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One in ten throw kids’ parties to impress friends

18 January, 2007

The total average spend on a child’s first birthday is £171, £87 on the party and £84 on the presents, but a quarter of parents are happy to spend more than £100 and one in ten will fork out more than £150 on the party alone.

However the research carried out by American Express shows that the cost of the festivities doesn’t stop there. In an effort to get their party ‘just right’, 70 per cent of parents with children aged between 3 and 12 say that hired entertainment such as clowns and face-painters really goes a long way to make the kids happy. In contrast, only 2 per cent believe that getting their child’s party outfit spot on will make a difference to the size of their smile on the day.

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Peter Robertson, director of party planners Twizzle Parties believes it’s more about value for money, saying: “Children’s parties are getting bigger and better as parents increasingly look to inject some imagination into their child’s birthday. We’ve brought mini farms to young animal lovers, set up fairy schools and magic lessons, provided tanks and bat mobiles, and even given budding pop stars the chance to cut their own record in a studio.”

In addition to throwing parties for their children, parents will have to buy an average of 7 presents for school friends’ birthday celebrations every year, adding up to just under £50.

Of parents pushing the boat out for their offspring, two thirds felt their children deserved such a treat and a quarter were attempting to give their child something that they themselves never had – after mediocre birthday parties during their own youth.

Vice president of UK partnerships at American Express, Kate Harris, said: “Throwing parties can be a joy for parents and their children alike, however many families find that the cost of entertainment, venues, catering and presents soon adds up.”

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