Easter egg hunts are a beloved tradition, but filling those plastic eggs with the same old candy can get boring. This year, think beyond the chocolate and jelly beans. I've gathered 20 creative, practical, and fun ideas to put in Easter eggs that will delight kids and adults alike.
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From tiny toys and puzzles to heartfelt notes and useful little items, these fillers add an extra layer of excitement to your hunt. They're also perfect for non-candy alternatives, dietary restrictions, or just adding variety.
Each idea is simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make your Easter egg hunt memorable. Let's make this year's hunt the best one yet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
Plastic Easter eggs (12-24)
Choose sturdy, snap-together eggs. Reusable ones are eco-friendly and can be used for years.
Small toys (mini dinosaurs, bouncy balls, finger puppets)
Look for party favors or dollar store finds; choose items that fit inside your egg size.
Stickers (sheets or rolls)
Kids love stickers; cut sheets into small strips to fit. Reusable stickers are a great eco-option.
Temporary tattoos
Individually wrapped tattoos are perfect; check for allergy-safe inks if needed.
Mini puzzle erasers or pencil toppers
These are great for school-age kids and add a fun desk accessory.
Small notepads or mini coloring books
Perfect for creative kids; look for ones that fit in the egg or fold to fit.
Crayons or colored pencils (broken into small pieces)
Use broken or short crayons; wrap in tissue paper. Non-toxic ones are best for little ones.
Small craft kits (e.g., friendship bracelet kit, mini slime)
These are a hit for older kids; ensure all pieces fit inside the egg.
Coins (quarters, dimes, or chocolate coins)
Real coins are exciting for kids to collect; chocolate coins are a sweet treat.
Riddles or clues (printed on small paper strips)
Write your own or print; this adds an interactive treasure hunt element.
Confetti or glitter (optional, for a surprise pop)
Use biodegradable confetti for eco-friendliness; avoid glitter if you have pets.
Miniature erasers or charms
Great for collectors; these are often sold in bulk.
Tips & Tricks
Mix and match
Combine a small toy with a candy for a balanced surprise.
Size matters
Ensure fillers fit easily without jamming the egg shut.
Theme it
Create themed eggs (e.g., dinosaur, princess, nature) for a fun twist.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather Your Supplies
Collect all your fillers and eggs. Lay everything out on a table so you can see what you have. This makes the process smoother.
2. Sort Fillers by Size
Group items by size: small (stickers, coins), medium (toys, erasers), and large (notepads, craft kits). This helps you match fillers to egg sizes.
3. Fill the Eggs
Open each egg and place one or two fillers inside. For a balanced surprise, combine a small toy with a note or sticker. Don't overfill—the egg should close easily.
4. Add a Personal Touch
For family members, add a handwritten note or a clue to a bigger gift. This makes the hunt more personal and meaningful.
5. Close and Secure
Snap the eggs shut. If the fillers are heavy or the egg tends to pop open, use a small piece of washi tape to secure the seam. This also adds a decorative touch.
6. Hide the Eggs
Hide them in your chosen location—indoors or outdoors. For younger kids, keep them visible; for older kids, get creative with tricky spots.
7. Enjoy the Hunt
Watch the excitement as each egg is opened. After the hunt, collect the eggs for reuse next year.
Delicious Variations
Outdoor Nature Hunt
Fill eggs with flower seeds, mini magnifying glasses, or bug catchers.
Educational Eggs
Include math flashcards, reading challenges, or science experiment cards.
Charity Twist
Include a small donation note or coin to teach giving back.
How to Store Fun Ideas To Put In Easter Eggs
Refrigerator
Not applicable for non-perishable fillers.
Freezer
Not applicable.
Reheating
Not applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some non-candy Easter egg fillers?
Non-candy fillers include small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, mini notepads, crayons, puzzle erasers, coins, and riddles. These are great for kids with allergies or parents who want to limit sugar.
Q: How many items should I put in each Easter egg?
Typically, one to three small items per egg is perfect. Aim for a mix of a small toy and a note or sticker to create a satisfying surprise without overstuffing.
Q: What are good Easter egg fillers for toddlers?
For toddlers, choose large, safe items that are not choking hazards, such as chunky crayons, soft finger puppets, or teething rings. Avoid small parts and always supervise.
Q: How do I keep filled Easter eggs closed during the hunt?
Use a small piece of painter's tape or washi tape to secure the seam. This keeps the egg closed during hiding but is easy for kids to remove. Alternatively, choose eggs that snap shut securely.
Q: Can I reuse plastic Easter eggs?
Yes, plastic eggs are reusable. After the hunt, collect them, wash them in warm soapy water, and dry them completely. Store them in a box for next year.
Now that you have 20 fun ideas, it's time to plan your Easter egg hunt. Gather your supplies, get creative, and watch the joy on your kids' faces. Happy hunting!
Fun Ideas To Put In Easter Eggs
Discover 20 fun Easter egg fillers beyond candy—tiny toys, notes, and treats that make every egg a surprise. Perfect for egg hunts.
🧂 Ingredients
- Plastic Easter eggs (12-24)
- Small toys (mini dinosaurs, bouncy balls, finger puppets)
- Stickers (sheets or rolls)
- Temporary tattoos
- Mini puzzle erasers or pencil toppers
- Small notepads or mini coloring books
- Crayons or colored pencils (broken into small pieces)
- Small craft kits (e.g., friendship bracelet kit, mini slime)
- Coins (quarters, dimes, or chocolate coins)
- Riddles or clues (printed on small paper strips)
- Confetti or glitter (optional, for a surprise pop)
- Miniature erasers or charms
📋 Instructions
- 1Gather Your Supplies — Collect all your fillers and eggs. Lay everything out on a table so you can see what you have. This makes the process smoother.
- 2Sort Fillers by Size — Group items by size: small (stickers, coins), medium (toys, erasers), and large (notepads, craft kits). This helps you match fillers to egg sizes.
- 3Fill the Eggs — Open each egg and place one or two fillers inside. For a balanced surprise, combine a small toy with a note or sticker. Don't overfill—the egg should close easily.
- 4Add a Personal Touch — For family members, add a handwritten note or a clue to a bigger gift. This makes the hunt more personal and meaningful.
- 5Close and Secure — Snap the eggs shut. If the fillers are heavy or the egg tends to pop open, use a small piece of washi tape to secure the seam. This also adds a decorative touch.
- 6Hide the Eggs — Hide them in your chosen location—indoors or outdoors. For younger kids, keep them visible; for older kids, get creative with tricky spots.
- 7Enjoy the Hunt — Watch the excitement as each egg is opened. After the hunt, collect the eggs for reuse next year.
Kenji explores technology and digital minimalism, helping readers declutter their digital lives and focus on what matters. He writes about app selection, notification management, and creating healthy tech habits, based on his own experiments with unplugging.
