Parents splash out over £700 on average for children’s birthday parties

• The price of birthdays continue to rise as parents spend an additional £157 on birthday gifts on average
• More than 1 in 3 parents (34%) believe children’s parties have become more expensive in the last 5 years
• Parents feel the pinch as many use their credit card (42%) and dip into savings (32%) to fund parties
• Financial experts at Confused.com share advice on how to manage the costs of children’s birthday parties

Parents in the UK are spending an average of £701 on their children’s birthday parties, with food, venue hire, and entertainment each exceeding £100, on average. That’s according to new research from Confused.com, which highlights just how much parents are forking out to give their children an unforgettable birthday.

According to the research, food (£109), entertainers (£104), and the venue hire (£104) make up a large sum of the total party cost, totalling £317, on average. Parents are also spending a significant amount on the smaller details, with party bags costing £64, on average, and £49 for invitations.

In addition to the party, the research found that parents spend an extra £157 on average on their children’s birthday gifts. With the average household having 2 children, presents could add an extra £314 on average to the final bill. This could make kids parties a very expensive annual affair. With the average child’s party hosting 13 guests it’s unsurprising that costs are continuing to mount for parents.

With parents spending over £700 on children’s parties each year, they’ve quickly become a very significant expense. In fact, just over a third of parents (34%) believe that the cost of children’s parties have increased in the last 5 years.

To cope with increasing prices, parents are using different financial methods to fund their children’s parties. While over 4 in 10 (42%) use their credit card, nearly a third (32%) have to dip into savings to compensate for costs.

The increasing costs have resulted in parents having to cut back on their own spending. Nearly two fifths (38%) of parents reduce their personal spending, while over 1 in 3 (31%) cut costs around leisure activities. This is followed by nearly 1 in 4 (24%) spending less on clothes.

With kids' parties costing so much, it’s not surprising many parents are looking for ways to cut back. Over half (52%) of parents choose to host the party in their house to save costs. While the other most popular parties include a meal out (39%) and soft play, a garden party, and a day out each being the choice for a third of parents (33%).

The most expensive UK party venues are outdoor activities coming to £202 - without the added extras. This is followed by a garden party, concert, or show each costing £181, and entertainers and community hall hires each totalling £174, on average.

With children attending many parties throughout the year - there is plenty of inspiration for children and their own parties. Finances are the main source of pressure for parents around their children’s parties with over 4 in 10 (41%) feeling the strain.

Although, parents are feeling the pressure in more ways than just financial. Nearly one sixth (17%) feel pressured by children’s friends. This is closely followed by 16% of parents feeling pressed by other parents.

The most important factor for children’s birthdays is doing what’s right for your family. Whether it's a small tea party, a family tradition, or a big gathering with friends, your children’s birthday is more about making memories with loved ones.

With costs and pressures for UK parents mounting, Nicola Morgan, personal finance expert at Confused.com shares tips for parents to manage the cost of children’s parties:

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Notes to editors