Parents to spend £500 on average celebrating kids' exam results
A survey of 1,500 parents with 16-18 year olds revealed that cash presents are the most favoured method of celebrating their children's exam results.
Others plan to purchase clothing, mobile phones, footwear and jewellery for their youngsters. Laptops, music festival passes and even holidays also feature amongst the top 30 most popular post-results rewards.
However, whilst the typical parent will fork out £467 on their child, this figure jumps to £902 in London, £783 in Northern Ireland, and £630 in the West Midlands. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
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Whilst parents in Northern Ireland are most inclined to purchase a new laptop for their youngster, those in Wales are focusing on experiences, including exhibition tickets or contributions towards spa treatments.
More parents in the South West are anticipated to purchase musical instruments than anywhere else across the UK, whilst those in the East Midlands are most likely to help fund a new vehicle, and in the East of England, a motorbike.
The research was commissioned by Moonpig, which provides cards and an extensive selection of celebratory presents for results day. A spokesperson commented: "It's interesting to see the different trends in how parents celebrate across the country.
"But no matter how much you're planning to spend or the types of gifts you choose to buy – all that matters is your kids knowing how proud you are of them.
"Results day is such a huge milestone in the lives of young people, and for them to know that you appreciate all the work they've put in is the most important thing."
The study revealed 68% of parents will present gifts and cards irrespective of the grades their children accomplish. Meanwhile, 74% declared all they truly value is the effort invested to reach this significant moment.
However, 23% acknowledged that whilst they will certainly purchase a present either way, these will vary based on the outcomes attained. This could explain why merely 36% have already bought the gift they're intending to present in celebration of results day. With 28% expressing the same regarding a card, according to OnePoll.com statistics.
The investigation also examined the elements parents consider most inspire their youngsters to excel – with their personal sense of accomplishment and individual drive being the leading responses.
Yet despite this view, half of parents confessed to, at various times, employing presents or money to encourage their children to reach particular grades.
This might stem from the pressure experienced by 38% from outside influences, including fellow parents and social media, to spend money marking results day.
Moonpig's spokesperson commented: "No matter the grades, it's a massive achievement and rite of passage worth celebrating. And it's nice to see that the majority of parents agree that kids should be celebrated regardless of their results. We personally can't wait to see all the things this generation will go on to do in their lives – and how this will shape the future."
TOP 30 RESULTS DAY GIFTS:
Cash gift.
Items of clothing.
A smartphone.
Shoes.
Jewellery
Games console games.
A laptop.
A games console.
A watch.
A smartwatch.
Experiences (e.g. tickets to an exhibition, theatre, activity, spa day).
Books.
A tablet.
A holiday (e.g. flights, accommodation, paying for entire holidays).
Flowers.
Make up products.
Skincare products.
Sports equipment.
Bags.
A pet.
Festival tickets.
A bike.
A musical instrument.
Sunglasses.
A new car.
A motorbike.
A subscription box (e.g. books, beauty, food).
Stationery.
A used car.
A scooter.
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