PARENTS have revealed the best birthday gift for kids – but some fear being called lazy.
The new study of 1,000 mums and dads with kids aged between five and 11 found the average child only receives the “best” gift from 41 per cent of birthday party attendees.
With six in 10 parents wanting their children to be gifted cash for their birthday, it seems families want this percentage to rise.
More than a third (36 per cent) would rather their little ones received cash as a present because their homes are full of toys their children never play with.
And 49 per cent prefer it so they can get something they actually want.
Despite this 22 per cent fear they’d be labelled “lazy” if they didn’t buy an actual present, with 48 per cent worried it could be viewed as a last-minute option or it seems like a lack of effort.
However, 36 per cent believe cash can eliminate extra physical items and clutter around the home.
And 34 per cent think it’s the ideal gift because it can also be used to cover off experiences or days out at events.
Ross Borkett, banking director at Post Office, which commissioned the research, said: “The last thing parents want is more clutter.
“Anyone with kids will know that their bedrooms are often full to the brim with toys that haven’t been used in months, either because flashier new ones have come along, or they’ve simply outgrown them.
“In fact, the average child will receive 84 birthday presents from their friends between the ages of five and 11, which adds up to a lot of toys that could be heading for landfill.
“Receiving cash is much easier for parents: they have fewer toys to store, and their children can use the money to buy something they really want and learn valuable skills such as how to budget.”
The research carried out via OnePoll also found the children agree, with receiving money leaving 64 per cent feeling “happy” and 49 per cent “excited”.
Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of parents who prefer cash do so because they could spend it on something they really want.
Betsy Shaw, aged eight, from Cardiff, said: “I feel so excited when I get money for my birthday, so I can go to the shops and pick out what I want.
“I always have a list of things I’m saving for, so sometimes I can spend it straight away, and sometimes I have to wait, like for a PlayStation game.
“Having my own money makes me feel grown up.”
Three quarters (76 per cent) use a cash gift as an educational opportunity to teach their children about the value of money, with 69 per cent starting financial education with as young as five.
The typical child will receive around £55 per birthday, with 84 per cent of mum and dads also giving their own kids cash when the big day comes around.
Three in 10 (31 per cent) of youngsters sensibly live by a spend some, save some mindset, while 12 per cent will go out and immediately blow their windfall on toys or games.
Ross added: “While toys can bring immediate joy, they often have a short lifespan in terms of interest and usability.
“Cash, on the other hand, offers flexibility, supports financial education, and gives children the gift of choice, so they can buy something they really want.
“At Post Office customers can get free cash withdrawals and parents can deposit cash at their branch too if their kids receive it for their birthday.”
Leading etiquette expert and tutor Jo Bryant said: “Brits can often feel uncomfortable when it comes to talking about money, so it’s no wonder some people may worry that cash is a lazy present.
“However, the etiquette around gifting cash has seen a major shift in recent years, with many parents now preferring that their children receive money, it’s best to give notes, as coins can be inconvenient.
“To ensure a monetary gift is well received, include a handwritten note in the card telling them to buy something they really want and check the amount of cash matches what you’d typically spend on a gift.
“Ensure your child writes a thank-you letter explaining how they used the money – it not only shows appreciation, but allows the gift-giver to see the impact of their present.”
