Kids Birthday Celebrations: A Look at How Much UK Parents Spend on Kids Birthday Presents

To Manage household finances while ensuring children enjoy their special moments can be quite a juggling act.

Recent data from a major toy retailer, TK Maxx, sheds light on the current trends and challenges that parents face when it comes to birthday celebrations. The study, which surveyed 1,500 people, offers a detailed glimpse into how much parents are spending on birthday gifts for their own children and their children’s friends.

A Shift in Spending Patterns
One of the most notable findings from the TK Maxx survey is that one in three parents admit to spending less on birthday presents now than they did five years ago.

This shift can be attributed to various factors, including economic pressures and a growing awareness of the need to manage expenses more prudently.

Despite this trend, the amount parents do spend on birthday gifts for their kids remains significant.
The Cost of Celebrating Your Child’s Birthday

According to the survey, the average parent spends a substantial £175 on birthday gifts for their own children. This amount highlights the importance parents place on making their child’s birthday memorable, despite the broader trend of reduced spending.

With children receiving around 12 presents per birthday, it’s clear that parents still prioritise gift-giving as a key part of birthday celebrations.

The Expense of Friends’ Birthdays

In addition to spending on their own children, parents also face the financial burden of buying presents for their children’s friends. The survey reveals that parents spend up to £95 annually on gifts for these occasions.

Parents also typically take their kids to an average of four birthday parties a year.
Popular Gift Choices
This research also delved into the types of gifts parents are most likely to buy.

The top five gifts reflect a mix of practicality and fun:
We have added our own thoughts on the popular gift choices below in bold.

1. Clothes (49%): Practical and necessary, clothes top the list, likely because they serve a dual purpose of being useful and enjoyable.
However, have you ever asked a child if they are happy with clothes for a birthday gift? From our own experience, (younger kids especially) prefer toys over clothes as they don’t see the importance of clothes at their age.

2. Books (46%): Encouraging a love for reading, books are a popular choice, fostering both education and entertainment.
Our Kids don’t mind receiving the odd book for their birthday as long as it is fun to read and enjoyable or services an interest they have in a character or topic.

3. Technology (39%): From tablets to smart toys, tech gifts are nearly as popular as traditional options.
Agree with this one as all kids like to have the latest gadget, however we really need to ask ourselves if it is a wise choice, considering the harms of too much screentime on smartphones and tablets.

4. Board Games (38%): These remain a family favourite, offering hours of interactive fun.
Might sound old fashioned but board games are really good fun, educative and develops some serious skills in children, also suitable for all ages to play together like Monopoly etc

5. Remote Controlled Toys (26%) and Dolls (25%): These classic toys still hold a special place in children’s hearts.
When I was a kid I always used to look through the RC cars section in catalogues and all girls love a doll to keep them company don’t they?

Balancing Celebration and Budget

The findings highlight the balancing act parents perform between celebrating their children’s milestones and managing household budgets. While there has been a noted decrease in spending, the average figures still represent a significant financial commitment.

The blend of practical and enjoyable gifts shows that parents are thoughtful in their choices, aiming to provide both joy and utility.

As economic conditions fluctuate, it’s likely that parents will continue to adapt their spending habits, seeking out value while ensuring their children’s birthdays remain special and memorable.

The key takeaway is the resilience and creativity of parents in making these moments count, regardless of the financial pressures they might face.

Here are some brilliant ideas for Kids Birthday Gifts for different ages
Ride on Car for 2 Year Old Boy – Lightning McQueen Kids Ride on Car
Ride on Car for 2 to 3 year old Girl – Minnie Mouse Ride on Car
Quad Bike for for 4 to 6 Year old Boy or Girl – 12v Kids Electric Quad Bike
UTV Buggy for 6 to 8 Year Old Boy or Girl – Can Am 24v 2 Seater UTV Buggy

Research Data taken from https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/discover/tk-maxx/insider/special-occasion