Last year was my daughter’s first time doing an Easter egg hunt, and because she didn’t eat much candy at the time due to her age, I tried to find non-candy options for the eggs. This year will be my son’s first time participating in an egg hunt, and I plan to continue the tradition of using a majority of other items as alternatives for candy.
If you’re like me (not a big sweets eater) or you try to limit your children’s candy intake, you don’t have to dread doing an Easter egg hunt. There is good news! There are many options for items you can use in place of candy. Sometimes you just have to get a little more creative. Here are some of the favorites in our house to use as candy alternatives for Easter egg hunts.
Stickers
These are a favorite in our house. Both of my kids love playing with stickers and making crafts with stickers. They’re inexpensive to use as well. Just tear off one or a couple and stuff them in the Easter eggs.
Little Rubber Duckies
My kids love rubber duckies (we have quite the collection), so I used these last year for my daughter. They both love them and continue to play with them now a year later.
Bouncy Balls
These aren’t good for my kids currently (choking hazard due to age), but for older kids, bouncy balls are a great option. I know I loved playing with bouncy balls when I was a kid.
Loose Change
One of my childhood favorites during Easter egg hunts was getting eggs with loose coins. If you have children who like to save their own money, this is a great option for them. They can collect some money, and you can get rid of some loose change clanging around in your wallet.
Mini Nail Polish Bottles
For your girls, get some little nail polish bottles. You can find cute mini bottles at the Dollar Store or Walmart, Target, etc.
Beaded Necklaces & Jewelry
Try some necklaces and jewelry pieces too. My kids love the little party beaded necklaces, so I used these as an alternative. I also picked up a couple of zipper bracelets at Hobby Lobby to use last year.
Chore Coupons
If you want to try something different, try giving chore coupons. (i.e., write up some coupons that your kids can exchange in when they don’t want to make their bed or they want to get a break from doing dishes for one night, etc.) Whatever their daily chores are, or something that can fit in that area so that these coupons feel like a reward and treat to your child is a fun option.
Matchbox Cars
My son’s favorite toys right now are his Matchbox cars. I’m planning to get some for his Easter egg hunt this year. You’ll have to get slightly bigger eggs than the standard size, but the cars are small enough that you should be able to find a size that will work.
Tiny Dollar Store Toys
The Dollar Store is a great place for Easter egg hunt options. They have a variety of toys, and they are inexpensive. Pick some tiny toys or stickers, etc that will fit into your Easter eggs and roll with it.
Basically, anything small that fits inside the easter egg you plan to use for the hunt can be used as a substitute for candy. I try to use things that my children already love, so it is a win for both of us. Happy Easter!
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