Easter sneaks up on the budget. Chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, a roast dinner, days out during the school holidays, and possibly travel to see family — it all adds up. The average UK family spends £150-£300 on Easter. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy everything you love about the holiday for significantly less.
Chocolate Without the Markup
Easter eggs are one of the biggest markups in retail. A 200g egg can cost £5-£10 — the same weight of chocolate in a regular bar costs £1-£2. Here's how to save:
- Buy Easter eggs in supermarket deals well before Easter Sunday. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda run multi-buy offers (3 for £10, etc.) in March.
- Consider large bars of good chocolate instead of hollow eggs. Cadbury Dairy Milk bars, Lindt bars, or Tony's Chocolonely are cheaper per gram and often more appreciated.
- For kids, the experience matters more than the brand. A £1 Cadbury Creme Egg hunt in the garden is just as exciting as a £15 branded egg.
- Buy after Easter. Eggs are reduced by 50-75% from Easter Monday. Stock up for next year or just enjoy cheap chocolate.
- Make your own. Chocolate moulds are cheap and reusable. Melt good chocolate, pour into moulds, and you have homemade eggs for a fraction of the cost.
Easter Dinner on a Budget
A traditional Easter roast doesn't need to be expensive. Lamb is the classic choice but it's pricey — expect £15-£25 for a leg of lamb. Alternatives: a whole chicken (£4-£6), a pork shoulder (£8-£12), or a vegetarian centrepiece. Buy your meat from a butcher or reduced section rather than paying full supermarket price for the 'finest' range. Vegetables are cheap in spring — new potatoes, carrots, peas, and greens are all in season and affordable. A full Easter roast for four can be done for £10-£15 with smart shopping.
Free and Cheap Easter Activities
The Easter holidays are two weeks long if you have school-age children. That's a lot of days to fill. Fortunately, many great Easter activities cost nothing:
- Easter egg hunt at home: Hide chocolate eggs (or painted stones for a reusable version) around the garden or house. Cost: a few pounds of chocolate.
- Nature walks: Spring is one of the best times for walks. Look for bluebells, baby lambs, and wildlife. Pack a picnic instead of buying cafe food.
- Baking: Make hot cross buns, Easter biscuits, or chocolate nests from cornflakes and melted chocolate. Cheap, fun, and delicious.
- Crafts: Egg painting, Easter cards, paper plate bunnies. Art supplies from pound shops keep kids busy for hours.
- National Trust Easter trails: Many properties run Easter trails for £2-£3 per child including a chocolate prize. Good value for a day out.
- Free museum days: Many UK museums are free year-round and run special Easter holiday activities.
Travel Smart During Easter
If you're visiting family or going away for Easter, transport costs can spike. Book train tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the cheapest fares — advance tickets can be 60-70% cheaper than on-the-day prices. If driving, fill up before the holiday weekend when prices tend to rise. Consider whether it's cheaper to drive or take the train — for families of four, driving is usually cheaper unless you're going to London. If you're staying overnight, Airbnb and holiday cottages often offer better value than hotels for families.
Setting an Easter Budget
The simplest way to avoid overspending is to set a total Easter budget before you start buying. A reasonable budget for a family of four:
- Chocolate and treats: £20-£30
- Easter dinner: £15-£25
- Activities and days out: £20-£40
- Travel: variable (budget separately)
- Total: £55-£95 for a lovely Easter without the financial stress.
- Write it down, track as you go, and stop when you hit the limit. The memories matter more than the spending.
FAQ
When is the cheapest time to buy Easter chocolate?
Late February to early March for the best multi-buy deals. Easter Monday onwards for 50-75% off reductions. Avoid buying in the final week before Easter when prices are highest.
Are Easter holiday clubs worth the money?
Holiday clubs cost £30-£50 per day per child. If you need childcare, they're a necessity, not a luxury. If you're choosing between a holiday club and free activities at home, obviously home is cheaper. Check if your employer offers childcare vouchers or if your local council subsidises holiday provision.
How do I stop relatives buying excessive amounts of chocolate?
Suggest alternatives: a book, a small toy, a day out together, or a contribution to the child's savings account. Most relatives are happy to be guided — they just want to give something the child will enjoy.
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