden airplane. They can learn to put it together, paint or color it and then take it outside for a whirl.
9. Bubbles
   Bubbles are such a classic favorite! The wands are endless now too! (check out the link) If you are crafty, you and your children can create your own wands and bubble solution as well. Here is a great link to help you get started >
10. A Jump Rope
    Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, All dressed in black, black, black…
    Whether you were the all star jumper on the playground when you were younger or not, the rhymes will be forever stuck in our minds. You don’t have to be an athlete to learn to jump rope. This is a great pick for both boys and girls.
11. A Sprinkler
    It might not be warm enough weather in your location yet but nothing beats the fun of an old-fashioned sprinkler!
12. Flower or Vegetable Seeds
    This Easter, stick some flower or vegetable seeds to plant in your child’s basket. You can also purchase a small pot, soil and a child-sized shovel to accompany them. It’s ok to let them get messy while planting their own garden. A child-sized watering can would be another great addition to the mix!
13. Basketball or Soccer Ball
    Or any type of sports ball will let your children create team games with their friends. Maybe it’s just practicing scoring a goal on Mom or Dad. Whatever the choice, sports balls can be a great form of imaginative play as well.

If you are thinking of being a bit more creative and skipping the basket this year, a wagon is another great substitute! All of the toys could fit inside and your child will adore pulling it around your yard! We hope that our list of ideas will help inspire you, the parent to think outside the box (no pun intended) this year and skip all the candy. Play is so important to your child’s development so why not enhance it with some of our great ideas this Easter season.

As Maria Montessori once said, “Play is the work of the child.” So what are you waiting for, put down the technology, head outside with your kiddos and let us know how much fun you can have together!

SHARE WITH US! We would love to hear how these ideas encouraged more outdoor play with your children.