Easter is a magical time of year. On one hand, it remains one of Christianity’s most important days, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the other, it has become a very modern celebration of family and friends, as loved ones get together and exchange gifts. In the USA, consumers spend around $17 billion per year on Easter gifts. Brits aren’t slouches either, spending almost £500 per family to provide memorable Easter entertainment.
Whether you want to buy a romantic gift for your partner or put together a lavish Easter basket for your children, hotukdeals has you covered as this guide will help you find the perfect presents for every situation.
First of all, let’s be clear about when Easter falls so that there’s no confusion about when to make your online purchases. In 2024, Lent stretches from March 12th through to April 6th. Good Friday kicks Easter weekend off on April 3th, Easter Sunday falls on April 5th, and the Easter Period concludes on April 6th on Easter Monday.
If you don’t already know the background of this festival, Easter celebrates the most important moment in the Christian faith. It commemorates the condemnation, crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ – the very basis for the Christian faith.
The event begins with Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. After 40 days of fasting (or at least cutting something out of their lifestyle), Christians then celebrate Good Friday, the day of Christ’s crucifixion.
Easter Sunday then marks the resurrection of Jesus, while Easter Monday rounds of the festival with games, feasting and social activities.
Even if you aren’t at all religious, Easter is a major event. Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays, giving workers a well-earned springtime rest, and a chance to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
Easter is more than a religious event for other reasons too. Ever since the festival was conceived, people have been giving eggs to each other as a symbol of rebirth, fertility and hope. These days, hen’s eggs may have been replaced by delicious chocolate eggs, but the tradition lives on.
However, modern Easter gifts go well beyond some chocolate wrapped in foil. Here’s what some of the UK’s favourite retailers have in store for Easter 2024.
John Lewis – John Lewis has their very own Easter gift section, with “extra thick” Easter eggs from producers like Hotel Chocolat, bunny rabbit themed decorations, baby rompers with Easter motifs, and even kits that will help you organise the perfect Easter egg hunt.
Tesco – Tesco is another retailer who goes all out for Easter. Their special Easter page offers a huge array of baking recipes, craft ideas and family days out, as well as savings on Easter eggs and other seasonal gifts.
Marks & Spencer– M&S are also big fans of the Easter break. In 2023, their special Easter store included quirky Easter egg designs, as well as great decorations and floral bouquets. Come Easter 2024, it will be open again, offering a wide range of seasonal savings.
Asda – One of the great things about their Easter store is that it includes special deals on ingredients for that all-important Easter Sunday roast (as well as chocolates and clothing).
Lastminute.com – It’s not all about high street retailers at Easter. Travel sites like Lastminute.com also run special Easter promotions, helping families and couples make big savings on escapes to the sun.
So it’s clear that the UK’s biggest retailers are going to be embracing Easter 2024 with huge reductions across a whole spectrum of seasonal gifts. But what kinds of gifts are included in that range? You might be surprised by your options if all you’ve ever given are chocolate eggs. Gift givers at Easter can get much more imaginative. Here are just a few suggestions:
Easter eggs – Chocolate eggs may be cliché, but they remain the most popular (and often the most gratefully received) Easter gifts. Every year, the selection of eggs seems to become more impressive. There are traditional favourites like Cadbury’s Creme Eggs, Toblerone, Maltesers, Twix and Mars Bar themed eggs, and it’s hard to go wrong with those tried and trusted brands. However, you might also go for something more up-market. Gourmet chocolate merchants like Hotel Chocolat and Divine offer eggs that are a cut above the competition and there are even more luxurious chocolatiers around, like Roberto Cavalli or Alain Ducasse. If you want to explore boutique eggs, check out Harrods and Fortnum and Mason at hotukdeals.
