A MUM has found herself targeted by trolls after revealing she’s considering asking for “financial donations” for her son’s birthday rather than gifts.
Steph explained that she wanted to host a party to mark her little boy turning two, but revealed the event was going to be “pricey”.
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So instead of people bringing presents for the birthday boy, she said she was thinking about asking for people to put some money towards the bash instead.
“Is it weird to ask for financial donation towards your child’s birthday party?” she began her TikTok video.
She added that she wanted to have the party at a local farm park, and has already shelled out for invitations and decorations – to try and give him “that birthday party experience”.
“I think it’s really nice, even though he’s only two, he won’t remember it,” she sighed.
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But while she’s thinking about it, it’s “pricey”, so she’s wondering whether or not she could ask attendees to make a “financial donation towards the party rather than a gift”.
“Is this weird? Is this something you would do? Would you be happy to do this if someone asked you?” she concluded.
“Children’s birthday parties … are so expensive!!! But we love to celebrate – what would you do?” Steph added in the caption.
The comments section was quickly filled with people weighing in on her quandary, with the majority insisting it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask for money towards the bash.
“Oh god no definitely not!” one insisted.
“I’ve never ever heard anyone ask for a donation towards the party.
“If you want a party you pay for it all,” another agreed.
“Yes its weird, especially for a 2 year old,” a third commented.
“I absolutely wouldn’t go if asked for financial donations,” someone else raged, adding: “The gift is for a 2 year old child not the parent who wants the party!”
“Absolutely not!” another sighed.
“Prime example of living within your means, if you can’t afford it you don’t do it.”
“If you want to give him the party it should be funded by you,” someone else concurred.
How much do experts advise spending on a child’s birthday?
A study by major toy retailer TK Maxx revealed that one in three parents admit to spending less on presents for their own children and their children’s friends compared to five years ago.
Average Spend: Parents spend an average of £175 on birthday gifts for their kids, while presents for their children’s friends can cost up to £95 a year, adding extra strain on household finances.
Gifts and Parties: Children receive around 12 presents per birthday, and parents take their kids to an average of four birthday parties annually.
Top Five Gifts Parents Buy for Children:
Clothes: 49%
Books: 46%
Technology: 39%
Traditional Board Games: 38%
Remote Controlled Toys: 26%
Dolls: 25%
How Much Should You Spend on a Child’s Birthday?
Experts generally suggest keeping birthday spending reasonable and within the family’s budget. A common guideline is to spend around £10 to £20 per year of the child’s age. For example:
5-year-old: £50 to £100
Remember, the focus should be on creating memorable experiences rather than adhering strictly to a spending rule.
Simple, thoughtful, and creative celebrations can often be just as enjoyable and meaningful for the child.
“Yes it’s weird but it’s also wrong,” another added.
“Do not do it,” someone else urged.
“Not only would I not attend but I wouldn’t consider going to any parties in the future.”
Meanwhile, others used the comments section to offer suggestions for a budget-friendly celebration instead.
“If you can’t afford a party but want everyone to celebrate together, I’d suggest just taking a gazebo to your local park,” one wrote.
“I see lots of people doing that.”
“Have a party that’s within your budget,” another urged.
“It’s perfectly fine to have a simpler celebration. A park picnic for example and ask other party goers to bring a dish.”
“Just have a BBQ in your garden or a small gathering at home,” a third agreed.
“I spend about £250 on a party with just family kids. I’d never ask anyone for money.
Not only would I not attend but I wouldn’t consider going to any parties in the future
TikTok commenter
“People are poor,” she continued.
“Unfortunately if I was skint I wouldn’t be able to come to a party that was financial donation.
“I may bring a token gift of £5 to £10 and a donation could not fit in my budget.”
“Have a party at home, but have your son choose a couple of friends to go to the park with – best of both worlds,” someone else wrote.
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