Tween and teen boys are a special (spelled w-e-i-r-d) bunch, and figuring out what to get them is a challenge. As a stepmother of a tween boy myself, I feel your pain. Well, Wallflower, you might have 99 problems but easter basket ideas for tween boys ain’t one of ‘em! 😆
Easter is a great time of year because we get to celebrate the resurrection of our savior, and the holiday is a distinct welcome to spring.
On the other hand, we are presented with yet another opportunity to procrastinate and be forced to panic shop! Don’t be like me scouring the bare Easter aisles of Target at the last minute for Easter gifts. Use these Easter basket filler ideas to prepare early and handle Easter like a boss!
Let’s start with ideas on what to use instead of a basket.
Easter Basket Alternatives for Tween Boys
I love a sweet, adorable Easter basket. However, neither of these are words a tween boy uses to describe himself. Learn from my experience.
I gave my stepson a beautiful and lovingly crafted Easter basket. He proceeded to say thank you, turned it upside down to empty the contents, and tossed the basket behind him. Uh, not again, sir! I will not be making that mistake next year.
I can’t really blame him. As much as I liked the basket, it didn’t really mean much to him. He appreciated the gift but didn’t really know what to do with the basket. Sadly, this is also the year he decided he didn’t want to visit the Easter bunny anymore.
Here are some alternative options for packaging your tween boy’s Easter gift.
Easter Basket Alternatives
Gift Bag
Fast forward to my stepson on Easter the following year. I used a gift bag for his Easter gift instead. Win!
Although he still dumped everything out, he used the bag to keep it all in afterward. To him, it felt more grown-up than a basket. So, try changing it up with a gift bag instead of a basket. Or, you can try something close but different.
Draw String Bag
The flexible bags that cinch closed with drawstrings. The bonus of this option is it’s not only a fun and unique way to give an easter gift but, it’s functional as well. Your tween can continue to use the bag for school, sports, or sleepovers.
Bucket
A bucket is also a functional option. You can use it just like an Easter basket but with a little more rugged, grown-up feel. Your maturing kiddo will appreciate receiving something that doesn’t look like it was made for babies.
Fill Your Own
This one is more of an activity and works great with kids of different ages. You get some Easter basket stuffers and hide them as part of an Easter egg hunt. I know — he may think he’s too old for egg hunts. But this turns it into a fun game or a challenge.
While the younger kids hunt for eggs, the older kids hunt for their Easter basket items. You can use a decorative sack, ziplock bag, or one of the above options.
This fill-your-own method works for all kinds of Easter basket gift ideas, including the ones below.
Easter Basket Ideas for Tween Boys
Gift Cards
Tweens and teens love gift cards because it gives them the option to buy exactly what they want. You can get a gift card for something they like or go with a Visa card they can spend wherever they want.
If he likes video games, go with a PlayStation gift card, or an iTunes gift card if he likes music. Or their favorite dessert place is a good option if you’re getting a specific gift card.
Sweet Treats
Yes, candy is a classic easter basket idea and that doesn’t change for tween boys. If you don’t want to give too much candy, try one bigger item instead of a bunch of smaller candies. Chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, or a pack of Peeps are great Easter basket fillers.
Summer Fun
Before you know it, spring gives way to summer and all the warm weather. That makes summer fun things a good addition to an Easter gift. Think about things your tween can use during summer vacation such as sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, beach toys, or a rolled beach towel.
Games
Small games are easy to drop in your basket, bucket, or bag. And they’re a great way to encourage Easter fun with other siblings or friends. Even though they’re big kids, tween boys still like games, just a bit more elevated. Try a card game, lego sets, activity books, and fidget toys they can take to school.
Easter Eggs
Yup! Easter eggs … but with a twist. Create eggs that have fun surprises inside instead of just candy. There are eggs that come with different kinds of Easter goodies such as Easter crafts, and even science experiments on Amazon. You could also keep it simple and put some money in there. Now, that’s a fun idea!
Personal Care Items
Tween boys are not well-known for personal care. Giving personal care items as a gift with other items, like in an Easter bag, is a gentle nudge to explore using them. Body spray, chapstick, deodorant, and fun socks are all good options.
Books
If your tween boy is an avid reader, the next book in his favorite series is a great gift idea. Or, introduce some other great books you think he would like.
Other good book options are Easter trivia books, books telling the story of Easter, and junior Bibles.
Personal Note
Give your Easter gift a unique touch with a personal note instead of an Easter greeting card. No card will say what you can to someone so special in your life. You could make this an Easter tradition, possibly one they’ll carry into their own Easter basket for their kids.
Easter Basket Ideas for Tween Boys
Buying gifts for older kids can be tricky. Crush your Easter gift to your tween boy this year by using these ideas, and adding your own personal note. You’ll have a unique Easter basket and a fun way to incorporate his favorite things. Make your tween’s Easter basket (or not basket) one he’ll never forget!
