Our Easter basket tradition is to gift our kids with items we most likely would have purchased to enjoy in the spring and summer anyway. Kites, swimsuits, sunglasses, water toys, books and KC gear are all things we typically enjoy giving and our children love receiving. Candy and mounds of sugar we leave to the bunny.
Where to Buy Local Easter Basket Fillers in Kansas City
Basket Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
Easter outfits are the best! If you are looking for something cute, look no further than Brookside’s tried and true Lauren Alexandra or Liberty’s Mama and Me Children’s Boutique. Hiles Two, Owen and Graham and The Little House are three additional noteworthy boutiques filled to the brim with unique and fun clothing items. The items I have personally purchased have become keepsakes to treasure. Pair the outfit with a Swimzip suit, founded by a Kansas City based mom and entrepreneur, to keep your little ones looking cool and protected from the sun. Obviously, they will need a little something to play with, and all of the aforementioned boutiques also sell unique and adorable toys. Favorites include: a tiny tea set, a firehouse in a suitcase, Plus Plus bunny building set (only for toddlers old enough to not put the tiny pieces in mouths), arty play dough, a rainbow stuffie or a fun bath bomb.
Basket Ideas for Elementary Aged Children
This age group is especially fun to shop for because the possibilities are plentiful! Begin your search at Brookside Toy and Science as it is the ultimate fun-filled destination and the most intriguing kid-focused store in KC. They sell individual items or premade baskets to make life easy! Pick up a kite, a Toob of mini figures for imaginative play, as well as some water sensory/pool toys and you are set. Fat Brain Toys, Toy Time in Crown Center and The Learning Tree are three additional stores that pride themselves on stocking toys that will be played with rather than tossed aside. Consider choosing an acrylic paint set accompanied by a blank canvas, a bug collector set or a fairy garden terrarium to adorn your cheerful baskets, which can be found at these three stores.
Pink Antlers is always a great stop for decor, but especially for small seasonal gifts for kids. Grab some unicorn sidewalk chalk or a miracle melting bunny to impress your little ones.
For the avid readers, KD’s Books in Lee’s Summit is a lovely retailer filled with both the intriguing and best selling. While in the area, pick up a small gift card from Poppy’s Ice Cream, so you may all return and enjoy some of the best treats your tastebuds will ever experience!
Little boys and girls alike will appreciate a gardening starter set at Colonial Gardens, as they do an excellent job in making growing fun and intriguing. Pair it with a few fairy garden accessories for backyard enjoyment all summer long. If interested, they even provide a monthly’s Kids Club for budding botanists and farmers! An avid flower lover might enjoy accompanying mom to a spring container workshop at Family Tree Nursery where their work of art can be displayed on the porch until winter.
Basket Ideas for Tweens and Teenagers
Teenagers can be difficult to shop for, but have no fear, Kansas City has you covered!
Start at Made in KC, everyone’s favorite destination for regional gifts made by talented local artists. Here you will find accessories, hip bedroom décor and everything in between. If I need a gift meant to impress, this is always my first stop.
For the true fashionistas in your life, Shop Scoobie, The Fashion Truck KC, Lucca, Bunker, Ellis Clothing Co and Twill Boutique are filled with adorable options for all of the warm-weather get-togethers ahead. Think the color pink, western wear, ballet flats and unique sunglasses when shopping. These retailers have an online and brick and mortar presence for ease of shopping. Finish your shopping at EB & Co. to accessorize your new finds with a bunny hair clip, Taylor Swift goods or chunky earrings and your job is done.
As an alternative to clothing, consider this retro jelly basket from Pink Antlers. Fill it with a gift card to Chicken N Pickle (hello, family fun outing) and a brightly colored pickle ball paddle set!
The teen boy in your life might appreciate a gift card to Flipswitch VR, accompanied by a pair of funky socks from School of Sock and a cool album from Records with Merritt in Westport.
Hometown Pride Gifts
Kansas City is having a moment! Kids, teens and adults alike all want to show off their hometown pride and love for the Royals, Chiefs, KC Current, Sporting KC and favorite collegiate teams. For any age and style, Made in KC, Westside Storey, Pink Dinosaur and Charlie Hustle can’t be beat. Grab a t-shirt, hat, sticker for their water bottle, fun socks or a framed print for their room. The options are endless and every store is packed full of colorful, unique and colorful KC goods.
I hope this list inspires you to support our local retailers, as they (among many, many others) work hard to make Kansas City a great place to live, work and shop. Any and all of them will no doubt provide some exceptional Easter basket goodies for your little bunnies.
