The joy of celebrating our kids’ birthdays is often overshadowed by the stress it brings to parents and the strain it puts on household finances. In a recent study conducted by TK Maxx, it was revealed that parents spend an average of £175 on birthday presents for their kids, and an additional £95 on gifts for their children’s friends. As families continue to face the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many are searching for low-cost and creative ways to throw memorable parties without breaking the bank.

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

To help alleviate the pressure on parents and provide valuable insights on frugal gifting and party planning, TK Maxx has teamed up with Alexandra Stedman, also known as ‘The Frugality.’ As a mum of two and a frugal shopping expert, Alexandra has shared her top ten tips for kid’s gifting and party planning on a budget.

One of Alexandra’s ingenious suggestions is to try something crafty for the take-home party bag, such as a homemade cake or sharing seeds from your garden for children to plant at home. Not only do these ideas offer a personal touch, but they also encourage creativity and outdoor engagement.

Another tip from Alexandra is to save ribbons, gift bags, and colored tissue paper from the presents you receive to re-wrap gifts. This simple practice helps reduce waste and adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your gifts.

Buying in bulk can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money on gifts. For example, purchasing toy bundles or beauty sets and spreading out each item among a few gifts can be a cost-effective strategy. Additionally, organizing a ‘toy swap’ with parents and children allows for the exchange of toys that are no longer in use, reducing expenses while encouraging sustainable practices.

The pressure to keep up with extravagant birthday celebrations depicted on social media can be overwhelming. Alexandra advises thinking differently about gifting and focusing on thoughtful and affordable presents. Simple yet practical gifts, like a set of glitter pens paired with an activity book, can provide hours of enjoyment without breaking the bank.

TK Maxx’s research also shed light on the cost of kids’ parties. The average budget for a birthday celebration has decreased to £275, compared to five years ago, affecting over a third of parents. To make their hard-earned cash stretch further, many parents opt for long-lasting party decorations or reuse previous decorations, contributing to a more sustainable approach.

The survey conducted by TK Maxx revealed that children receive around 12 presents per birthday, and parents attend an average of four birthday parties each year. To tackle these challenges, some parents team up with others to buy joint gifts, while others offer alternatives such as baking the birthday cake instead of purchasing a present. These resourceful solutions demonstrate the creativity and resilience of parents in navigating the cost-of-living crisis.

Deborah Dolce, Group Director of TJX Europe, acknowledges the stress and financial burden associated with buying gifts for children. TK Maxx aims to provide an affordable solution with their vast range of clothes, accessories, toys, books, and games. With prices up to 60% less than high street stores, TK Maxx becomes the go-to destination for kids’ gifts that won’t break the bank.

As families continue to face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, it is essential to embrace creative and cost-effective approaches to celebrating children’s birthdays. Alexandra Stedman’s savvy tips, in partnership with TK Maxx, empower parents to navigate the world of gifting and party planning with confidence, ensuring that every birthday is a memorable and joyful occasion for the whole family.

So, the next time you find yourself preparing for a birthday celebration, remember to embrace the ‘giftflation’ trend and explore the numerous low-cost options available. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can create unforgettable moments without the financial strain.

London Mums put the expert’s tips to the test

As the editor of London Mums magazine, I decided to put Alexandra Stedman’s tips for frugal gifting and party planning to the test. Armed with a £50 TK Maxx voucher, I embarked on a mission to see what memorable gifts I could find without breaking the bank.

I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of options available at TK Maxx. From trendy clothes and accessories to toys, books, and games, there was something for every child’s interest and age group. The best part? The prices were up to 60% less than what I would find at high street stores, making it an affordable solution for budget-conscious parents.

I followed Alexandra’s advice of buying in bulk and spreading out the items among multiple gifts. I found a fantastic toy bundle that included puzzles, art supplies, and small toys, allowing me to create personalized gift sets for different children. This cost-effective strategy not only saved me money but also ensured that each child received a thoughtful and enjoyable present.

To further stretch my budget, I took advantage of TK Maxx’s selection of party decorations. I discovered durable and reusable decorations that could be used for future celebrations, contributing to a more sustainable approach. By investing in long-lasting party supplies, I not only saved money in the long run but also reduced waste.

Overall, my experience with TK Maxx and Alexandra Stedman’s tips proved that celebrating children’s birthdays on a budget is indeed possible. With a little creativity and smart shopping, parents can create unforgettable moments without the financial strain. I highly recommend exploring the affordable options at TK Maxx to make your next birthday celebration a memorable and joyful occasion for the whole family.