Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/shutt2016
big spenders

Parents splash out €836 on their child's First Communion, while kids rake in over €500

Some children are making more than €800.

PARENTS ARE SPENDING up to €836 on their child’s First Communion.

A new survey from Ulster Bank finds that parents are splashing out more than they were last year, with a 12% increase.

The breakdown of spending shows parents are spending more on the party, food and drink, averaging €370.

Make-up and hair for girls completing their First Communion costs an average of €56.

The child’s outfit for the day costs an average of €176, while outfits for rest of family is also pushing up the budget, costing €212.

Cost of bouncy castles pushes spend upwards

Children’s entertainment for the party, such as bouncing castles costs €149, an increase of 25% on 2015.

shutterstock_291862598 Shutterstock / Oleg Mikhaylov Shutterstock / Oleg Mikhaylov / Oleg Mikhaylov

However, it’s not all about the spending. The First Communion has long been known as a money-maker for young children.

The survey of 205 parents revealed on average, a child received €546 this year, compared with €543 in 2015.

Almost one in four children (22%) received more than €800 this year.

The amount of money received by boys increased by 4% this year to €533, compared to a 1% decrease for girls to €563.

So are children being frugal with their money?

Of the children surveyed, just 9% had already spent 75% of their cash, spending it on clothes, (43%), toys (40%), computer games (34%) and sports equipment (28%).

The vast majority of parents (90%) report that some of the money received by their child will be put into a savings account.

Read: Most Irish people would vote against Brexit if they could>

Read: 13 times Ireland fans were the real heroes>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
99
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.