It’s important to nurture a child’s development through engaging and purposeful activities; and with Easter approaching, I’m excited to share a curated list of basket stuffers that not only bring joy but also promote holistic development. Each recommendation is thoughtfully selected to stimulate various aspects of a child’s growth, from fine motor skills to sensory exploration. Join me in crafting Easter baskets that not only delight but also contribute to the flourishing of young minds and bodies. Below you will find a picture with my recommended items and a corresponding number so that its easy to follow along. All items will be linked under photo.
This post may contain affiliate links. Original post 2024
- Wiki Stix – These are a favorite among both my own children and the kids I have worked with in therapy! Their easy manipulation makes them enjoyable even for toddlers. I utilize them extensively in handwriting exercises, including pre-writing strokes, letter recognition, and visual perceptual skills development. The versatility of Wiki Stix opens up endless possibilities for learning and engagement.
- Chalk Eggs – These are an absolute favorite in our household! We adore taking our lessons outdoors, and what better tool than chalk to make learning fun? With a 5-year-old and a toddler, I’m constantly seeking items that cater to both age groups, and the rounded shape of these chalk eggs is perfect for aiding my youngest in independent chalk-holding. From handwriting practice to enhancing visual perceptual skills, following instructions, and even creating outdoor obstacle courses, these chalks offer a plethora of engaging activities for children of all ages.
- Easter Egg Ring Toss Set – A delightful addition to any Easter basket! Ring toss is a beloved activity in our household and often finds its place as a staple station in our obstacle courses. It’s an engaging way to enhance visual-motor coordination, incorporating vital skills like visual perception, motor control, and eye-hand coordination. Additionally, it offers valuable opportunities to practice turn-taking and other social skills, making it a well-rounded activity for children of all ages.
- Name Puzzle – As a therapist and mama, puzzles are invaluable tool in my arsenal. They offer endless versatility, and this unique name puzzle is no exception! Not only does it assist children in learning to spell their names, but the perfectly-sized knobs also facilitate the development of their pincer grasp. Moreover, the puzzle pieces can be incorporated into sensory bins, such as colorful rice, adding an extra dimension to play. For older children, pairing the puzzle with tweezers provides an opportunity to enhance fine motor strength while retrieving the pieces. It’s a multifaceted resource that fosters both learning and skill development.
- My First Paint Brush Set – Painting is a beloved activity in our household, and this set adds a wonderful touch to our artistic endeavors! While finger painting is often the go-to for our toddler (due to the typical paint brushes being hard for her to manipulate) having this set on hand is a game-changer. The large handles promote proper grasping skills, making it easier for toddlers to join in on art projects alongside their older siblings. We’re big fans of the Honeysticks brand!
- Bunny Hop – Engaging in games is an excellent means of fostering quality family time! Bunny Hop, for instance, not only nurtures strategic thinking and memory skills but also improves fine motor abilities. It offers preschoolers a chance to strengthen color recognition while encouraging important social-emotional growth through activities like turn-taking, sharing, and collaboration.
- Honeysticks crayons – These boast a distinctive chubby shape, specifically designed to accommodate small hands with ease while also ensuring durability. Parents can rest assured knowing that these crayons are crafted with clean ingredients, free from any unsafe additives. Made with food-grade colors and beeswax, they offer a safe and worry-free coloring experience for young artists. These crayons provide a perfect introduction to the world of coloring for little ones.
- Tic Tac Toe – A timeless classic, Tic Tac Toe is an ideal activity for fostering social skills and problem-solving abilities. It also incorporates a fine motor element, as players must utilize a proper grasp to manipulate the felt pieces. To further enhance learning, consider incorporating a handwriting task by having children practice copying the X’s and O’s. For an additional sensory experience, hide the pieces in a sensory bin. Tic Tac Toe offers endless opportunities for fun and skill development!
- Magnetic Color Puzzle – As a fan of Montessori-inspired toys, I appreciate how they foster independence in children. This magnetic puzzle is no exception, as it aids in developing fine motor precision skills and encourages color sorting and identification. I have a particular fondness for these magnetic maze puzzles!
- Egg Toss – Get ready for some family fun with this game that appeals to toddlers, preschoolers, and kids alike! Egg Toss offers all the excitement without the mess, making it a fantastic choice for indoor or outdoor play. This game not only entertains but also promotes essential visual motor skills crucial for child development. As a therapist, I place great value on activities that encourage social interaction, and Egg Toss does just that. By involving other children in the game, it becomes an enjoyable way to enhance developmental skills while fostering social connections. It’s a win-win in my book!
- Wooden carrots – This is a great STEM development toy, while matching wooden carrots to corresponding holes, enhancing toddler intelligence, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. This is perfect for sorting and imaginative play. You can use these colors for sorting and their vibrancy make it eye catching for the toddlers.
- Easter Maze Book – Mazes are excellent for honing visual-motor integration and fine motor precision. If the mazes are too challenging, simply have the child trace them with their finger or writing too after an adult has highlighted the maze trail first or use a tool like a wiki stick for sensory feedback.
- Sticker Faces – These stickers are a hit in our household! My toddler stays engaged for hours with them, and I appreciate how they promote fine motor skills through peeling and placing. What’s great is how they encourage imaginative play by allowing you to create faces for the animals. Additionally, you can make your own, providing opportunities for your child to practice visual perceptual skills by copying your designs!
- Veggie Finger Paints – Here’s another safe option for little ones! Finger paints are perfect for introducing messy play, and the vibrant colors this product offers can also help with color recognition and learning color mixing. In true OT fashion, don’t forget to incorporate them into practicing those pre-writing strokes!
- Family Life Resurrection Eggs – No Easter basket would be truly complete without sharing the profound story of the resurrection. These eggs offer a perfect way to convey the narrative to children. For added engagement, consider placing the eggs in a sensory bucket of your choice, allowing children to dig through and retrieve them while immersing themselves in the Easter story.
Incorporating carefully selected Easter basket stuffers can transform a simple tradition into a meaningful opportunity for child development and family bonding. From fostering fine motor skills to promoting imaginative play and social interaction, each recommendation serves as a catalyst for growth and joy. As we craft these baskets with intentionality, let’s celebrate the power of play and discovery in nurturing the flourishing of young minds. Here’s to a season filled with laughter, learning, and endless possibilities!
Have Fun!
Casey – The OT Homeschooler
