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Britons splash out on baby showers

Around 3.9 million baby showers are held in the UK each year, new research from bank cahoot suggests.

The special celebration, which sees family and friends gather round for a gift-giving to expectant parent, has previously been thought of as an American tradition.

Nevertheless, Britons appear to be taking to the concept - and firing up their credit cards to buy expensive presents.

Baby clothes were found to be given by 63 per cent of baby shower guests - with toys (22 per cent), trinkets and jewellery for mum (15 per cent) and toiletries (nine per cent) also popular.

Matthew Timms Head of cahoot, commented: "Britons are always looking for more ideas for things to do with their money. They've certainly fallen hook, line and sinker for US style baby showers, and are now spending a small fortune on presents for mum and baby.

"It’s a great way to celebrate a new life and the start of a new chapter."

Baby showers have appeared on episodes of the popular TV shows Friends, Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives - perhaps explaining their mini popularity boom in Britain.

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