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Creative Low-Cost Easter Gifts

Creative Low-Cost Easter Gifts – you can create with the kids!

Easter is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a season of excessive consumerism. This year, why not take a step back from the commercial frenzy and showcase the true spirit of the holiday by making your own unique Easter gifts with your kids? Get ready to roll up your sleeves, raid the recycling bin, and enjoy craft-filled days with the little ones. Here are 10 wonderful Easter gifts you can create at home for minimal cost, ensuring a family-centric, eco-conscious holiday season.

1. Colourful Chalk Easter Eggs – A Creative Outlet

Gather some together some eggs and allow the kids to decorate them with colourful chalk. The designs can be as wild or as simple as the little artists desire! It’s a fun craft that allows for creativity without the mess of paint. You can even set a small ‘art gallery’ by displaying their creations in egg cups or on a bed of fresh grass.

Materials You Will Need:

Eggs

Colourful chalks

Egg cups or grass bed

Instructions:

Hard boil the eggs for about 10 minutes and allow them to cool completely.

Give the children the eggs and chalks and watch their imaginations run wild!

Once finished, the chalk drawings can be easily rinsed off before eating the eggs or stored as a keepsake.

2. Homemade Playdough Easter Baskets – Endless Fun

Making playdough at home is super easy and allows the kids to have their very own basket of malleable delights. They can shape Easter-themed figures, which the family can later use for games and decorations. It’s the gift that keeps on giving as it provides endless entertainment.

Materials You Will Need:

Flour

Salt

Cream of Tartar

Water

Food colouring

Instructions:

Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 4 teaspoons of cream of tartar, and 2 cups of water in a saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until dough forms and there are no more lumps.

Divide the dough into portions, at least one for each different colour you want.

Add several drops of food colouring to each portion and knead until the colour is consistent.

3. Handcrafted Bird’s Nests – Encouraging Nature’s Friends

Building bird’s nests from natural materials is a wonderful way to teach children about symbiosis and to encourage a love for nature. Go on a family walk and collect moss, twigs, and feathers. Create checks that local bird species will love to use.

Materials You Will Need:

Moss

Twigs

Feathers

String or yarn

Scissors

Instructions:

Shape the collected twigs into a small nest.

Line the inside with moss and secure it with string or yarn.

Add feathers, if available, to make the nest more inviting.

4. Personalised Easter Cards – The Thought Counts

Handmade cards are always cherished, and Easter is the perfect occasion to teach the kids the value of a thoughtful message. Card-making can be as simple as folding paper in two, but what makes it special are the loving words inside.

Materials You Will Need:

Coloured paper or card stock

Markers

Stickers

Glue

Scissors

Instructions:

Fold the paper or card stock in half.

Decorate the front with an Easter motif using markers, stickers, or cut-outs.

Write a personal Easter message inside using different colours and designs.

5. Salt Dough Easter Decorations – A Timeless Craft

Salt dough is a classic craft material that’s perfect for creating Easter decorations. Using just flour, salt, and water, you can make a dough that bakes into solid, durable shapes. Kids can paint their creations once they’re cooled for a personal touch.

Materials You Will Need:

Flour

Salt

Water

Easter-themed cookie cutters

Acrylic paints

Paintbrushes

Varnish (optional)

Instructions:

Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water until it forms a dough.

Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using Easter-themed cookie cutters.

Make a small hole at the top of each for threading.

Bake the shapes at 120°C for 3 hours.

Once cooled, paint the shapes and seal with varnish, if desired.

6. Upcycled Tin Can Planters – A Green Gift

Transform plain tin cans into vibrant planters by upcycling them with acrylic paint. These can be delightful gifts for friends and family members who appreciate nature. Plant some seeds or transfer small plants into them for a personal touch.

Materials You Will Need:

Tin cans

Acrylic paint

Paintbrushes

Soil

Seeds or small plants

Instructions:

Clean the tin cans thoroughly and dry them.

Paint them with bright, Easter-themed patterns using acrylic paint.

Once the paint has fully dried, fill the cans with soil and either plant seeds or transfer small plants into them.

7. Bunny Ears Headbands and Tails – Dress Up Fun

Get into the Easter spirit by creating bunny ears headbands and fluffy tails. These simple crafts are perfect for dress up and make for great photo ops. They’re also a hit for any Easter-themed events the kids might attend.

Materials You Will Need:

Headbands

White and pink felt

Glue

Scissors

A white pom-pom or cotton ball

Instructions:

Cut out ear shapes from the white and pink felt, ensuring that the pink shapes are slightly smaller and fit inside the white ears.

Glue the pink inner ear pieces onto the white ear pieces.

Glue the ears to the headband, leaving a gap between them.

Create a tail by gluing or tying a white pom-pom or cotton ball to the back of the child’s trousers.

