Meg Favreau, senior editor at Wise Bread, said, “Whether you're inviting family, friends or neighbors, you'll get to share the work and cost of cooking while celebrating the holiday with others,” Yes! there’s no such rules, that you should pay a lot to feed your invited guests or to fill your kid’s Easter basket. Apart from these, getting dressed up specially for Easter is a common tradition but you can buy these type of special dresses at consignment shops, thrift stores and even yard sales. You can save a wad of cash on these gently used items.There’s no point to buy those special occasion dresses from an expensive store. So, whatever the plan you’ve made there are always some frugal options which can save your hard earned money while celebrating Easter.
Here are some frugal ideas you can always consider to celebrate this Easter to a new level.
1. Know your priorities
At first you need to be determined in order to be frugal on this Easter. Decide your own way of celebration this Easter in advance. Thus, you can reduce extra costs on other things. Remember, sticking to a plan is very important. For instance, if you’re spending money on potluck to have relaxing time and good foods with friends and family, then you should reduce costs on Easter clothes for everyone. On the other hand, if you’re planning to celebrate the event spiritually with your kids, then you should focus on each and every part of it not on expensive parties. Thus, you can maintain your budget and enjoy the event as well.
2. Plan the menu beforehand
As I’ve already said, planning in advance is the best way to stick to a budget. Plan the Easter menu in advance this year and see it’s effect! Also a pre-planning helps to shop more economically. You can easily reduce extra cost on store items and feed your family and friends their favorite dishes as well. Plan a smart and small menu so that you can get free time to enjoy with the guests.
3. Pick some frugal ideas
Here are some of my favorite frugal tricks:
- You can make the cooking a family event. Organize a potluck and invite friends. Share all the expenses and duties with each other. Thus, all of you can enjoy the event and savor dishes that everyone brings.
- You can also organize a barbecue or a picnic with burgers and special Easter salads at your front yard.
- Another most traditional way to celebrate Easter is egg dying. Don’t waste money on egg dying kits. If you already have some food color in your kitchen then use them to dye eggs with kids. Ask all the kids invited at your home to search the hidden eggs and enjoy the Easter in a traditional way.
4. Reuse items to save money
Take an inventory look in to your store room before buying disposable plates, Easter baskets, plastic fillable eggs, shredded papers and other decoration materials. I’m sure you have already some items at your home. So, try to reuse them and present in a new way with a different look. Make sure all the items, already purchased that can be reuse in next year. You can get reused items at thrift store on cheap.
5. Try some DIY ideas
Try some DIY ideas which includes recipes, decorations, crafts, gifts, treats to celebrate the frugal Easter. Search on Internet to get some easy and quick ideas. For instance, you can make your own bunny shaped treat, Easter pie. Try to use colored marshmallow to add color in your bunny. Make kites at home and fly them with your kids.
6. Save on Easter supplies
Buy Easter supplies (candies, trinkets) from dollar store. Fill the basket with some inexpensive items such as crayons, color book, fruit snacks, graham cracker, bubbles and bubble blowers, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, balls. Decorate the basket of your own with shrink wrap and tie up with a colorful bow to give festive look. Make sure to reuse the items in next year.
Final words
Eat the eggs after the decoration and Easter fun is over. Try to make devilled egg, egg salad sand witches or eat them up at your office lunch. You can get many other leftover recipes on Internet. Remember, by being some creative you can always keep your holidays inexpensive yet full of fun.