After getting through the festive season and first quarter of the year, suddenly Easter is upon us. Along with all the fun with family and friends, the Easter period can easily cost us more than expected. We’ve listed some ideas to try to maximise fun and minimise costs.
Be travel wary
Flights and accommodation prices are often inflated over long weekends. Camping is a great way to leave the daily grind behind and enjoy the benefits of relaxation and nature at the same time. It could be the last opportunity to make the most of the nice weather for a few months, especially if you’re in the Eastern states.
Set a budget
It’s easy to lose track of your spending during any holiday period, especially if you’re going away for a weekend or longer. This simple but effective tip will help to avoid this.
Home-bake treats
There are many easy recipes that are delicious and won’t stretch your budget, such as biscuits, hot cross buns and healthier versions of store-bought cookies. As well as being cost effective, baking is a great idea for gifts, guests or your own family to enjoy.
Host instead of eat out
Inviting guests around for brunch or dinner can often be cheaper than going out. Encouraging guests to each bring a plate will not just keep costs down, but also your stress level from cooking for everyone. If you don’t have space at home, you could organise it at the local park.
Get crafty
There are so many fun ways to make your own Easter decorations (especially for kids), which will be well within your budget. Material used could be anything from egg cartons, paper plates, buttons, fabric, googly eyes, to paint and brushes. Some of our favourites include Easter headbands, party hats, tin foil Easter eggs and decorated jars and tins. If you’re looking for something to last years ahead, you could decorate your own wooden Easter eggs.
It’s also never too early to start planning for next year. The days immediately following the Easter holiday period are a great time to take advantage of discounts on decorations and other items that can be stored away for future use.