Turn big holiday meals into potlucks
If you are serving big dinners to family and friends around major religious holidays, it might be time to delegate some of the work. Not only does this save on cost, but workload, helping you enjoy the holiday yourself rather than spending the whole time cooking. Consider setting a theme to help guests tailor their meals, if you aren't opting for a traditional holiday feast, such as taco night, all dippable foods, a chili cookoff, or another theme. You can also simplify potlucks by making the main course, and asking others to bring sides, desserts, and drinks. Finally, consider buying go-to spring holiday meals, such as a big ham, much before the holiday and freezing it, so you can shop for the most economical prices before they are marked up closer to the date.
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Get creative with spring break destinations (including staycations)
While those pricey flight increases are for dream destinations like Rome, Paris, and Punta Cana, you can achieve some relaxing spring break fun at home, or within driving distance as well. Check out a map to determine drivable weekend or full week trips within just a few hours, opting for a city you haven't checked out yet. Instead of a beach, an economical hotel with a pool can serve a similar purpose for a fraction of the cost (your toddler won't care if it's the Caribbean or a warm pool). You can opt for a room with a kitchen, for a bit more money, to save on dining out costs, even if it's just to put breakfast and lunch sandwiches together.
Opt for heartfelt gifts and experiences
From Mother's Day to end-of-year teacher presents to graduation parties, spring tends to be full of potentially expensive events that require a gift. Instead of worrying too much about the gift's value, opt for something more heartfelt, such as a meaningful book you know the recipient will love, with a message from you in the cover in place of a card. Instead of a pricey dinner out and a present, take mom out for an experience she's been wanting to do, such as a picnic and hike with the family at her favorite park. For teacher gifts, get kids involved with making cards expressing their gratitude, paired with a simple craft that they put some effort into.
Combine events
If you have a graduation, birthday, Mother's Day celebration, and more in May, it can help to combine events into one to be more economical. You can celebrate each of these people and moments at that same time, giving everyone plenty of love and attention, but without the additional cost of throwing separate parties for each. This also decreases stress and workload for everyone involved.
Save on summer, by planning in spring
Another major spring expense is forward paying and planning for summer. From summer camps that require registration in March, to vacations that need a down-payment months before a July vacation, it can feel like you are shelling lots of money out in spring for your summer plans. Use this time to your advantage, to watch the price of flights, prioritize a staycation now over an extravagant trip to make sure your summer vacation can happen, and sign up early for camps. Some summer camps offer early bird discounts, which you can optimize now to save on kid and family activities in the warmer months. The "early bird gets the worm" is never more applicable than for spring planners.
