Not just cake, samosas and balloons: Birthday bashes are now a serious affair

Once limited to homemade cakes, samosas, and balloons, children’s birthday parties have now become high-stakes events worth lakhs, reflecting growing social competition among parents, according to a TNN report.

In the past, birthdays meant simple celebrations with family and friends, games like passing the parcel, and gifts such as a pencil or a storybook. But by 2025, birthday parties have transformed into a symbol of social standing and creativity. Parents are investing more time and money to outdo each other — and, increasingly, to gain acceptance for their children in competitive peer circles.

Event planners say parties today are about scale and innovation. “An average party will host anywhere up to 20-30 kids, with parents also included for younger children up to six years,” TNN quoted Dhiraj Aggarwal, an event planner, as saying. “Many parents strive to ensure their child’s celebration surpasses other events they have attended.” Some even invite entire classes, making the event both socially rewarding and financially demanding.


While small gatherings can be managed under ₹1 lakh, others easily run into several lakhs, according to organisers. Rayna Malhotra, a mother of two, said she once hosted a treasure-hunt-themed party that became too competitive for some children. “The idea was they had to complete tasks to get clues and win. It sounded fun but led to heartache for those who couldn’t keep up,” she said. “Next time, we chose something more inclusive.”

The surge in elaborate celebrations has created a new ecosystem of small businesses — from custom return-gift sellers to theme-based event planners. “If I want a loyal customer base, I need to track what kids are into these days,” says Dia Nangwal, who runs a social media page focused on personalised return gifts.

Bakers and venue owners are also adapting. Noida-based baker Mitali Saxena said, “We offer catering based on the party theme. For a unicorn birthday, cookies are in unicorn shapes; for car-themed parties, cupcakes have car fondants.”

Even farmhouses and private venues now cater to birthday parties. One Delhi parent recalled a circus-themed celebration held on a farmhouse that featured games, shows, and rides. “It felt like a mini carnival,” the parent said. Another mentioned a party where each child received branded wireless headphones as return gifts.

Despite the growing extravagance, some parents remain nostalgic for simpler times. “Children today are spoilt for choice,” says Tanya Sharma, a Jungpura resident. “Many families still prefer home celebrations, but the peer pressure around birthdays keeps growing.”

(With inputs from TNN)