Average Birthday Money Gift UK: How Much to Spend

Woman receiving birthday present
Jen Graudenz

Hi, I'm Jen! I'm a personal finance expert and money coach aiming to help you take control of your money. I went from being broke to a six-figure net worth and am now on track to be financially independent at age 40. Discover Jen's story

This post tells you how much the average birthday gift costs in the UK. You might offend the recipient if you don’t know how much to spend on a birthday present. Or, you might overspend needlessly. The average figures below (with age recommendations) will help you make the right choice.

💡 Quick Answer: Average Birthday Present Costs

The average birthday present cost in the UK is £176 for a child. For adults, costs range between £15 for friends and £69 for a romantic partner.

Average Birthday Present Cost for Adults

Adult birthday party

1. Your Partner

People in the UK spend on average £69 on gifts for their partner. However, when choosing a present for your partner, average values might not mean much.

Your partner will be happier if you gift them something they like rather than something expensive. Furthermore, your partner is likely the person closest to you. Thus, they should have an understanding of your financial situation. You can discuss how much to spend on presents for each other.

2. Relatives

There are less data on how much to gift a relative. Anectodal evidence recommends up to £50. The amount decreases the more distant a relative is.

The easiest way to gauge how much to gift is to look at past presents you’ve received from the person you want to buy a gift for. You can often look up the cost online. Then, buy something of similar value.

3. Your Friends

According to a survey from Your Surprise, most people report spending around £15 to £25 on a gift for a good friend. Only around 20% of adults would spend up to £50.

Average Birthday Gift Money for Children

Children birthday party

1. Your Children

A study by Vouchercloud showed that British parents spend, on average, £175.80 on birthday presents for their children. This is a lot of money; if you cannot afford this, you are not alone.

Overall, 44% of British families struggle to afford birthday presents for their children. According to the same survey, people go to great lengths to save up the money, leaving them to struggle with bills.

Many consider birthday presents the most important part of a child’s birthday celebration. They remember gifts as the most important part of their childhood birthdays.

2. Children in the Family

Buying presents for family children, for example, nieces and nephews, is a bit more difficult. There are no official statistics on the average birthday present costs.

Based on various online sources, the accepted costs are £20-50. Factors to consider are how close you are to the child and how much you can afford.

3. Your Children’s Friends

No studies assess the average birthday present cost for your children’s friends. The consensus on the internet appears to be around £10.

If your child is close to their friend, consider spending slightly more. However, generally, the gesture counts rather than the monetary value.

How Much Should You Really Spend?

If you stay within the average price range, you should be able to keep everyone happy. Yet, there are also other factors to take into account:

  • Your financial situation. There is no need to go into debt or compromise your day-to-day life to keep up with the birthday present costs.
  • The recipient’s preferences. Buying a present that makes the recipient happy rather than sticking to a rigid present budget is better.
  • Closeness to the recipient. You may want to spend more on people you are close to and less on those you have a more distant relationship with.
  • The recipient’s age. Very young children will not be able to appreciate expensive gifts. Similarly, adults understand your financial situation more than children and teenagers.

Recommendations by Age

How Much Money Should You Give for a 21st Birthday UK?

A 21st birthday is a milestone birthday for many people. Thus, you might want to splurge a bit. Consider how much you usually gift the person and add 10-20%. This way, you acknowledge their special day without going overboard.

How Much Money Should You Give for a 14th Birthday UK?

For a 14 year old, it is a good idea to stick to the abovementioned average figures. If it’s your child, you may want to spend around £175. If the gift is for a friend or a relative’s child, you should spend £10-50.

How Much Money Should You Give for a 13th Birthday UK?

Turning 13 is also not a milestone birthday. You’ll be fine if you stick to the general recommendations. Of course, you can adapt these figures to your circumstances.

How Much Money Should You Give for a 12th Birthday UK?

For a 12th birthday, you can stick to the abovementioned figures. If it’s your child, you may want to spend around £175. If it’s someone else’s child, the cost should be £10-50.

Average Birthday Present Cost UK Summary

The average birthday present costs in the UK differ depending on who the gift is for. You can expect to spend:

  • £69 for your partner
  • Up to £50 for relatives
  • £15 to £25 for a friend
  • £176 for your child
  • £10 to £50 for other children

Of course, how much you should spend also depends on other factors. These include your financial situation and who the recipient is.

Many companies give you freebies on your birthday. Find out what free things you can get on your birthday.

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