A great picnic doesn't need a fancy hamper or lots of spending. A bit of planning – and a good look through your cupboards and fridge – can help you put together something to keep everyone happy! Check out our top tips for making the most of the warm weather with a delicious picnic and a great day out with family and friends.
1. Skip the 'hamper' and use what you've got at home
You don’t need a fancy picnic basket; a bag-for-life, cool bag, an old basket, and even a rucksack work just fine. If you have picnicware at home, great, but there’s no need to buy special picnic gear. Reuse ice cream tubs as food containers and jam jars for dips/spreads.
Tip: freeze a bottle of water overnight to double as an ice pack instead of buying one.
2. Pack quick-to-make food that travels well
When it comes to picnics, homemade food can be a great way to save money, and it can be healthier too. Here are some ideas:
- Make a batch of sandwiches or wraps with different fillings.
- Pre-bake and freeze sausage rolls or cheese and onion pasties to pop in the oven on picnic day.
- Make big bowls of pasta salad to share – a great option for those wanting a more filling salad.
- Bulk out with fruit and veg sticks, alongside sweet treats and crisps, for a healthy balance.
3. Reuse what you have at home
- If you don’t have a picnic mat, an old blanket or beach towel is a great alternative.
- Take refillable water bottles and top up your water at local water refill points – use a community map like Trail Tap to find a free water refill point near you.
- Leave your picnic spot as clean as you found it by reusing bags for rubbish instead of buying bin liners.
4. Find a local spot to enjoy your picnic
Use our Help in the Holidays guide to find the perfect picnic spot at local parks, green spaces, or nature reserves across the Midlands. You’ll also find lots of free and low-cost activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Plan your picnic and find free days out near you
Find lots of helpful cost of living information here. If you need support with managing your finances, call our Hub team on 0345 60 20 520 and ask for the Money Advice team.
