But those were simple days, when the only stress involved scraping sodden crisps and birthday cake off the carpet when the little monsters had gone home at 6pm.

Now the children’s party is a time of high anxiety as parents struggle to keep up with the demands of their offspring and dig deep into their pockets.

Britain’s children are serious party animals and determined to outshine their classmates when it comes to laying on a trendy birthday bash, a report suggests.

Peer pressure means that today’s kids probably will not be satisfied unless their big day is at a theme park or a ten-pin bowling centre and sustenance is provided by Ant & Dec sweets and crisps, Bart Simpson pizza, Dick & Dom chips, or David Beckham salad. The typical price: up to £300.

A birthday monitor from the confectioner Haribo indicates that party planning is no longer child’s play and leads to almost half of children (49 per cent) becomming stressed about their big day and nearly a third (31 per cent) of parents worrying about not meeting their youngsters’ expectations.

A competitive spirit seems to be the driving force, with nearly half (46 per cent) of 5 to 13-year-olds wanting to design a birthday celebration that is bigger and better than those their friends have held. The report says that this may explain why more than a third (35 per cent) claim that they are unable to sleep the night before the party.

Hundreds of children also fear that they will be left with cake on their face if friends do not show up (56 per cent). More than half (53 per cent) opt for safety in numbers by inviting ten or more guests.

One fear parents could allay is by assuring their child that they will not perform party tricks.

Nearly half of youngsters (43 per cent) worry that their parents will embarrass them on the day and one in ten (12 per cent) feels that their parents do not listen to them.

This might persuade parents to get out of the way altogether but if recent stories about what happens when older children are left on their own to run a house party are taken in to account, it could be better simply to stay put and be on guard. The survey of 1,572 children and 1,041 parents suggests that traditional games do not hit the spot any more, as more than two thirds (69 per cent) demand more sophisticated celebrations.

If it is not their guest list they are worrying about, it is their wardrobe.

A third (30 per cent) of children will not rest until they find the “right” outfit, while wearing the same clothes twice is a shocking fashion faux pas for almost two in five (39 per cent).

It is no surprise that 65 per cent of parents are concerned about costs. More than a fifth (21 per cent) are willing to spend £200 or more on their child’s special day.

Fathers are an easy touch, with one in ten (11 per cent) prepared to part with more than £300 to ensure that their youngsters have the time of their lives.

More than 40 per cent of parents say that they believe their child’s birthday is much more stressful than when they themselves were young — an era in which a 14p Mars bar was regarded as a treat.

Whether it is panicking over picking the right present (25 per cent), selecting a suitable venue (46 per cent) or managing the right menu (29 per cent), the pressure on parents is relentless.

Christian Freund, the marketing manager for Haribo, said: “While in some instances parents do understand their kids, it seems that in other ways they are poles apart when it comes to birthdays.”

NOW AND THEN

• Many birthday parties now include an activity trip
  
  
• Entry to Alton Towers for ten children and two adults costs £231
  
  
• A feast at home to follow would cost — about £20
  
  
• Goody bags with sweets and toys — £50
  
  
• Cost for the day — £301 (plus transport)
  
  
• In 1980, a birthday would usually have entailed just a party, possibly held at a leisure centre
  
  
• Cost of room hire — £10
  
  
• Food and drink — £30
  
  
• Goody bags — £15
  
  
• Cost for the day — £55

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