8. Handmade Beaded Easter Jewellery – Fashionable Fun

Stringing beads is not only great for developing fine motor skills, but it also results in beautiful, unique jewellery pieces. Make bracelets or necklaces for the kids to wear throughout the Easter season.

Materials You Will Need:

Beads in Easter colours

Elastic cord for bracelets, threading cord for necklaces

Scissors

Clasps (optional)

Instructions:

Lay out the beads in a pattern the child likes.

Thread the beads onto the elastic or threading cord.

Tie the cords together (or add clasps) to secure the beads, ensuring they don’t slip off.

9. Colourful Tissue Paper Flowers – Brighten Up Any Room

Tissue paper flowers are simple to make and look beautiful. They’re a lovely addition to any Easter gift, or simply to use as decorations. You can also attach a small card with a loving message to give them an added personal touch.

Materials You Will Need:

Tissue paper in various colours

Pipe cleaners

Scissors

Instructions:

Lay several sheets of tissue paper on top of each other.

Cut them into a rectangle.

Fold the rectangle in an accordion pattern.

Wrap a pipe cleaner around the middle section of the accordion and twist to secure.

Carefully separate the layers of tissue paper to form the flower petals.

10. Family Recipe Jar – A Gift of Traditions

Put together a jar of your family’s favourite Easter-themed recipe. Whether it’s for hot cross buns, bunny-shaped cookies, or a delicious carrot cake, this gift will be treasured, especially if you write the method and ingredients into beautifully crafted notes.

Materials You Will Need:

A jar

Recipe cards or paper

Pen

Ribbon

Instructions:

Write down the recipe on each card, along with any personal family stories or memories associated with it.

Roll up the cards and tie them with a ribbon.

Place the notes in the jar and seal it.

By creating your own Easter gifts, you’re not only saving money but also fostering creativity, spending quality time with the kids, and reducing the environmental impact of the season. This Easter, remember that the most cherished gifts are those made with love and the personal touch. Enjoy crafting, and Happy Easter to you and your family!

Further Reading: Easter Budget Friendly Activities with Kids,

For thrifty inspiration follow @thriftyhomeandgarden

The £667.95 Saving Challenge Unravelled

What if I told you that you could amass a savings pot of £667.95 without even realising you’re doing it? Intrigued? This feat is possible, thanks to the power of the 1p saving challenge. The premise is simple, yet the results can be transformational.

Understanding the 1p Saving Challenge

What is the 1p saving challenge, you might ask? Well, it’s an ingenious yet simple approach to kick-start your savings. The concept is straightforward; on Day One, you pop 1p into your savings jar. On the next day, (Day Two) you’ll set aside 2p. On Day 3, the next day, you continue this pattern, saving 3p, and then on Day 4, you save 4p. Now, the magic of this challenge is in its daily repetition and the power of compounding. Just stick with this strategy for a full year, and by the end of it, you’ll be looking at a very satisfying £667.95 in your savings pot! Sounds unbelievable, but if you’ve got enough fingers, just work it out!!

The aim is to save £667.95 by the end of 2024 by saving 1p on 1st January, 2p on 2nd January and so on all the way up to £3.65 on 31 December. As 2024 is a leap year, you will actually achieve this figure a day early, so you can give yourself a day off!!

What makes this challenge unique is its progressive nature. Each day, the amount you save is just a little bit more than the day before, making it a manageable and sustainable way to build up a substantial sum over time. It’s not about making big leaps; it’s about making consistent, daily steps towards a greater goal. Over time, these seemingly inconsequential pennies can accumulate into a significant amount. The key to mastering the 1p saving challenge is persistence and consistency. So why not give it a go? After all, every penny counts.

Don’t be fooled by the minuscule increments in the early days of the challenge. They may seem trivial, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! The power of compounding is subtle yet significant. As the challenge progresses, your savings are not just increasing; they’re multiplying. And before you know it, you’re sitting on a tidy sum that you’ve accumulated seemingly effortlessly.

Think of compound interest as a loyal friend who helps your savings grow while you sleep. It’s a powerful ally in your journey towards financial fitness.

Implementing the 1p Saving Challenge

Launching the 1p saving challenge is as simple as ABC. You’ll need a place to stash your growing fortune, whether that’s a colourful piggy bank, a sturdy jar, or a dedicated savings account. Now, consistency is paramount in this challenge, so make sure to stick to the savings plan religiously each day.

A bit apprehensive about forgetting your daily deposits? Don’t worry! There are several handy apps available that not only provide reminders to save but also automatically calculate your daily saving amount for you. It’s all about making it as easy and hassle-free as possible. Or go Low-Tech and use a pen and paper!!

The Benefits of the 1p Saving Challenge

Beyond the tangible gain of a bulging savings jar at the year’s end, the 1p saving challenge has multiple other perks. Its simplicity is deceptive, as the real power lies in the invaluable financial habits it nurtures. A crucial one among these is budgeting. This challenge requires you to make room for increasing daily savings, subtly teaching you the art of prioritising and allocating funds effectively.

