Easter is imminent, meaning two weeks off school for youngsters around the country. If you’re worried about the cost of keeping them entertained, moneysaving expert Gemma Bird is here to help
Households are on track to be £400 worse off this year thanks to a triple hit of higher bills, taxes and benefits failing to keep up with the rising cost of living. This has left some families having to make tough financial decisions, with many parents worried about how to keep their children entertained in the Easter holidays without blowing their budget.
Thankfully mum-of-two Gemma Bird is here to help. Better known as @moneymumofficial to her 470,000 followers on Instagram, the moneysaving expert and bestselling author is passionate about getting families more for their money.
“The school holidays can be a financial minefield,” the influencer told us. “There’s the added cost of days out, childcare and just keeping little ones entertained at home. Easter in particular comes with extra spending on treats, activities, and travel.”
READ MORE: Appropriate age for letting children play outside alone as Easter holidays approach
Gemma is working with Freely, a platform she says allows you to save money by streaming your favourite live and on demand TV all in one place. “Brits nearly spend £1000 on subscriptions alone per year – you can now buy a smart TV with Freely built in for under £200 and once it’s set up, you’ve got top-tier entertainment at zero monthly cost,” the money guru told us, as well as providing five more tips for keeping on budget this Easter…
Low cost days out
“Make the most of outdoor spaces – local parks, nature reserves, and beaches are perfect for family adventures without spending a penny. Pack a picnic, bring a football or frisbee, and make a day of it. Many museums offer free entry, so check your local area for exhibitions and interactive displays that are both fun and educational. Libraries often run free storytelling sessions and craft workshops, making them a great spot for a budget-friendly outing.
And if the weather isn’t on your side, why not organise a playdate at a friend’s house? Bring homemade snacks, set up a cosy film afternoon with blankets and popcorn or try a DIY treasure hunt indoors. Sometimes, the simplest days are the most memorable.
Food savings
Batch cooking is a lifesaver for busy families as it saves time, cuts down on waste, and reduces the temptation of expensive takeaways. If we are having a takeaway I’ll wait for an offer and if not I cook up a big pot of spaghetti Bolognese, curry, or soup and freeze portions for easy midweek meals.
When it comes to Easter, making treats at home is not only more affordable but also a lovely bonding activity. My little ones Brody & Brontë adore baking and a simple chocolate nest recipe is always a winner: melt chocolate, mix in cornflakes or shredded wheat, shape into nests, and pop in mini eggs! For a healthier alternative, try fruit kebabs with a yogurt and honey dip. Getting the kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to teach them about food while having fun together.
Entertainment at home
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep little ones entertained. Movie marathons with homemade cinema tickets and blankets on the floor can be just as exciting as a trip to the big screen. Easter Egg hunts at home are always a hit – hide small chocolate eggs or even handwritten clues leading to a ‘grand prize’ (which could be a homemade certificate for extra playtime).
Arts and crafts don’t need to be expensive either – save up cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, and magazines for fun DIY projects like making your own Easter bonnets or bunny masks. Cooking can also double up as entertainment, for baking Easter cupcakes or decorating biscuits together makes for an afternoon of messy, tasty fun.
Getting there
Travel costs can quickly add up, so plan ahead to save where you can. If you’re heading out, try to travel off peak to take advantage of cheaper fares. Walking or cycling to local attractions instead of driving not only saves money but also keeps everyone active. If public transport is necessary, check for family discounts or group saver tickets many rail companies offer special deals during school holidays. Car sharing with friends is another great way to cut down on petrol costs, plus it makes for a more sociable trip.
Use cashback and discount apps
There are plenty of ways to shave off costs when shopping or planning a day out. Cashback apps like TopCashback and Quidco give you money back on everyday purchases, while discount platforms like Honey automatically apply savings when shopping online. Many supermarkets also have loyalty schemes that reward you with points or vouchers perfect for knocking a few pounds off the weekly food shop. Before heading to an attraction, always check if there are any online discounts, 2-for-1 deals, or local offers available – you’d be surprised how much you can save with a quick search!”
For more on Freely, which allows audiences to stream live TV and on demand content for free via their smart TVs, visit Freely.co.uk; @moneymumofficial at Instagram
