How to Save Money on Easter!

Holidays are expensive, plain and simple. If you have kids to add into the equation, they can really add up!

So with Easter right around the corner here are a few ways to save money on Easter, from decorations, to Easter baskets, to the big dinner.

Decorations

Not everybody puts up decorations for Easter. Some people may just do a flag in the yard, or a bunny on the porch. I have seen people go as far at Easter egg lights in the windows, window gel clings and mixing it with a 'Spring' Theme.

Now you don't have to go spend a ton of money on decoration. Use what you have from years past. If you are looking to build up a decoration stash my best advice: DO NOT DECORATE THIS YEAR!

Why? Because you will pay full price for your decor. Wait until after the holiday to buy! The day after Easter all the Decor will be marked down about 50% start browsing buying some stuff then. But if you can REALLY hold off for about 4 or 5 days stuff will start to be marked down 75% then a week after the holidays stores like target will mark down the rest to 90%!

Why do stores do this? Because this stuff is no longer in demand, and instead of PAYING to ship it back to the warehouse to sit around they figure any money they can MAKE is better then nothing. So they mark the deals down so low just to move the merchandise!

Easter Baskets and the big 'Hunt'

There are lots of ways to save money on the 'Big Day'!

Eggs:

After following the tips above you should have some items to paint eggs stocked up super cheap. Eggs always go on sale this time of year for painting so find the best deals you can. (even stock up if you want) Also consider buying some plastic eggs you can reuse over and over each year. Also don't toss the eggs once you find them! Eat them reuse them in a Easter dish! If you use plastic eggs you can put a few treats in them something like a few pennies, some candy, even some small toys.

Easter Baskets:

The best thing i can say is make them your self! I have yet to buy a pre made basket for my kids! Especially for their first Easter it's near impossible to find a Easter basket for a kid under 3! Plus i don't like how much candy is in each basket so i make them my self. I stock up on candy at the drug store sales leading up to eater (drug store sales = free candy!!) Each kid gets a chocolate Easter bunny, a stuffed Easter theme animal and a toy, i also like to include some cheap $1 or less books. I also like to include a sprint time activity usually bubbles or chalk. I stock up on baskets the year before on clearance and skip the messy grass!

Easter Meals

Breakfast:

Some families have a huge breakfast after Church since it's Sunday. Instead of going out to eat and waiting in line since everybody has the same idea, go home and make your breakfast. This is where the egg stock up come in handy.

Dinner:

The weeks leading up to Easter all the typical Easter meal food will be on sale from ham, to stuffing! Don't wait till the week before to buy everything. Prepare your menu ahead of time and keep an eye out for what you need to go on sale (with a coupon of course) Buy your Ham while it's on sale, sides and dessert too! This way you are A) getting everything at a cheaper price B) aren't buying everything all at once and spending all your budget in one week and C) you won't have to worry about there not being any left due to all the last minute shoppers!

Make sure to properly store left overs they will make a great lunch or even another meal so you don't have to cook the next day after you are out all day stocking up for next year!!