Which 2017 Easter showbags are the best value for money?

The best value showbag costs only $16 and boasts an overall retail value of almost $1000.

The annual Sydney Royal Easter Show is fast approaching and, let’s be honest, many of us are most excited about the showbags.

The showbags have been a token part of the annual festival since the early 1900s. With over 400 showbags on offer this year ranging from $3 to $30, shoppers will no doubt face a tough time choosing which to take home.

It’ll be like a kid in a candy shop, you might say.

We’ve looked at the price data and determined which bags will offer the best value for money this year, and magazine fans will be happy to hear that these showbags overwhelmingly offer the best bang for your buck.

The top spot goes to the Australian Women’s Weekly showbag on sale for $16, with lucky buyers taking home $972.69 worth of products. That’s a return on investment of 5979.31%!

Similarly, the Cosmopolitan X MINKPINK and Elle showbags cost $25 each for almost $500 worth of goodies including current issue magazines, beauty products, premium chocolates and product samples.

Below is a table of the top ten showbags with the best return on investment for 2017's Easter Show.

Buyers should note that many of these showbags include a Collective Voucher Book claiming a value of around $320, but there’s a catch. The vouchers and offers in the book may require a minimum spend in order to get the discount, so keep this in mind when you’re making your decision.

On the other end of the scale, it’s the showbags featuring lollies and sweets that offer practically no better value for money than if you were to buy the items at the supermarket.

However, parents will be pleased to hear these bags will only set you back a few dollars.

Both the Nerds and Killer Python showbags, popular among families with young kids, will cost $5 for $5 worth of products. The Sunbites and Redskins bags are slightly better value for money, selling for $5 and offering $5.20 worth of products in return (what a steal!).

Below is a table of the ten showbags with the worst return on investment for 2017's Easter Show.

finder.com.au’s Sydney Royal Easter Show savings tips:

• Buy your tickets online. You can buy an adult ticket online now for $37, otherwise it will cost you $41.50 at the gate.
• Go after 4pm. Consider going a little later in the day and save money with a Twilight ticket for $31 - you will still have 5 hours to enjoy the festivities, plenty of time!
• Save with kids aged 16-18. You can buy the discounted Child ticket for kids aged between 4-15, however if your child is 16-18 years old and has a ROA School Pupil ID Card, they can also buy the reduced ticket.
• Go on the last day. Child ShowLink tickets are just $12.50 on the last day of the Show. That's 50% off the usual price! And it’s likely to be less crowded too - double win.
• Go on Seniors day. Attend on 12 April and enjoy 50% off your ticket price with a valid NSW Seniors Card.
• Catch the bus. All ShowLink tickets include same day free public transport, so save money on fuel and parking by using the bus.
• Pack your lunch. The food stalls are not only incredibly tempting, but are usually incredibly pricey too. Bring some snacks and water from home, instead of paying $3-4 for a bottle of Mount Franklin there.

Picture: Shutterstock