Easter, once a simpler affair of roast lamb, a chocolate egg or two, and handmade cards, has evolved into a costly extravaganza for many British families. The pressure to deliver themed outfits, home makeovers, and an abundance of chocolate – despite soaring prices – is placing a significant strain on household budgets.
Adding to the financial strain, extended school holidays mean parents face increased childcare costs, whether through holiday clubs or various excursions, according to Rajan Lakhani, a personal finance expert and Head of Money at Plum. The persistent shadow of inflation further complicates matters.
"Inflation has been quite significant over the past few years, and until recently, it had started coming down, but now potentially it’s increasing again, with what we’re seeing going on with geopolitical events," Lakhani explains. He cautions that even a decreasing rate of inflation doesn't mean prices are falling, merely that they are rising at a slower pace.
These combined factors can make Easter a surprisingly expensive period, but there are practical strategies to manage costs and make every penny count.
Crafting an Easter Budget
As with any event that threatens to strain your weekly budget, establishing a clear financial plan is crucial. "Easter is one of those holidays that can steeply become very expensive if you aren’t careful. Between the chocolate spending and the pressure for a full Easter dinner, costs can add up really fast," Lakhani warns. He suggests utilising budgeting apps like Plum, Monzo, or Pocket to create a dedicated fund for Easter spending, helping users stick to their limits.
Smart Chocolate and Egg Hunt Choices
First, temper expectations regarding chocolate. "The Easter bunny doesn’t need to shop for high-end chocolate," Lakhani advises. Affordable, good-tasting supermarket own-brand chocolate can be wrapped in colourful tissue paper and ribbon to create similar excitement. For those who don't mind a delayed celebration, waiting until Easter Monday can yield significant savings, as many major retailers drastically reduce Easter egg prices after Sunday. The egg hunt itself doesn't solely rely on chocolate; "Kids remember searching for the items and being with friends or family, more than the volume of sugar or chocolate," Lakhani notes. Consider reusable plastic eggs filled with stickers or small toys, or even felt oval shapes containing "coupons" for rewards like staying up later.
Homemade chocolate nests, using own-brand chocolate and cereal, offer another cost-effective and engaging activity. "My kids love stirring in the cornflakes or shredded wheat," Lakhani shares. When buying mini eggs for decoration, compare prices carefully, as "big brands have seen shrinkflation, so it’s really important you check out different options so you’re getting value for money."
The Easter Feast and Beyond
With children missing out on free school meals during the holidays, overall food expenditure will naturally rise alongside the Easter meal itself. General savings tips include comparing prices, opting for frozen over fresh where appropriate, buying in bulk, maximising leftovers, and utilising supermarket loyalty schemes. Batch cooking can also prove invaluable.
For the main roast, while supermarkets offer pre-prepared options, Lakhani suggests that "it’s best to work out whether you can save money by cooking from scratch," which often results in better taste. He cites honey-roasted parsnips as an example: "supermarkets will be selling them for upwards of £3 for a small portion, when you can easily buy carrots, parsnips and whatever you want with your lamb, along with a pot of honey, for less than that." Delaying the purchase of a roasting joint until Easter Monday can also secure it for half the price. Furthermore, "stick to what’s in season, whether it’s carrots, peas or spring greens, they’ll be much fresher and much cheaper." If hosting extended family, remember that "you don’t have to shoulder all the costs," and loved ones can be asked to contribute side dishes, desserts, or even chocolate eggs.
Decorations and Days Out
While shops are brimming with Easter decorations, homemade alternatives can be equally charming and provide a fun activity. Delve into your recycling bin for materials and grab a glue stick. "Making origami bunnies, weaving paper baskets or making papier mache eggs and getting the kids involved is a really good option to not only keep costs down but keep them engaged during the holidays," Lakhani explains.
For purchased decorations, consider buying them in the post-Easter sales for next year. Always "go online to source discount codes and vouchers before buying anything," a tip that also applies to excursions and meals out. Many "kids go free" offers are available at this time of year. Lakhani recommends using AI tools like Perplexity and Claude to efficiently scout multiple sites for discounts, saving both money and time.
Prioritising Time Together
Ultimately, there's no need to succumb to the pressure of an extravagant Easter, regardless of what appears on social media. "Kids don’t remember the extravagance. What they remember is actually spending time with family, doing an Easter egg hunt with their cousins and siblings, and that’s what’s most fun about it," Lakhani concludes. In today's fast-paced world, "the opportunity to take a few days holiday and spend some quality time with family and your children is really important."
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