The Holiday Inn did a survey of 2,000 parents which showed that most parents spend nearly £270 a year on parties.

Half of the parents polled said they felt really stressed at having to organise parties and admit they felt a very real pressure to put on a 'big do' for their children every year. And it gets worse as the children get older as they come to expect more elaborate occasions and more exotic locations! Ridiculously, over 30% of parents are more worried about impressing other children's parents with their parties!

A spokesman for Holiday Inn said: 'These days children are no longer content with simply having a few of their best friend's home for a party tea after school - so it is no wonder parents are becoming more competitive than ever before.'

Rather than having a small party, the average parents allows their child to invite at least 11 friends! Buying the invitations, party bags, the cake and food and drink and often paying for the hire of a hall or similar, sets parents' back a fortune! And the it's not just money, it's time too as the average mum and dad spend up to three weeks organising their little one's special day.

The poll shows that amongst other things, a family will spend on average £12.47 on invitations and thank you cards, and £22.72 on decorations such as balloons, banners and lighting. The food and drink will then cost around £63.82 with the cake an average of £15.32!

And despite the party costing nearly £300, nearly a quarter of parents will also hire some kind of entertainment for the children, spending a further £86.79. The most popular entertainment includes bouncy castles (44 per cent), clowns (31 per cent), magicians (30 per cent) and soft play areas (24 per cent).

BREAKDOWN OF RESULTS
Invitations and thank you cards £12.47
Food and drink £63.82
Decorations £22.72
Party bags and gifts £41.47
Party games and prizes £24.08
Cake £15.32
Venue hire £90.04
X 18 years = £4,858.56

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