With Easter being early this year, most of us are only catching up after the money spent for Christmas.  You won’t need a fortune to keep the kids occupied over the Easter break so no need to panic.  There are also those additional costs associated with Easter apart from the usual gifting of treats and eggs.  Agree with family and friends to cut back on the gifting of eggs, not only is it better on your pocket but also better for your kids.

Traditionally, Easter, was always a time for new clothes, more money.  Each member of the family getting a new outfit.  This can be very expensive if you are dressing the whole family.  If you do feel compelled to stick with tradition, be sensible and buy clothes that they will get the next season out of.  Although, with the current weather we are having it is doubtful any of us will be wearing spring or summer fashions.  You could save money by not buying a complete new outfit for everyone and just mix and match items that are already in the wardrobes.

There are plenty of things to do over this Easter break for all ages and most of them won’t cost money.  I read in an interesting article in the Irish Independent last week which listed out some of the many events around the country for families to enjoy over the Easter period.  DublinKids.ie and fundays.ie are some of the numerous websites that list the various events available for all to enjoy.

If you don’t feel like taking them out every day, why not get them to decorate some eggs.  It won’t cost a lot of money and it is easy and safe for even the very small children.   Just mix one tablespoon from a bottle of old food colouring with two teaspoons of vinegar.  Then add three tablespoons of water.  Use this to paint onto hard boiled eggs.  They will have hours of family fun on a budget!