Kids’ birthday parties now come with sushi platters, laser tag, and a £524 price tag. But is spending that much really necessary — or are we all just caught up in the pressure to throw the “perfect” party?
Remember when jelly and ice cream and a few games of Twister were enough to keep a kids’ birthday party ticking over nicely? Well, those days are long gone!
If you’re a parent, prepare to wince – for a recent survey says the average cost of a child’s birthday party in the UK is now a whopping £524. It seems the simple days of pass-the-parcel and musical chairs are no longer enough, as families up and down the country are now hiring out church halls, bringing in entertainers, and turning party planning into a full-blown production.
It isn’t uncommon now for a youngster’s bash to be organised by a children’s event planner, who’ll think nothing of throwing a themed tea party complete with custom lighting and decor that’s ready-made for Instagram.
According to Oxygen Activeplay’s survey of UK parents with kids under 13, some are even splashing out on private cinema screenings (7%), professional photographers (9%), climbing walls (22%), and laser tag battles (25%). One in 20 are even serving sushi.
The £524 average includes food, venue, decorations, gift bags, and entertainment – and 57% of parents say they feel more pressure than ever to throw a party their child (and their guests) won’t forget. Nearly half say it’s one of the most stressful things they’ve ever organised. So we’re asking Is £500 too much to spend on a children’s birthday party? Take our poll below. If you can’t see it, click here
Stephen Wilson, the chief executive of Oxygen Activeplay, which commissioned the research said: ‘It’s clear that parents are passionate about throwing their children fun and entertaining parties they will remember for ever. However, it seems that along with navigating changing tastes, there are numerous pressures that go alongside organising a fantastic party. Throwing the ultimate modern party doesn’t need to be stressful though.’
Of course, it goes without saying that not every child needs – or wants – a lavish £500 party. Some youngsters would be just as happy with a few mates, a couple of fun games, and cake that didn’t necessarily come from a boutique bakery.
Is social media to blame for high expectations these days do we think? Scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll see picture-perfect party set-ups with personalised signage, coordinated balloon garlands, themed grazing tables, and kids in matching outfits. It’s no wonder so many parents feel the need to level up — not just for their offspring, but for the feed.
There’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) pressure to make every celebration look “Insta-worthy,” and that can quickly spiral into overspending. What was once a simple birthday bash is now a full-blown production — with a highlight reel to prove it.
Is any of this right? We’d love to hear your comments on all this, so feel free to give your opinion below!
So what do YOU think? Is £500 too much to spend on a children’s birthday party? Vote in our poll above if you can’t see it, click here.
