The Easter Bunny will soon be hopping by with a basket full of goodies—but they don’t all have to be sugary surprises! Here are some excellent basket filler ideas from local businesses and online shops based in the Fox Valley!
Pro Tip: Buy things you would already be getting your kids! Summer sandals, swimming suits, beach towels, sunglasses, jump rope, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, etc… your wallet will thank you later.
Books
There is nothing better than a good book to sink into this spring. From sweet little board books for babies to adventurous chapter books for tweens, there are books that tailor to every interest, hobby, and genre.
- The Book Store, 801 W. College Avenue, Appleton
- Half Price Books, 281 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton
- Thomas A. Lyons Fine Books, 127 W. Wisconsin Ave, Neenah
- Power House Comics, 807 W. College Avenue, Appleton
Handmade Toys
Babies and young children will love the textures and patterns of items like crocheted and handmade wooden toys. Unique and versatile, they are great for sensory and imaginative play. Plus, they’re so cute!
- Wooden Cars, Trains & Planes from Hobby Town, 122 S Memorial Drive, Appleton
- Hand Painted Saint Peg Dolls from The Wooden Intercessor, Based in Kaukauna
- Felt Play Food from The Home Spun Market, Based in Appleton
Games & Puzzles
Pick a fun game or puzzle that you know your kiddo will love. They make a great addition to a family night and encourage skill-building and give an opportunity for screen-free time.
- Classic Video Games from Press Start Games, 1440 Oneida Street, Appleton.
- Family Board Games from Boardlandia, 2701 N. Oneida Street B, Appleton
- Playing Cards from Chimera Hobby Shop, 808 W. Wisconsin Avenue C, Appleton
- Jigsaw & 3D Puzzles from Gnome Games, W3169 Van Roy Road, Appleton
- Easter Tic Tac Toe Board by Rosey Oak Designs, Based in Green Bay
Art Projects
Encourage visual expression and creativity through art! Drawing supplies, paints, mini canvases and craft kits make excellent additions for baskets.
- Custom Crayon Names from Creative Treasures, 1400 E. Main Street, Little Chute
- Knitting Kits from Casting On, 305 E. College Avenue, Appleton
- Paint Your Own Pottery Animals from Paintin’ Pottery, 520 George Street, De Pere
- Geometric Initial Paint Kit by Sweet Tea N Grace, Based in Neenah
- Embroidery and Needle Felting Kits from Fibre, in the Marketplace, 124 W Wisconsin Avenue, Neenah (access store from rear parking lot)
Activity Tickets
Hello, endless fun! Tickets for shows and games are a great way to get kids outdoors and to keep them busy and entertained!
- Star Show Tickets for the Barlow Planetarium, 1478 Midway Road, Menasha
- Baseball Tickets for a Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game, 2400 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton
- Live Show Tickets for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, 400 W. College Avenue, Appleton (Disney’s Winne the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation coming soon!)
- Hockey Game Tickets for a Green Bay Gamblers game, 820 Armed Forces Drive, Green Bay
- Summer Pool Pass from our local parks
Sporting Goods
The ideas for those who love all things sports are endless – and go beyond equipment and gear!
- Player Bobblehead from Scooter G Sports, 129 E. College Avenue, Appleton
- Fun Card from Badger Sports Park, 3600 E. Evergreen Drive, Appleton
- Rhinestone Sports Ball Charms from Lanie Lou Jewelry, Based in Appleton
Bath & Hair Accessories
Bows, clips, and adorable bath bombs can be matched by color, style, theme or customized as a set. Who wouldn’t want such adorable fashion for Easter?
- Headbands & Themed Layer Bows from 3 of a Kind, Based in Appleton
- Clip In Bows from Style Hook Up, 432 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite C, Appleton
- Large Snap Clips from Belle’s Knots & Bows, Based In Appleton
- Bobby Pin Hair Pin Sets from The Polka Dot Pea, Based in Appleton
- Mix & Match Bath Bombs from It’s All About That Bath, Based in Appleton
Play Passes
Kids don’t need sugar, they’re already full of energy! Let them burn it off with play passes from these local establishments filled with fun!
- Annual Membership for the Building for Kids, 100 W. College Avenue, Appleton
- Just Play Membership at Luv 2 Play, 4938 Integrity Way, Appleton
- Frequent Jumper Card from Monkey Joe’s, 1800 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton
- Tokens and Ride Tickets at Funset Boulevard, 3916 W. College Avenue, Appleton
- Jump Membership at Urban Air Adventure Park, 4741 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton
A Cute Outfit
Dress them up to feel their best with adorable dresses, pants sets, rompers, and more from area boutiques!
- The Puddle Duck, 124 N. Broadway, De Pere
- Small Sprouts Handmade, Based in Kimberly
- My Deer Little One, Based in Hortonville
Other Trinkets
There are so many things that make a great addition to Easter baskets and best of all, these fillers can be catered to the individual interest of the recipient!
- Personalized Ice Pop Popsicle Holders from Elasen Co, Based in Neenah
- Cracking Geodes from the Weis Earth Science Museum, 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha
- Silly Animal Socks from Lamer’s Dairy, Appleton
- Character Loveys from The Lullabye Shop, 2144 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton
- Lego Sets from Replay Toys, 127 E Wisconsin Ave, Appleton
- Glitter Letter Keychains from Sol’s Shop, Based in the Fox Cities
- Dino-Light LED String Lights from Caramel Crisp Cafe, 200 City Center D, Oshkosh,
- Personalized Camelbak Water Bottle by Special Etch, Based in Appleton
- Peep Lip Balmies by Just A Little By Kris, Based in Green Bay
- Wooly Bunny Rattle by Hoot & Company, 103 East College Avenue, Appleton
