COUPON QUEEN: Tips on how to save for Easter

Between Easter basket treats, new Sunday clothes, and a big Easter meal, it's easy for your budget to feel the strain around the holidays. Thankfully, it doesn't have to. Here are a few tips for lowering the cost of the Easter season. Easter baskets One of my favorite things to put into baskets are end-of-the-season clearance items. Yes, that means there are probably some discounted Christmas and Valentine's candy going in. I usually only add things with generic packaging, but if it doesn't, I will take it out of the holiday packaging and add it straight to the basket. Another way I save on Easter basket fillers is by visiting the discount stores such as Dollar Tree. When my boys were younger, I could fill their baskets with toys and trinkets for a fraction of the cost. Finding multipack items such as sunglasses and toys allowed me to get even more bang for my buck. Now that my boys are older, I focus on getting them a few of their "wants" while also filling their baskets with some of their "needs." This includes items such as socks, toothbrushes, razors, and cologne. Lastly, if you want to save on Easter baskets, skip the pre-made ones and create your own on the cheap. In fact, not only do I make my own, but I reuse as much as I can. I've been refilling the same baskets since my boys were in preschool. This includes plastic eggs and even some decorative grass. Easter outfits You may feel the need to rush out to buy a new outfit for Easter dinners or events, but if you're on a tight budget, skip it. If buying for kids, they often won't wear the dressy clothes again before they have outgrown them. If purchasing an outfit is a must, look through the closet and see what you already have. Perhaps instead of a whole outfit, you can pair a new blouse with a skirt you already own. If you do need to buy new clothes, consider checking out stores that are having massive sales or take a peek into a local thrift store. If you are signed up for promotional emails from stores, be sure to search for any coupons before shopping. Easter meal If you are trying to save your pennies, skip the Easter brunch at the restaurant and make your own at home. Keep the food simple to keep the costs low. You can always grab a few table decorations at a local dollar store to make it memorable. If you are hosting a family, ask them to bring a side dish or dessert. Plan your meal around the sale ad to stay on budget, and be sure to shop your pantry first. You may be amazed at how much you already have. Tune in every Tuesday morning at 8:40 a.m. on AM 930 WEOL or 100.3 FM to hear me chat about money-saving tips. You can listen online or on the radio. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab at Giant Eagle through Wednesday. Red or black seedless grapes — $0.99 per pound with your Advantage card. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.