The post I wrote on gift ideas for little nature explorers during the holidays last year was a big hit. With Easter right around the corner, I thought you might enjoy a few more ideas – this time with an eye for encouraging spring outdoor fun.
As always, I’ve tried to include low-cost (less than $20) items that will set your little one’s imagination and sense of wonder free. Enjoy!
1. Kite
Kite flying is highly underrated. All you need is a nice breeze and a wide-open space to fly it and you’re good to go. Choose a favorite theme, color or cartoon character to inspire kids to get started (we’ve got a “Cars” decorated kite, of course).
2. Insect/butterfly net
Sure, these nets are great for catching flying insects. Even better, they’re great for skimming in creeks and streams. Imagine what discoveries await!
3. Live insect kits
Insect kits offer kids a chance to watch nature at work up close. Maybe it’s because I never played with bugs as a kid and married a complete bug lover that I am fascinated with insects as a parent. In fact, we’re going to adopt a caterpillar this weekend and watch it transform into a butterfly some time within the next month. And I just bought this ladybug kit for one of my son’s friends for about $20.
4. Sidewalk chalk
For imagining, creating, playing and being outdoors, sidewalk chalk does it all. It’s cheap, too!
5. Garden tools
Walk into the garden section of any Target these days and you’ll see kid-sized watering cans, garden tools, shovels and gloves at a fairly inexpensive price. Giving kids their own tools is a great way to make them feel part of the gardening process. I picked up a set for my sons to use in our garden this spring.
6. Kid’s fishing pole
The 5 year old has taken to turning sticks into fishing poles whenever we’re at a lake or pond. The perfect stick would be a great inspiration for a budding fisherman, as would a kid’s fishing pole. I found a “Cars” fishing pole online for less than $15.
7. Bubbles
Bubbles are cheap, portable and sure to bring a smile. We took our bubble game up a notch when my husband bought my son a hand-held bubble maker. Push a button and it shoots out tons of bubbles. Sends our youngest into a flurry of giggles.
8. Books
I’m a big fan of reading books with both of my kids and am always looking for a way to bring in stories about nature and wild animals. A classic like Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a natural if you’re nurturing a caterpillar. Our current favorites are “Not a Stick” by Antoinette Portis and “The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward.
9. Head lamp
How cool is this lego headlamp for kids?
Costs less than $15 at REI and is sure to get my son excited about our backyard campout later this summer.
10. Something from nature
Easter baskets beg to be filled with treasures from nature. Look for something in your backyard to inspire your child to go exploring outside, too. It might be a few rocks to start a collection, a pinecone, some small sticks or a flower.
One more note: If you’ll be hunting for Easter eggs this holiday, replace the traditional basket with something your child can re-use, like a large pail or a pot for planting.
As always, I welcome your ideas for encouraging outdoor fun this spring and beyond. Share a comment and let me know what you’ve got planned!
My 5 year old has loved flying a kite since he was three, so I'm sure your kiddos will, too. And, no, you aren't the only one to have lost your short term memory after kids — I often forget why I've gone from one room to another once I get there! 🙂
These are GREAT ideas!!!! I am definitely going to do the kite thing. if I can remember. I hate my lack of short term memory. Am I the only one who lost it completely once I had children?
Marc, a compass was on the holiday gift list last year precisely because my 5 year old won't go anywhere without his! Your son will love it!<br /><br />Suz & Michele, I'm glad you guys enjoyed the list. And yes, these ideas work for any occasion.<br /><br />Mel, so cool that you're using real eggs from local chickens. Nice suggestion for the rest of us to consider, too!
Great list! I put sidewalk chalk in the boys' baskets (which someone gave me and I save from year to year) last year. I already have the bubbles for this year. I'll also be adding a little terra cotta flower pot and seed packets. And some chocolate that I'll probably steal when they aren't looking ;)<br /><br />And we always use real eggs from local chickens–no need to bring more
Great gift list. Those are awesome ideas for birthdays, too.
I love all these ideas! Each is affordable and provides hours of nature play, far beyond its modest appearance. Thank you for a great post.
These are all great ideas, thanks for the post! My son's fifth birthday is coming up and he had a blast using one of my compasses on one of our recent hikes. Something tells me he might be unwrapping one on his b-day, and I think a compass would be a good addition to the Easter Basket.
Heidi, nice to meet you! You're doing great things on http://outdoorbaby.net. Let's definitely talk about a guest post opportunity! :)<br /><br />Dawn, I haven't used a pail as a "basket" yet myself, but it seems like something my boys would enjoy.
Fun list! I love pails for "baskets"… such fun!
Such a great list. I found you through nature rocks and your facebook comment. I just posted a review of an American Girl doll who likes to play outdoors and I also posted a list of outdoor websites for families. I will need to ad your blog to the list one of these days. Maybe you would be into doing a guest article? Heidi Ahrens
Mel, so glad you stopped by! Hope you'll put something extra fun in the ladybugs' pails this year just for me. Can't wait to go strawberry picking with you all in May!
Debi – fabulous easter basket gift ideas. With nieces and nephews and of course my own Little Ladies to buy for – gifts that are cheap, yet fun are always what I am looking for. For the last few years, I have been using sand pails as easter baskets. Keep the ideas coming – Love them Love them!
Great ideas. I think garden tools and maybe seeds or a plant would be really in keeping with welcoming spring too.
Jana, my youngest is almost 2, too! I think it's great that your little one has already begun a rock collection. Mine would rather be outside playing in our backyard than just about anywhere. And there's so much there to learn!
These are very cute/fun ideas. My son is only 2 but there are a few things on there I know he would love. He has already started a rock collection, I'm thinking I should paint some that he can add. Thanks for the outdoors ideas. I love keeping my child active, especially in the beautiful so cal weather we've been having.