Two months of preparation and an average spend of £300 per child’s birthday party

UK parents are still splashing the cash and planning big birthday parties for their children months in advance.

According to a study of 2,000 mums by Vistaprint, 20 per cent of parents start planning their child’s party two months before the actual day, with 29 per cent doing so to get the best location.

Half of the mums taking part admitted to spending £300 per party, but 19 per cent were prepared to pay out as much as £500.

Traditional parties with games like Pass the Parcel are still the most popular, but in an attempt to keep up with other parents, karting, activities and adventure park parties follow closely behind.