Gluten Free Easter Basket Ideas Kids Want: 20 Treats & Toys

Fill Easter baskets with naturally gluten-free candies like Peeps, chocolate eggs, jelly beans, plus non-food items like stickers, small toys, and craft supplies. Focus on treats that happen to be gluten-free rather than obvious substitutes, making the basket feel special and exciting.

20 Gluten-Free Easter Basket Ideas

Sweet Treats (10 Options)

1. Marshmallow Peeps

• Classic Easter favorite, naturally gluten-free
• Available in multiple colors and flavors
• Kids never suspect they're "safe" treats

2. Chocolate Easter Eggs

• Cadbury Mini Eggs (check current labeling)
• Dove chocolate eggs
• Lindt chocolate bunnies

3. Jelly Beans

• Jelly Belly brand (most flavors gluten-free)
• Starburst jelly beans
• Check labels as formulations change

4. Gummy Candies

• Haribo gummy bears (most varieties)
• Swedish Fish
• Sour Patch Kids

5. Chocolate Bunnies

• Enjoy Life chocolate options
• Palmer chocolate (check labels)
• Local bakery custom orders

6. Rice Crispy Treats

• Homemade with gluten-free cereal
• Shaped like eggs or bunnies
• Dip in chocolate for extra special touch

7. Gluten-Free Cookies

• Tate's Bake Shop varieties
• Enjoy Life soft-baked cookies
• Homemade sugar cookies in Easter shapes

8. Fruit Snacks

• Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks
• Welch's Fruit Snacks (most varieties)
• Perfect for younger children

9. Popcorn Treats

• Colored popcorn in Easter hues
• Caramel corn (check ingredients)
• Individual bags for easy inclusion

10. Freeze-Dried Fruits

• Strawberries, bananas, apples
• Crunchy texture kids love
• Healthy option that feels like a treat

Non-Food Fun Items (10 Options)

11. Spring-Themed Stickers

• Bunny, chick, and flower designs
• Scratch-and-sniff varieties
• Multiple sheets for extended fun

12. Small Plush Animals

• Mini stuffed bunnies or chicks
• Finger puppets for storytelling
• Perfect basket size

13. Sidewalk Chalk

• Easter colors: pink, yellow, green, purple
• Egg-shaped chalk pieces
• Encourages outdoor play

14. Small Puzzles

• 24-48 piece Easter scenes
• Travel-sized for car trips
• Age-appropriate challenges

15. Art Supplies

• Mini coloring books with Easter themes
• New crayons or colored pencils
• Small watercolor sets

16. Small Toys

• Wind-up chicks or bunnies
• Bouncy balls in spring colors
• Mini toy cars or figures

17. Hair Accessories

• Bunny ear headbands
• Pastel hair clips or scrunchies
• Perfect for Easter photos

18. Garden Seeds

• Easy-grow flowers like marigolds
• Small packets with planting instructions
• Creates lasting memories

19. Small Books

• Easter board books for toddlers
• Chapter books for older kids
• Perfect quiet activity

20. Bubbles

• Easter-themed bubble containers
• Always a hit with kids
• Great for outdoor Easter fun

Creating the Perfect Mix

Age-Appropriate Baskets

Toddlers (1-3 years):

• Focus on larger items (no choking hazards)
• Include: board books, large crayons, soft toys
• Avoid: small candies, tiny stickers

Preschoolers (3-5 years):

• Mix of treats and activities
• Include: coloring books, larger puzzles, gummy candies
• Perfect age for themed sticker collections

School-age (6-12 years):

• More sophisticated treats and activities
• Include: chapter books, complex puzzles, special chocolates
• Can handle smaller candy pieces safely

Budget-Friendly Tips

Dollar Store Finds:

• Stickers, small toys, art supplies
• Check candy labels carefully
• Great for non-food filler items

DIY Options:

• Homemade gluten-free cookies
• Hand-decorated hard-boiled eggs
• Homemade playdough in Easter colors

Bulk Buying:

• Purchase gluten-free candies in bulk
• Divide among multiple baskets
• Store extras for future occasions

Safety and Label Reading

Always Check Labels On:

• Chocolate products (formulations change)
• Gummy candies (some use wheat-based glucose)
• Marshmallow products (some contain gluten)
• Any packaged treats

Safe Brand Guidelines

• Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" symbols
• Research manufacturer websites
• Join gluten-free parent groups for brand updates
• When in doubt, choose naturally gluten-free options

Cross-Contamination Prevention

• Store gluten-free treats separately
• Use clean hands when handling
• Avoid shared candy dishes
• Keep original packaging for reference

Presentation Ideas

Basket Alternatives

• Colorful beach buckets (reusable)
• Garden pots (plant the seeds included)
• Reusable lunch boxes
• Decorative storage containers

Creative Arrangements

• Layer items by size (larger in back)
• Use colorful tissue paper or grass
• Include a special note about each item
• Take photos before items are removed

Making It Special

• Include a personalized note from the Easter Bunny
• Hide one special item for extra excitement
• Create a small scavenger hunt
• Let kids help arrange siblings' baskets

Last-Minute Options

Emergency Basket Items:

• Fresh fruit (naturally gluten-free)
• Individual packets of nuts or seeds
• Small bottles of bubbles
• Packet of stickers from grocery checkout

Quick DIY Treats:

• Rice cake "eggs" with frosting decoration
• Fruit kabobs in Easter colors
• Homemade trail mix with safe ingredients

Remember, the goal is creating joy and excitement, not perfection. Focus on making your child feel included in Easter traditions while keeping them safe. Most kids won't even notice that their treats happen to be gluten-free when they're having fun discovering each surprise!