Simultaneously, it also instils a disciplined approach towards money management. The daily deposits help you to stay focused, promoting consistency, and the habit of saving regularly. This way, the challenge also sets the foundation for you to manage larger sums effectively in the future.

Moreover, it offers you the comfort of a financial cushion. This kitty can come handy during unforeseen emergencies, removing the stress of arranging funds at the last minute. Alternatively, you could earmark this money for a particular goal, be it a well-deserved holiday, a coveted gadget, or even towards a long-term financial commitment. But try NOT to take anything out of your pot, because you will miss this years target. Then at the end of the year, you can start a new kitty in a new pot

An Important Caveat

As the excitement of the 1p saving challenge takes hold, it’s crucial not to lose sight of your financial realities. Remember, the challenge’s charm lies in its progressive nature, which means the saving amount doubles every day. Towards the tail end of the year, these amounts can become quite more meaningful. It’s paramount to ensure this daily saving doesn’t become a strain on your financial health.

If the increasing amounts start to feel overwhelming, it’s perfectly okay. Don’t let this dishearten you. After all, personal finance is just that – personal. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to adjust the challenge to suit your financial capacity.

So, proceed with the challenge, but always keep a pulse on your financial comfort zone. It’s perfectly fine to adapt the challenge to your circumstances. Your financial journey is unique to you, and the strategies you employ should be too. Remember, a successful savings habit is built on sustainability and consistency, not on financial strain.

Other Saving Strategies

While the 1p saving challenge has its distinct allure, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If it seems daunting, do not fret! There’s an array of other effective strategies that can help you flex your savings muscle. A popular alternative is the 52-week saving challenge. In this method, you begin by saving a humble £1 in the first week. This amount then progressively increases by £1 each week, culminating in a generous £52 in the final week of the year!

For those who prefer consistency over progression, a flat-rate saving approach might just be your cup of tea. This method involves setting aside a fixed sum every day, week, or month. It’s simple, it’s predictable, and it allows you to plan your savings in advance. What’s more, it can be tailored to fit snugly into your budget, ensuring that your savings habit doesn’t overstep your financial comfort zone.

So, explore these alternatives and choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and financial aspirations. The essence of successful saving isn’t confined to a single method, but lies in developing a strategy that resonates with you personally. After all, the perfect saving strategy is the one that you can stick with consistently. So, whether you’re stacking pennies, pounds, or setting aside a flat rate, the important thing is that you’re taking steps towards bolstering your financial fitness. Happy saving!

Further Reading: Easter Break on a Budget, How to Fix your Home on a Budget, Affordable Fitness on a Budget

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How to Shop Seasonally

Shopping seasonally not only helps you save money, but it also promotes the local economy & reduces the carbon footprint from the transportation of out of season produce.

Know the Seasonal Produce: The first step in shopping seasonally is understanding what produce is in season. Every season has its own unique fruits & vegetables & it is important to know what they are & when they are fresh. For example, autumn is the season for pumpkins & butternut squash, while spring has fresh peas & asparagus. Look for local farmer’s markets or greengrocers, which will sell produce that is often grown locally & is better for the environment, by not having to travel far distances.

Create a Meal Plan: Creating a meal plan before grocery shopping will help you get organised & set a budget for your weekly or monthly shopping. Based on the seasonal produce you have, start planning meals around those ingredients. This will also help you avoid buying produce that is out of season & more expensive. Take advantage of the increased variety of in-season produce by looking up new recipes to try.

Be Flexible: While it’s important to stick to what’s in season, sometimes the available options can be limited depending on your location. Be flexible when you shop & open to trying new fruits & vegetables. You may be surprised by the variety of flavours you can find when you experiment. Plus, you can pick up a variety of exciting produce & discover fresh tastes in advance of wonderful new recipes & new ways of cooking up old favourites.

Canning & Preserving: If you find yourself with a lot of seasonal produce, consider preserving it through canning & freezing. Some produce options are best preserved for longer storage such as jams, salsas, pickles or apple sauce. This way, you can enjoy the taste of your favourite seasonal produce even when it’s out of season most likely saving you time & money down the road.

Shop at Farmer’s Market as an excellent source of fresh, in-season produce, & other agricultural products. When you shop at a farmers’ market, you can speak to the farmers themselves to learn more about how the produce was grown & the different ways to prepare them. You’ll often get to know the individuals who grew your food & their passion for the product is contagious. It’s an enjoyable way to spend your time browsing through different stalls & picking up fresh & delicious produce.

Shopping seasonally can help you save money, eat healthier & support local farmers. Not only will it promote buying local & support the agricultural economy, but it will also make you feel more in tune with the seasons & what’s available.

Further Reading: Why we chose Sow It, Grow It and Feast.

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