Here comes Peter Cottontail and he’s hopping toward your budget! I don’t know if you’ve looked lately, but Easter baskets? They’re really expensive, Candy and toys can all add up and if you’re buying more than one basket? Holy smokes! They don’t have to be a budget breaker though. Check out these 5 tips for building an Easter basket on a budget and make sure your kids have a great (budget friendly) basket!
Easter Baskets on a Budget
Use Coupons
A few weeks before Easter, keep your eyes peeled for coupons and deals on candy. Usually you can use the combo together to score some really great deals. As Easter approaches, watch for stores to start putting things on clearance too. If you get lucky and find those deals, you’ll score big! If you play the drug store game many of them will offer free candy with ECB, UP+ Reward, or RR back.
Shop the dollar stores
Dollar stores are great for picking up not only cheap candy, but for small toy fillers, Easter grass and even the baskets themselves. Swing by and pick up what you need and chances are you can get in and out for under $10.00. I have found great activity books and outside activities at our local Dollar Tree.
Use your kitchen
Homemade treats like popcorn balls, pb&j bars and other goodies are perfect in an Easter basket. Bake them a day or two before and wrap in plastic wrap. When it’s time for the Easter Bunny to make his visit, use them to fill in empty spots in your baskets.
Use Free Gift Cards
Use Amazon gift cards that you earn on sites like InstaGC to pay for Easter candy. Amazon is especially good for this and the deals you find are usually really good ones! Using the gift cards instead of cash means that your budget has more money in it!
Skip it
Last, but not least, if your budget really cannot handle it this year, skip the baskets. The holiday shouldn’t be about the candy, but rather family. Skip the candy and bunny and instead, spend time together doing a cheap frugal activity. You can find many free easter printables online for activities
Good tips! I did a post a Dollar Tree Easter baskets. They were very affordable. Have a good weekend! Stopping from Thrifty Thursday Link Party.