Oops, I Did It Again : Last-Minute, Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers
Oops, I did it again.
Last year, we were in the mountains the weekend before Easter. This year? Jeff was out of town, and Alex and I were busy doing all the fun things. In both cases, I was so wrapped up in enjoying the moment that I completely spaced the fact that Easter is almost here. Ahhhh!
I usually try to fill our eggs with a mix of candy and fun non-candy surprises. The candy part is easy (gummy bears forever!), but this late in the game? The non-candy section of the Easter aisle is looking real picked over.
But never fear! If you’re anything like me and currently scrambling (ha—couldn’t resist) for last-minute egg stuffers, I’ve got you.
Whether you forgot (zero judgment here!), ran out of time, or just want to avoid the sugar rush followed by the inevitable crash-n-burn, here are some simple, fun, candy-free Easter egg fillers that are kid-approved and parent-appreciated.
Mini Stickers or Temporary Tattoos
Tiny, easy to roll up, and usually hiding somewhere near the grocery store checkout or card aisle. Bonus points for Easter bunnies, but any fun theme will do—glitter unicorns, dinosaurs, pizza slices. Kids aren’t picky when it comes to stickers!
Coins
Time to raid the couch cushions, your purse, and every cupholder in your car. If you’ve got a second, swing by the bank and exchange a five for a mix of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. Sneaky bonus: this can double as a math activity, and they won’t even notice because they’re RICH!
Puzzle Pieces
Hide a handful of puzzle pieces in the eggs and let the kids figure out the surprise twist: the hunt wasn’t over when they found the eggs—it’s just getting started. Bonus: built-in quiet time to sip your coffee and relax.
LEGO Pieces
Same concept as above—put 1–2 pieces in each egg and build a mini set together after the hunt!
Mini Erasers or Pencil Toppers
Is it just me, or do kids immediately destroy the eraser on every pencil? These are cute, useful, and somehow thrilling to small humans.
Miniature Toys
Think bouncy balls, toy cars, or mini figurines. When all else fails, grab some change and raid the gumball machines at your local store for these tiny trinkets!
Costume Jewelry or Beaded Rings
Tiny treasures that feel special! You could also stash beads and string in a few eggs to create a DIY friendship bracelet kit for built-in craft time!
Clues to a Bigger Surprise
Write out riddles or silly hints that lead to a larger Easter basket or surprise. It stretches out the fun and gives them a little mystery to solve.
Coupons for Fun Stuff
Make your own mini “coupons” and pop them into the eggs. Think:
Stay up 15 minutes later
Pick the next movie
One extra bedtime story
Ice cream date with Mom
Skip one chore (the holy grail)
If you’re reading this the night before Easter with nothing but a junk drawer, a rogue paperclip, and some glitter glue… embrace it. Slap a googly eye on a binder clip and call it a “silly Easter surprise.” Your kids will still think it’s magic.
Because truly? They don’t need perfect.
They just need you—and a little bit of fun.
Happy egg hunting, friends!
