A new study by major toy retailer TK Maxx reveals that one in three parents admit to spending less now on presents for their own children and their children’s friends compared to five years ago. The poll of 1,500 people, found the average parent spends £175 on birthday gifts for their kids, while buying presents for their children’s friends’ can cost up to £95 a year: putting additional strain on household finances.
The survey also revealed that children receive around 12 presents per birthday, and parents take their kids to an average of four birthday parties a year.
TK Maxx’s research revealed the top five gifts parents buy for children: clothes came first with 49 percent; followed by books at 46 percent. Surprisingly technology and traditional board games were almost neck and neck at 39 percent and 38 percent respectively. Remote controlled toys (26 percent) and dolls (25 percent) took up the final two places.
In a bid to give parents even more inspo on delivering the best birthday bashes and greatest gifts on a budget, TK Maxx has teamed up with mum of two and frugal shopping expert Alexandra Stedman of TheFrugality.com for her top tips.
Alexandra says: “As a family, we usually budget for the year knowing there will loads of parties coming up and presents to buy. One of my all time favourite gifting hacks and a definite way to save, is buying a multipack of toys, crafty bits or books, and splitting them up to give as individual gifts. If you’re hosting a kid’s party and need going home gifts, try something a little more crafty such as home-made cakes or brownies, or sharing some seeds from your garden for children to plant at home."
