Birthday budgeting can be a tricky conversation between friends, partners, and relatives – how much should you be spending on each other?
Well, as it turns out, many Brits are splashing the cash on their beloved pets than they are their human loved ones!
A new study by greetings card marketplace, thortful, polled 1,500 Brits to reveal how much we spend on birthday presents for different people in our lives, revealing that on average, people are spending £63 on their dogs and £75 on their cats.
In addition to this, Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder of Private Therapy Clinic reveals why we throw birthday parties for dogs, and why we’re so devoted to our pets.
Pet owners spoil their pets with presents
To put things into perspective, overall, people said they averagely spend £79 on their Mum and £80 on their Dad, meaning cats are not too far from them in the pecking order for expensive birthdays!
Spending on your besties also comes below pets, with the average budget overall for friends being £53.
It turns out that men are actually spending more than women on their pets, with men’s average spend on dogs being £71, and £75 on cats. Women said they spend £56 on their dogs, and £67 on cats.
Why are we spending so much on our pets? And do they even care?
According to thortful’s survey, 50% of people spend lots of money on their pet’s birthday because they simply can’t help but spoil them. Almost a third (30%) said that they even buy them a birthday cake, and 61% buy them a birthday present.
It seems some are even going to luxury lengths, as 16% admitted to splurging on a luxury or expensive gift for their pet, and almost half (47%) are spoiling their pets with treats and gifts on a weekly basis.
Expert reveals why we spoil our pets with birthday parties and gifts
To unpack why we pet parents are so susceptible to spending big on our beloved furry friends, Dr Becky Spelman at Private Therapy Clinic has revealed the science behind it all.
Why do some people throw their pets birthday parties?
“Some people throw birthday parties for their pets as a way to celebrate their beloved pet’s life, to show appreciation, and to strengthen the bond with their pet. It can be a fun and joyous occasion to express love and shower their furry companion with attention and treats. Celebrating a dog’s birthday may also be a reflection of the deep emotional connection and companionship they share, treating them as a cherished member of the family. Birthday parties are also great for socialising with other dog owners!”
Why are we so devoted to our pets, giving them gifts and throwing parties?
“Our devotion to pets stems from the unique bond and unconditional love they offer. Pets provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support, becoming integral and cherished members of our families. We can show them our appreciation by showering them with gifts, throwing parties, and engaging in other acts of care. These gestures allow us to express gratitude, celebrate their presence, and create memorable experiences.”
“Pets bring joy, reduce stress, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Their unwavering loyalty and non-judgmental presence make them deserving of our affection, kindness, and efforts to enhance their well-being.”
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson at thortful says, “At thortful, we want to celebrate everyone, our beloved pets included! We were intrigued by just how much owners spend on their pets, but love to see how much they mean to us. This is why we keep a wide range of pet cards on our site, so that we can celebrate our furry friends, too!”
To see some more findings from the study, visit thortful’s blog here.
