The 'cost-of-gifting' crisis: third of Cambridge parents spending less on kids presents

Parents are spending less on presents and parties for kids and their friends.

Author: Josh BarnesPublished 1st Jun 2023
Last updated 1st Jun 2023

Nearly a third of parents in Cambridge are spending less on their children's birthday at the moment because of rising prices.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to hit families across the UK, more parents are opting to host events at home. In a study conducted by TK Maxx, they found that 82% oof parents are more likely to host the party themselves, with traditional games like pin-the-tail on the donkey on the rise.

Classic favourites back on the menu include:

  • Sausage rolls
  • Jelly and ice cream
  • Cheese and pineapple sticks

Parents are also coming together when buying gifts for other children. A quarter of parents said they had collaborated with others to buy joint gifts.

Money saving expert and parent Alex Stedman said to save money you must "really think about what the kids want, rather than how much you're spending."

An alternative for parents is to make something. Toy expert Pete Jenkinson said parents could "be super creative and put a lot of effort into making something totally wonderful."

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