Budgeting for Easter

How to Have a Cracking Time Without Scrambling Your Finances

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A blue piggy bank with a hand putting a £1 coin in.

Ah, Easter. That delightful time of year when supermarkets replace their Christmas stock with a towering wall of chocolate eggs before we’ve even taken down the tinsel.

Between Easter eggs, Sunday roasts, and enough pastel decorations to make a wedding planner weep, it’s alarmingly easy to spend a small fortune on what is essentially a celebration of spring (with added sugar).

But fear not! Whether you’re a family trying to keep the kids entertained without taking out a second mortgage, a single parent juggling costs, or just an adult who enjoys an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast, we’ve got practical tips to keep your Easter budget in check.

Set an Easter Budget (And Stick to It!)

We know, we know, budgeting isn’t exactly thrilling, but neither is your bank statement after a reckless Easter shopping spree. Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend on Easter eggs, food, activities, and whatever else you have planned. If necessary, allocate limits for each category and, this is key, stick to them. No sneaky extra chocolate bunnies at checkout.

Get Creative with Easter Eggs

Do you really need to buy that £10 branded chocolate egg that contains about 80p worth of chocolate? No, you do not. Here’s how to be savvy:

Buy supermarket own-brand eggs – Just as tasty, half the price.
Go for multi-packs – A pack of smaller eggs can stretch much further than one giant overpriced one.
Make your own! If you’re feeling fancy, buy a silicone egg mould and some cheap chocolate to make your own personalised treats. Bonus: You get to taste-test as much as you like.

Host a Budget-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt

Instead of spending loads on pre-packaged egg hunt kits, make your own:

Use a mix of small chocolate eggs and non-edible surprises like stickers or homemade vouchers (e.g., "Stay up 30 minutes later" or "One free pass on washing-up duty").
Reuse plastic eggs year after year, fill them with whatever fits your budget.
Get the whole family involved. If you’ve got siblings, cousins, or neighbours with kids, suggest a joint egg hunt where everyone contributes a little something.

Child on an Easter egg hunt, wearing bunny ears and collecting colourful eggs in a blue bucket.

Easter Sunday Dinner on a Budget

The Easter roast is an event in itself, but you don’t need to go full MasterChef to impress your guests.

Choose budget-friendly meats – A whole chicken is often cheaper than a leg of lamb, and no one’s going to riot over a roast beef swap.
Shop smart – Look for supermarket offers on veggies (most do discounts on Easter staples like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips).
Make it a potluck – If you’re hosting, ask guests to bring a dish. It’s less work for you, and your wallet will thank you.

Ditch the Overpriced Easter Décor

We get it, pastel-coloured everything is adorable. But do you really need to spend £20 on an "Easter Bunny Wreath"? Probably not.

DIY your décor – Get the kids involved with homemade bunting, painted eggs, and cardboard bunny cutouts.
Repurpose Christmas fairy lights – They make any space look festive.
Use nature – Fresh flowers, twigs, and greenery make for beautiful (and free) table decorations.

A group of children are hopping in burlap sacks, there are adults and other chlidren stood around watching.

Save on Easter Activities

Easter isn’t just about chocolate (although we admit, that’s the best part). Here’s how to keep everyone entertained without spending a fortune:

Go to free community events – Many local councils, churches, and parks host free or low-cost Easter activities.
Bake together – Easter biscuits and cupcakes are far cheaper (and more fun) than shop-bought ones.
DIY crafts – Paint eggs, make Easter cards, or build a (slightly wonky) cardboard bunny house.

Plan for Next Year (Yes, Already)

Want to be really smug? Start planning for next Easter now:

Buy decorations and supplies in post-Easter sales – You’ll thank yourself next year.
Stock up on reduced-price Easter eggs – If you’ve got the willpower to freeze them and not eat them immediately, you’ve won at life.

Fluffy yellow chick standing on a rustic wooden surface with a blurred green background.

No we are not suggesting you freeze a chick, we just thought it was cute okay?

Easter should be about fun, family, and (let’s be honest) a mild sugar coma—not maxed-out credit cards. With a little planning, creativity, and restraint in the seasonal aisle, you can enjoy all the chocolate-fuelled joy of Easter without a financial hangover.