Children's birthday parties now so extravagant, half of parents can't afford them

 

 

Almost half of UK mums and dads admit they can't afford to throw their child a birthday party.

Over a quarter of parents believe that it's their duty to organise a party for their child each year but with the pressure to invite the whole class, provide professional entertainment and give out party bags at the end, many mums and dads just can't find the cash.

Parents feel under pressure to keep up with other parties thrown for little ones ©Rex

Many parents find themselves spending money on a party they can't afford for fear their child will suffer from bullying.

Despite the squeeze, 40 per cent spend at least £100 on the party and a third admitted the cost can reach £500.

[Related: One mum's tips for birthday party planning]

The poll by Family Action found that a fifth of parents cut back on household spending to give their child a good party, more than a quarter would go without new clothes and almost half saved up at least a month in advance.

Almost three quarters of the families polled were living on just £100 a week after essential bills were paid. yet still feel obligated to splash out on cakes and party bags.

Shop-bought cakes might look great but home-made is far more fun ©Rex

Budget party tips
If you've got a party coming up, here are Family Action and Money for Life's tips to organise a birthday party on a budget:

1. Save hire costs by partying at home and gives your child some very happy memories at home.

2. Set a budget for your party and try and stick to it. It may be cheaper to pick an external party venue with an all-inclusive cost per child, or it may work out cheaper to do it yourself at home. Do the sums and make sure. Use this opportunity to teach your children about budgeting – help them decide between a more expensive party with fewer friends, or a cheaper party with more friends.

3. If your child's birthday is in the summer, why not plan a picnic or a treasure hunt in the park? All you’ll need is some blankets, picnic food and games for the kids – which you can even ask friends to bring along with them. You can also design your own games, bring along a pen and paper and a few small prizes such as sweets to keep the kids happy. This not only will save on pennies but it’ll also save you from a messy home at the end of it!

4. Start saving up in advance. Put loose change in a bottle each week to collect for your child’s birthday - you’ll be surprised at how much you can save!

5. Minimise the amount you spend on party bag items by buying in bulk at the supermarket or pound shop or see if your venue will include a party bag in the cost. You could also try a ‘lucky dip’ as an alternative for the children to pick one small gift each as they leave the party.

6. If relatives offer to buy a gift for your child’s birthday ask them to pay for fees like swimming lessons, karate or any other groups the child attends. This will save you money when the bill comes through.

7. Many cinemas now show kids' films at the weekend at a fraction of the cost. Check out your local cinema to see what’s on offer. And, if your local cinema allows it, remember to take your own snacks with you to further reduce the cost.

8. Send out e-invites rather than pay for paper and postage.

9. Make the birthday cake instead of buying one. There are plenty of simple, delicious recipes online that you can make for under a fiver. Or try searching “fruit animals” for a healthy alternative to cake.

10. Organise a party in between lunch and dinner as this will save you on food costs. Or when inviting people clearly state that it’s snacks that will be provided and not lunch or dinner.

11. Make up the games instead of having a child’s entertainer. Musical chairs and musical statues are fun for kids and many children’s games don’t need prizes, you could just buy a cheap packet of gold stars to stick on the winners to make them feel special!

12. If your child receives gifts that they already have or that you know they won’t use, sell them. This can be a great way of earning some extra money and putting it in savings, or towards something that they do want or need. Another option is to recycle them by giving them to a different friend in a different social group.