Brits spend £1.6bn on birthdays

Friday, 17 March 2006 12:00

Brits are embracing rather than fearing the reaper, as new research reveals that we spend £1.6 billion a year on celebrating our birthdays.

Rather than lamenting growing another year older, jubilant Britons are going further than having a couple of drinks with friends, with some choosing to celebrate their birthday by taking a holiday in the sun and others enjoying long weekends in the country.

Financial services provider, Mint, finds that 18 per cent of birthday Brits took a holiday abroad, while 22 per cent held a big party, last year.

The cost of a birthday can hurt wallets and purses, with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) buying a new outfit in preparation to party.

In addition, 11 per cent of women pampered themselves with a sun-bed and 16 per cent of men got their hair cut, and people are taking greater care in planning for the added expense.

Mint finds that 14 per cent of Brits plan for their birthday at least one month in advance of the special day, something which the company thinks helps spread the cost.

Jerry Toher, managing director of Mint, said: "In our survey, close to a third of people, (31 per cent) said they used their birthday as an excuse to celebrate and it's clear they're looking for something more than a cake and a few candles these days.

"But far from being extravagant in their spending, people are planning months rather than days in advance. In doing so, they are carefully managing short term expenditure over a period of time using clever means, such as credit cards, to do this."

While 20 per cent of birthday boys and girls are spending an average of £50 on themselves, it is not essential for friends and family to have to dig too deep, as 66 per cent of Brits think it is enough that pals just remember their birthday.

Finally, if looking at your post-birthday credit card statement makes you shiver, consider this: socialite Paris Hilton celebrated her 21st birthday all over the world, with parties in Las Vegas, Tokyo, London, LA and New York, each costing a reported $75,000 - around $375,000 in total.

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