Pablo Rodriguez, Head of Global Consumer Initiatives, PayPal

Just when it seems like the holidays have finally slowed down, Easter sneaks up on us. This year, Easter falls much earlier than usual, on April 5, so it’s time to get your Peeps in a row.

As those who just celebrated Valentine’s Day know, preparing a special meal or snagging a nice restaurant reservation can be difficult if not planned in advance – and that’s for only two people! Keep this in mind when you start mapping out your Easter plans, since Easter brunch or dinner typically involves many more family members and friends.

Not to mention, there are Easter baskets to make, candy and gifts to purchase, and an egg hunt to orchestrate. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Easter Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average American celebrating the holiday planned to spend an average of $137.46 on apparel, food, candy, gifts and more. The survey also reported that people expected to spend most on a grocery bill for a family dinner or Sunday brunch out.[1]

Luckily, if you start now, there’s plenty of time to get everything done. To help, PayPal has prepared some useful tips for Easter planning.

Order Online: Whether you need a sandwich platter, fresh bouquets of lilies or small gifts for Easter baskets, consider ordering these items online for delivery or pick-up to save time and money.

Don’t Procrastinate: Don’t expect your family’s favorite restaurant to accommodate a party of 10 on Easter morning. Call ahead or score a brunch reservation online through OpenTable. If you’re cooking at home and gearing up for an egg hunt, get your grocery shopping done a few days early before they run out of Easter ham, rack of lamb, jelly beans, egg decorating kits or other holiday necessities.

Look for Easter Brunch Specials: Many restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus or breakfast buffets for big holidays, making everyone’s meal the same price. This is an easy way to split the bill evenly at the end of the meal.

Mobile Payments: Because PayPal is so easy-to-use and mobile friendly, family members can instantly pay you back after putting the whole brunch bill on your credit card.

[1] “2014 Easter Spending Survey” - National Retail Federation (2014, April 5)