Easter for Little Ones on a Budget Tips

Easter is a joyful time, but celebrating on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on the fun! With a little creativity, you can make the holiday magical for your little ones without breaking the bank. Here are some affordable (and adorable) ways to celebrate Easter while keeping costs low.

1. DIY Easter Baskets

Store-bought baskets can be pricey, but making your own is cheaper and more personal!

• Repurpose containers – Use a small bucket, a decorated shoebox, or even a reusable tote.

• Budget-friendly fillers – Skip expensive toys and opt for:

  • Dollar store bubbles, stickers, and chalk

  • Homemade treats (like rice cereal eggs or chocolate-dipped pretzels)

  • A small book or gently used toy

• Shredded paper "grass" – Use tissue paper, old Easter-themed scrap paper, or even green construction paper strips.

2. Affordable Egg Hunts

Egg hunts are a must—but plastic eggs add up fast. Try these tricks:

• Reuse eggs year after year (just store them carefully post-hunt!).

• Use real eggs – Hard-boil and dye them naturally with food coloring, onion skins, or beet juice.

• Skip candy overload – Fill eggs with:

  • Coins (pennies or nickels for little savers)

  • Stickers or temporary tattoos

  • Little notes with fun "prizes" (e.g., "Redeem for an extra story at bedtime!")

3. Low-Cost Easter Crafts

Keep little hands busy with simple, festive crafts:

• Paper plate bunnies – Cut out ears, glue on cotton balls, and draw faces.

• Egg carton caterpillars – Paint sections and add googly eyes.

• Handprint chicks – Trace hands on yellow paper, cut out, and glue to a card.

• Nature-themed decorations – Collect twigs and make a mini "Easter nest" with paper eggs.

4. Frugal Easter Meals & Treats

A special meal doesn’t have to be expensive!

• Breakfast: Make "Bunny Pancakes" (regular pancakes with banana slices for ears).

• Lunch: Deviled eggs with faces (use olives or peppers for eyes).

• Dessert: Rice Krispie "eggs" shaped in plastic eggs or decorated cookies.

5. Free & Fun Easter Activities

Skip costly outings and try these instead:

• Backyard picnic – Spread a blanket and have an Easter-themed storytime.

• Neighborhood scavenger hunt – Look for signs of spring (flowers, birds, etc.).

• Movie night – Stream a free Easter-themed cartoon (like Hop or It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown).