Sacramento Shoppers Brace for High Prices on Last-Minute Easter Items

Despite inflation, families are still purchasing Easter baskets and treats, though some say they're scaling back.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:20am

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As Easter approaches, shoppers in Sacramento are facing high prices on last-minute holiday items, but many are still purchasing Easter baskets, candy, and other seasonal goods. While some say they're not seeing as many people buying Easter-related items as in previous years, others are still scrambling to find the right supplies, even if it means spending more than expected.

Why it matters

The high prices for Easter items reflect the broader inflationary pressures impacting consumers across the country. While some families have the means to absorb the increased costs, others are being forced to scale back their holiday spending, highlighting the economic challenges many are facing.

The details

Hundreds of shoppers were seen at a Walmart in Sacramento the day before Easter, with some expressing surprise at the high prices. Yolanda Sturges said, "I don't see as many people buying Easter baskets or anything related to Easter like I used to do in past years." However, others like Brittany Cook Miller were still purchasing last-minute items, spending over $200 on Easter supplies. The National Retail Federation reports that shoppers are budgeting an average of $195.59 per person for Easter, but the total consumer spending on the holiday is expected to reach a record $24.9 billion this year. At a local business, The Kitchen Table, sales associate Judy Ragland said they saw strong demand for sweet treats and baking items, with customers looking for specialty chocolates and Easter-themed baked goods.

  • The day before Easter (April 5, 2026)

The players

Yolanda Sturges

An Easter shopper in Sacramento who has noticed fewer people buying Easter-related items compared to previous years.

Brittany Cook Miller

A Sacramento resident who spent over $200 on last-minute Easter supplies, exceeding the National Retail Federation's average budget of $195.59 per person.

Judy Ragland

A sales associate at The Kitchen Table, a local business in Sacramento that saw strong demand for Easter-themed sweets and baking items.

National Retail Federation

The industry trade group that reports on consumer spending trends, including an expected record $24.9 billion in total Easter-related spending this year.

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What they’re saying

“I don't see as many people buying Easter baskets or anything related to Easter like I used to do in past years.”

— Yolanda Sturges, Easter shopper

“We got some eggs and there's candy in here somewhere.”

— Brittany Cook Miller, Easter basket shopper

“Well, with everything being so high, if people can, I guess they do, but there's a lot of people that can't afford that.”

— Yolanda Sturges, Easter shopper

“I think people are prepping and like going, 'Oh, we don't have the right size pan,' or whatever, and we did have a lot of really good chocolates. So we sold a bunch of fun kind of gourmet chocolate Easter bunnies and that kind of thing.”

— Judy Ragland, Sales associate, The Kitchen Table

What’s next

The National Retail Federation will release its full Easter spending report in the coming weeks, providing more detailed insights into consumer behavior and trends.

The takeaway

The high prices for Easter items in Sacramento reflect the broader inflationary pressures impacting consumers nationwide, forcing some families to scale back their holiday spending while others continue to splurge on last-minute treats and supplies. This dynamic highlights the economic challenges many are facing, even as consumer spending on Easter is expected to reach a record high.