Decorations – Create a magical Easter wonderland for your children to enjoy as they open (and eat) their eggs by stocking up on Easter decorations. John Lewis is a good place to start, with their colourful pendant hanging eggs, carrot themed Easter crackers, bunny rabbit LEDs and baby chicks in baskets. Or you could head to specialist craft shops like Hobbycraft to buy a beautiful wicker hamper and some gorgeous glass ornaments. Engage your imagination and delight your kids as they emerge on Easter morning with the wide range of decorations that are available.
Easter toys – Easter also has its own range of traditional toys for kids (and adults) to enjoy. Easter bunnies are a source of joy to kids all over the country, and you can find beautiful examples at Hamley’s, John Lewis, and Matalan. But think outside the box as well. These days, there are hundreds of craft producers who create charming stuffed toys (like Ragtales or Jellycat), you’ll find Easter themed Playmobil and Lego gifts, as well as Easter egg decorating kits from companies like Mustard.
Other confectionary and baked foods – Food is usually the star of the show at Easter, but you don’t have to base your gourmet gifts around just eggs. Why not think about purchasing a box of delicious chocolates from artisan manufacturers like Hotel Chocolat, Guylian or Lindt? Or have a look for other traditional Easter delights like chocolate nest cakes, hot crossed buns, carrot cake or brownies? As Easter approaches, you’ll find all of these delicacies and a whole lot more at the major UK retailers on the hotukdeals listings.
Craft items – Easter has become a chance for the UK’s most accomplished craft producers to show what they can do, allowing consumers to purchase some truly spectacular gifts. Examples are almost endless, but you could go for personalised wicker baskets, hand-made floral wreaths, ceramic rabbit figurines, beautifully carved wooden egg cups or stunningly shaped candlesticks. Alternatively, stock up on craft items to make your own masterpieces. Stores like the Co-Op, Hobbycraft and Tesco all run seasonal craft promotions, and you’ll find their discounts at hotukdeals.
Table settings – Easter is a time for gathering the whole family around the dinner table, so why not do so in style by purchasing a gorgeous table setting or other dining room decorations? If you need a light touch, you can go for Easter bunny themed table covers from merchants like Tesco or Party Delights, or add sumptuous flowers and candles. Update your cutlery at shops like Harrods, Marks & Spencer, or John Lewis, buy Easter-themed crackers or add more table space entirely by checking out the furniture deals at merchants like Ikea.
Cards – Show your loved ones you care by sending a personalised Easter card this year. At sites like Photobox and Funky Pigeon you’ll find options to customise your card with special photos or messages. There are attractive pop-up cards from shops like Asda or John Lewis, or you can buy a craft set from Baker Ross to create your own. Have a card sent to someone far away by ordering online, add some gift cards for their favourite shops, and make this Easter truly special.
Easter experiences – You don’t need to limit yourself to physical gifts and decorations. In fact, every year millions of Britons use Easter as a chance to get away or purchase tickets to the entertainment events they adore. You’ll find plenty of spring travel deals at companies like Travelzoo, lastminute.com, Trivago and Hotels.com, as well as spa breaks from Secret Escapes and discounted flights from Skyscanner or Opodo. Shop around for the best deal, and you could spend Easter weekend on the beaches of Portugal or the Canary Islands. Or, book an attraction closer to home. At the hotukdeals Easter listings, you’ll also find savings for major UK destinations like Alton Towers, London Zoo and Chessington World of Adventures, as well as sporting events, plays and gigs.
Easter is a wonderful time to get everyone together and show your kids, partner or friends how much you appreciate them. If you really want to make the most of your long weekend, but don’t want to end up spending hundreds of pounds, always remember to take advantage of the deals on offer.
Easter is a major sales period for most retailers, and they are always keen to attract new customers. Because of that, it’s also a time when money-off, two-for-one and coupon deals appear in huge numbers.
Easter is a time for families and friends to enjoy each other’s company, and it’s also second only to Christmas in the gift-giving stakes. From gourmet Easter eggs to bunny rabbit table cloths and weekend spa escapes, the range of Easter gifts is astonishingly wide, and you can find every gift idea at unbeatable prices by checking out the hotukdeals Easter listings.