Turns out, filling an Easter basket with Made in America goodies is easier than you think!
With Easter just around the corner, I went on a mission: Could I fill a kid’s Easter basket with fun, festive stuffers that are made in the USA — without having to order online and wait for shipping? Spoiler alert: Yes, yes, I could! I headed into Walmart and Target — coffee in hand, not entirely convinced I’d find much — and walked out with a basket full of treats and toys that are all American-made. Real, feel-good finds right on the shelf.
Here’s what made the basket:
Da Bomb Bath Bombs, made by two teen sisters in Minnesota, are fizzy fun with a surprise inside. I spotted several at Target. An instant win for bath time and a favorite in our house.
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, Made in Pennsylvania, adds that irresistible hands-on play. I found the Egg Hunt version at Walmart and other varieties at Target. It’s one of those items that ends up being played with more than anything else — by kids and adults.
Crayola Neon Crayons, Made in Pennsylvania; these bright 24-packs were easy to find at both retailers. This spin on the classroom staple will bring color to your basket and keep the fun going long after Easter’s over.
Strathmore Drawing Paper, a longtime favorite of artists, is Made in Wisconsin. As a Wisconsinite, it felt like such a fun hometown win to spot it on the shelf at Target. The paper is great quality and perfect for little artists who love to create, whether they’re drawing dinosaurs or designing their dream Easter egg.
Post-it Notes, made by 3M in Kentucky, aren’t just for offices. My kids love turning them into flip books, treasure hunt clues, and “Do Not Enter” signs for their bedroom doors.
Jelly Belly, Made in California, is a nostalgic favorite and a must-have in every flavor under the sun. Plus, they’re a great treat for a crowd since they’re gluten-free, peanut-free, dairy-free, fat-free and vegetarian-friendly. Pro tip: hide a few for yourself.
Peeps, those polarizing, fluffy marshmallow icons, are Made in Pennsylvania. Love them or hate them, they’re basically required eating this time of year. Consider they’re crafting potential if you’d typically pass on Peeps.
Russell Stover Chocolate Bunnies (yes, the hollow ones!) are made in one of Russell Stover’s three chocolate factories located in Kansas and Texas. These gold-wrapped foil bunnies feel just a little fancier.
Burt’s Bees Chapstick, Made in North Carolina with natural ingredients, is one of those sneaky hits in a basket. Kids love having their own, and let’s be honest — so do grown-ups. Toss one in and watch it disappear faster than the candy.
Piggy Paint Nail Polish, Made in Arkansas, is a non-toxic, kid-safe polish in fun, bright colors. I didn’t add it to my cart this time (boy mom here!), but it’s a great option if you’re building a basket for someone who loves all things nails and glitter. You can find it at Target.
Gatorade Squeeze Water Bottles, the sturdy kind you see on sidelines, are Made in Pennsylvania and are perfect for sporty kids, soccer season, or just spraying your sibling by “accident.”
BlitzBall, a backyard baseball game Made in Michigan, was a fun Walmart surprise. It’s lightweight, easy to throw, and a sneaky way to burn off that jelly bean energy.
Rook Card Game, has roots going all the way back to the early 1900s. It was created by George S. Parker, the founder of Parker Brothers, and his wife Grace. I found it at Walmart and thought it was just the kind of card game that could turn into a new family favorite. It has a loyal following, and felt like a fun, out-of-the-box addition to the Easter basket.
The Original Slinky, still Made in Pennsylvania, is the classic that never gets old. It’s proof that you don’t need batteries or screens to keep a kid entertained. Simple, timeless, and oddly satisfying; there’s just something magical about watching it walk down the stairs (or trying to make it, anyway).
Walmart’s Way to Celebrate line includes plastic Easter eggs, Easter baskets, and crinkle paper Easter grass — all American-made and super affordable. These are must-haves for all baskets.
What surprised me most? I didn’t need to hunt down boutiques or place custom orders. I just walked into two big-box stores and started reading the labels. These finds are proof that buying American-made doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. It just takes time and a closer look at the label.
If you’re looking for more Made in America finds for your spring celebrations, including Passover, check out our guide from 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2015.