Celebrating Easter 2021

With Easter falling on the first weekend of April, it’s likely that we’ll be celebrating a little differently this year with some restrictions still in place.

But don’t let that take the spring out of your step – there are still plenty of ways to make the most out of Easter 2021 at home.

From egg hunts to homemade Easter hampers, here’s our top ideas to help you to enjoy your lockdown Easter weekend.

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate…

If there’s ever been an Easter to treat yourself, this is it. Whether your go-to is classic milk chocolate or something a little more adventurous, there’s sure to be a chocolate Easter egg to suit.

Tesco and M&S have a great range, so you won’t be stuck for choice, offering everything from bags of mini eggs to Easter eggs bigger than you can imagine.

For something a little different, Marks & Spencer’s Easter egg collection includes everything from a gin and tonic flavoured egg to a giant white chocolate Percy Pig, and limited-edition Percy Pig Easter Bunny jellies too.

And if you’re looking for vegan-friendly options, most stores now stock a range of dairy-free treats if dark chocolate Easter eggs aren’t for you. Check out Holland & Barrett for its excellent range of free from alternatives.

Hoppy kids!

We know that keeping the kids entertained over the Easter holiday isn’t always an easy task, especially over lockdown, so we’re here to help.

Easter egg hunts are always good fun and a great way to get the kids outdoors. In the place of organised events this year, why not set up your own at-home? Lay lots of clues and trails in the garden or around the house, and watch the kids have great fun hunting their way to their Easter treats.

To keep up Easter traditions, you could always turn your hand to egg rolling. If you’ve not heard of it before, egg rolling is traditionally an Easter Monday sport where hard-boiled eggs are rolled down a grassy hill with the winner's egg being the one that rolls the farthest or survives the most rolls.

So why not spend an afternoon decorating some hard-boiled eggs so they’re ready and dried in time to take part in some traditional Easter fun with your family. All you’ll need are some paints, brushes and a little bit of luck if you’re the competitive type.

Get cracking in the kitchen

If you love spending time in the kitchen then Easter Sunday is the perfect excuse to put on your apron.

A lamb roast dinner is the traditional option, but if you’re not a fan or perhaps fancy something a little different then M&S or Tesco will have plenty of choice.

Don’t forget to pick up the best of the seasonal vegetables too – including asparagus, carrots and new potatoes.

And not forgetting dessert – the perfect chance to put your lockdown baking skills into practice. There are loads of great recipes online, from Cadbury Creme Egg brownies to Mini Egg cheesecakes, or a seasonal rhubarb crumble. Or of course, you might have plenty of chocolate Easter eggs to snack on instead.

But cooking isn’t for everyone and, if you’d rather put your feet up over the Easter break, then don’t worry. There are plenty of restaurant takeaway or click-and-collect options to choose from, including Wagamama, Nando’s and Frankie and Benny’s at Whiteley.

*Image provided by Wagamama

An Easter gift

If you’re looking for an extra special gift to make someone smile this Easter, then look no further.

A handmade Easter hamper or basket filled with lots of delicious goodies is a lovely idea – and there are plenty of Easter treats to choose from. Fill your hamper with everything from hot-cross buns and Easter cakes, chocolate eggs in all shapes and sizes, Easter sweets, and more. Add a nice finishing touch with some little decorative chicks and an Easter bow.

If you need inspiration for Easter gift ideas for kids that are a little bit different, you could treat them to a copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter or an Easter-themed colouring book to keep them entertained over the long weekend.

You also can’t go wrong with a nice card and bright Easter bouquet – white lilies, daffodils and tulips being the top picks if you’re after the best of the season’s offerings.

*Image provided by Next

Visiting us over the Easter weekend

Our opening times over the Easter weekend may be different to usual, so please make sure you check opening times before setting off.

Only our essential stores will be open over the Easter period, with some of our restaurants also offering takeaway services. Find out more on our now open page.