Rising cost of living has hit UK families hard
While Harper Beckham celebrated her 1st birthday with a rumoured pink-themed party complete with dyed bunny rabbits that alone cost a whopping £50k, on this side of the pond it’s a very different story. For many children across the UK, a lavish birthday bash and expensive presents are not on the celebration cards.
New research from VoucherCodes.co.uk’s latest Parent Poll revealed that UK children are turning into a nation of charity shop kids, with more than a quarter of parents relying on second-hand or charity shops for clothes and toys to give as presents during the economic downturn – a 50 per cent up on five years ago.
“Our research shows that any perceived stigma around thrifty shopping is disappearing as parents are forced to find affordable clothes and toys for their children during this difficult economic period
Unlike Kim Kardashian who forked out $5,000 (£3,200) on a diamond-studded baby bracelet for Beyonce and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy, the research found that an increasing number of parents are suffering from ‘post natal recession’ - being forced by the rising cost of living to find ways to cut down on the amount they spend on their children.
A third of parents said that they are spending less this year than last with the average parent parting with £60 per month to clothe and entertain their children.
Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “Our research shows that any perceived stigma around thrifty shopping is disappearing as parents are forced to find affordable clothes and toys for their children during this difficult economic period.”
Of the lowest income families, seventy per cent stated that the rising cost of the weekly shop has been the primary cause of their child spending cut backs.
“The increased reliance on charity shops coupled with the growing popularity of online deals and high street discounts, means that by making just a few small changes to the way they shop, parents can really cut back on what they spend without cutting back on what they give,” Duncan said.
The findings also revealed that one in five parents says they are even buying birthday gifts for other people’s kids from charity shops to cut costs. Nearly a quarter of parents plan to buy their Christmas gifts from a charity shop this year.
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FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM