Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and cherished traditions. Like everywhere around the world, it is one of the most looked-forward-to holidays in our household. My kids adore bunnies and enjoy decorating Easter eggs. As a single mum, I see to it that my kids’ Easter experience is not any less exciting than their friends from traditional families.
I understand that this can be a challenge, given our financial situation and all. But do you know you don’t have to break all the piggy banks in your home to make this happen?
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can make this celebration special without spending a fortune. Here are 10 budget-friendly but fun ideas to add to your Easter traditions.
10 Budget-friendly new Easter traditions
Easter crafts workshop
This Easter tradition is perfect for kids of all ages. Your Mum friends can even join in the fun and get their creative juices flowing! What’s great about this activity is that there is no right or wrong. The kids can put their ideas into reality and create whatever Easter crafts they want.
If you’ll be doing this, choose a spacious room to accommodate as many kids as you want.
Every year, we set up our workshop in the garage. It has plenty of room and has excellent ventilation, so everyone is comfy. You can also involve the little ones in cleaning up afterwards. Tell them it’s part of the workshop, and they’ll definitely participate! It works every year for me. You’re welcome.
Egg decorating contest
What is Easter without the traditional Easter egg, right?
Year after year, everyone in our neighbourhood looks forward to different egg designs - some peculiar, some dainty, and each has a different story. Every child in our community gets the chance to showcase their artistic genius. What I love most about this Easter tradition is the preparation - choosing the art materials, decorating the venue, and buying the eggs!
You can include the egg decorating contest in the Easter crafts workshop. Remember to award prizes for the most creative, funniest, and most colourful eggs. If you can, give a little something (like a DIY certificate) to every participant so everyone gets something.
Easter egg hunt
Ah, the classic Easter egg hunt.
What else to do with the decorated eggs than hiding them all around the yard for the kids to find?
Quick tip: Don’t think hard when hiding the eggs. If they get too difficult to find, the little ones might lose interest, and the game will be over. I made this mistake years ago, and I will never make it again!
You can use plastic eggs for the egg decorating contest and fill them with small treats or coins. Believe me, seeing the sparkle in the kids' eyes upon finding their little reward is priceless.
Nature walk and picnic
If you and your kiddos want a little peace and quiet during this holiday, enjoying a nature walk and having a picnic could be your new Easter tradition. It’s one way to take advantage of the spring weather as well.
My sister does this with her kids every other year. They even bring a tent and go camping. She packs a basket full of homemade sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Whenever they stay overnight, she brings a small ukelele and sings songs over the campfire after roasting the s’mores. Maybe we'll try coming with them this year!
Bake Easter treats
My kids and I love to bake - it is how we spend quality time. It’s not only fun but also an extremely productive hobby. So whenever there are special occasions, we make all kinds of pastries and treats. Every Easter, we love baking classic hot cross buns and festive sugar cookies shaped like bunnies and chicks.
If your little ones are tired of decorating toy eggs every year, this Easter, you can try pretending to be a pastry chef with them. It will be messy, but the memories you’ll be creating with them are irreplaceable!
Plant spring flowers
Here is one of the perfect Easter traditions for nature-loving mums out there.
You can spend the day in your garden planting spring flowers. If you don’t have space for a garden, you can plant in pots on your balcony. It's a fun and hands-on activity that will add beauty to your home and garden while celebrating the arrival of spring. My kids truly enjoy this activity because I allow them to get messy and play with dirt.
You can also visit a local nursery or garden centre to choose colourful flowers like daffodils, tulips, or hyacinths.
Budget-friendly Easter traditions (cont.)
Movie marathon
You will want some quiet time after an active day of egg decorating and hunting. This is where your favourite flicks come in handy.
Our Easter traditions at home are not complete without a cozy movie marathon. Add classics such as "Hop" and "Peter Rabbit" to your lineup. Get suggestions from your little ones and let them choose which film to watch.
Prepare some snacks (don't forget the popcorn), snuggle up on the couch with blankets and pillows, and enjoy the rest of the day with family-friendly entertainment.
Visit a local farm
If you haven't gone anywhere with your kids in a while, Easter is the perfect time for that overdue outing! Many farms offer special Easter events with activities like harvesting crops, egg hunts, pony rides, and animal encounters.
You don't have to drive far for this. Search online or ask your friends for farms near your home. Don't worry—these kinds of places don't charge much; you'll just have to pay a budget-friendly entrance fee. It's a memorable and educational way to celebrate the holiday while supporting local businesses.
Virtual Easter party
If you can't gather with family and friends in person, host a virtual Easter party. Thanks to modern technology, we can now use videoconferencing platforms to connect with loved ones and enjoy Easter traditions together.
A few years ago, we attended a virtual Easter party that a high school friend hosted. I thought it would be dull, but I was wrong! It was filled with exciting games and performances from each participant. There were even prizes for the winners.
What's great about this is you don't have to spend money on food for your guests! Talk about practical, right?!
Acts of kindness
Let us not forget what Easter is all about. Teach your children that Easter is not only about egg hunting and parties but also about being kind to others. Whether it's helping someone with groceries, volunteering at a local charity, or simply offering a warm greeting, spreading love is a meaningful way to celebrate this holiday.
This year, I am bringing my kids to a local fire station to hand out baked goodies to our real-life heroes. As I said, you don't have to spend a lot on this. You and your children can sort through old clothes and toys and donate them to an orphanage. As the saying goes, "It's the thought that counts."
Summary: 10 Easter traditions
If you have run out of ideas for making Easter more fun for your kiddos, these fresh ideas will do the trick (without breaking the bank, of course)!
Easter traditions don't need to be extravagant. I know how challenging it is for us single mothers to provide for our children's needs. But with your DIY prowess and your kids' creativity, you can put together the most unforgettable celebration ever.
Forget the expensive egg hunt venues. Take that treasure hunt to the local park. And as for the Easter feast, potluck style is the way to go. If you have a big family, you can ask family members to help you prepare food and decorations. It may be tiring, but seeing your kids' eyes gleam with happiness is worth it!
Finally, let us not forget the real meaning of Easter. It's a reminder that we're stronger than we think, just like how we juggle work, bills, and school projects. So here's to us: making magic happen on a dime because love doesn't come with a price tag. Happy Easter!
