31 March 2026

Easter isn't too far away, let's start thinking about a new way of doing it.

Today's Money Spark - Easter Sense

Every year, we walk into the shops in March checking out the Easter aisle and routinely get shocked by how much Easter Eggs have gone up in price. Way above inflation. Why is this? Cocoa prices have gone up a lot, yes, but retailers also know the pressure we have at home to deliver the goods.

Retailers know how to pull on our psychological strings. Fear Of Missing Out, emotional nostalgia, social comparison — it’s all baked into Easter.

Easter has become the second-most expensive time of the year. You see other families on Instagram with gourmet lamb roasts or seaside Easter getaways and suddenly feel like you aren't living the good life.

But for many people, Easter is more than a time to get sick on chocolate, it is a time of hope and new beginnings. A chance to wipe the slate clean and start again. If this is meaningful for you, work in ways to infuse Easter with this positive sentiment.

Doing Easter a little differently

1. Find the Meaning behind Easter

Speak with your family about what Easter means to you and to each one of them. What are their favourite traditions? What activities would bring you closer together as a family? What acts of kindness you do for others at this time to spread a little good cheer?

2. Pick your favourite Easter treat

One child might love marshmallow Easter eggs; the other likes a traditional bunny; Dad is addicted to extra-spicy Hot Cross Buns. Decide as a family what are the Easter non-negotiables within the budget and get those. Quality over quantity and then celebrate Easter with other chocolate-themed treats....

3. Other chocolate-themed treats aren't over-priced

Chocolate fudge, brownies, chocolate cake... there are so many chocolate goodies you can make at home to really celebrate Easter. You can also buy chocolate slabs which have an Easter-themed packaging without the premium price markup.

4. Start a new Easter tradition

Things to try here, are to host a bring-and-share braai or picnic; a visit to an old age home to spend time with people who are lonely at this time; or an early morning walk on Easter Sunday to represent new beginnings. Other ideas include reading a particular story to the kids each Easter which has special meaning, and lighting a candle while you do so. In the same way as you may bake Christmas cookies, you might also try your hands at making Hot Cross Buns as a family activity.

To support you in making a more meaningful Easter this year, I have created an Easter Vibe kit. This will help you decide how you want Easter to feel like, and then plan your activities and spending around that, instead of impulse of others' expectations. You can download it by clicking through the button below to our Private Community page which has all the freebies I have created this year so far. If you have enjoyed these digital downloads and have ideas for others, please let me know.

"The best things in life aren't things" Art Buchwald