Easter time can creep up on you and before you know it, it’s time to compile a list of everyone you know, their favourite chocolate and hit the shops. However, this can be an expensive and often extremely stressful experience, especially when it comes to budgeting and remaining focused on your studies at this busy point in Semester 2. But not to worry, there are ways that you can save money this Easter and still gift your loved ones something delicious.
Before we get into a few easy ways you can create the perfect gift for half the cost, know that there are a few online resources that can help you in budgeting or making more money should you need it. Blackbullion especially is so useful in providing short online courses full of information on topics such as saving and also has a handy expenses calculator which can help when budgeting long term. There’s also the YSJ Jobs and Opportunities website where you can find local work based opportunities if you think that part time work might be helpful in assisting you with your expenses.
Both of these websites are completely free for students to join and you can use them as much or as little as you like to assist you in your finances. Alongside these pages, here are 3 egg-cellent ideas to help you ave money this Easter.
Cook up a storm
Make some chocolate nest cakes and put together some decorated boxes for an immediately adorable Easter gift. The best part about this recipe is you can make it as complicated or as easy as you like. All you need is chocolate, cereal and some mini eggs for a final touch. If you want to add a fruity twist, why not throw in a few cherries and raisins, or you could even make a rocky road mix.
Don’t be limited in what you cook or bake, make the decision something you think you can afford and would be happy to make. Whether you decide to make a whole meal for you and your family to share as your gift or make the humble rice krispie treat, the point is that you can budget your grocery list for this kitchen session; you are head chef and therefore, the decisions are yours.
Egg related crafts
Decorate some eggs or host an egg artwork class, the fun being both in the experience for this one. All you’ll need are some art supplies and a carton of eggs. Follow these easy instructions to learn how you can drain them to keep the shell intact and then decorate however you like. If you host this one with friends and family, perhaps you could each set out with a mission of designing a carton of eggs based on each person’s identity and then guess which carton represents who.
You could also see who can come up with the most adorable sketch of a duckling or a cracking pun, some smaller activities to add to your Easter extravaganza. As with the baking, you can be as creative as you like with this one using your budget as a guiding factor. The further you plan in advance the less stressful it will be to maintain and the more you’ll have to look forward to as the Easter break draws closer.
Top Tip – Don’t forget to put down some newspaper first if you’re using glitter and paint!
Egg-citing entertainment
Instead of buying all your friends an expensive chocolate box set each, why not show how much you care with an Easter Egg hunt? It’s heaps of fun and means that everyone gets something out of the experience. Hide a few Creme Eggs or a few smaller chocolate treats in your garden and draw up some clues. You could have smaller clues leading to one bigger prize, the winner getting the added bonus of having found the chocolate first!
Whatever entertainment you have planned, invite your friends and family to get involved. After all, from their ideas and talking to them about this more in person you’ll be able to create the most successful Easter plans ever whilst sticking to your budget as planned.
Let us know what your favourite Easter gift ideas and top tips are in the comments below!