This Easter, rising prices on traditional holiday staples like eggs and chocolate are pushing families to get more creative. Despite recent drops in wholesale prices and fewer bird flu outbreaks, retail egg prices remain high, reaching up to $6.23 per dozen. Chocolate has also seen a price hike due to a global cocoa shortage. As a result, American consumers are expected to spend a record $23.6 billion this Easter, with top spending categories including decorations, gifts, food, and candy.
Local businesses like Hercules Candies in New York report a 20% increase in the price of solid chocolates. While loyal customers continue to shop, many families are rethinking how they celebrate. Some are swapping real eggs for budget-friendly and crafty alternatives like foil-wrapped cardboard eggs or dyed marshmallows. These alternatives are not only cost-effective but also easy to mail to loved ones.
Retailers like Michael’s are seeing a surge in sales for inexpensive craft egg kits, while grocery giants like Target and Walmart are offering low-cost Easter meal bundles—some as cheap as $5–$6 per person. Though tradition may look different this year, families are finding fun and affordable ways to keep the Easter spirit alive.
Vocabulary:
• Easter (noun): Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
• Hiding (noun): Act of placing something out of sight.
• Fathom (verb): Understand deeply or fully.
• Wholesale (adjective): Selling goods in large quantities.
• Lag (noun): Delay or slower progress.
• Shortage (noun): Lack or insufficiency of something.
• Pushed (verb): Forced or urged into action.
• Tin (noun): Lightweight metal often used for containers.
• Foil (noun): Thin metal sheet used for wrapping.
• Benefits (noun): Positive effects or advantages.
• DIY (noun): Do-It-Yourself; creating things on your own.
• Bundles (noun): Grouped items sold together.
Source: Today