Mothers benefit from children's wealth

MOTHERS may cherish the thoughts behind the gifts they receive from their children more than the shiny ornaments or fluffy toys themselves. But they should never take these tokens of affection lightly; they have top priority in the personal financial planning strategies of their offspring, writes Maria Scott.

We know this from research conducted for TSB among 300 11- to 20-year-olds who have a FirstSave account at the bank.

Mothers have more of the children's wealth showered on them than any other member of the family. Children spend an average of pounds 13 on birthday presents for their mothers, pounds 12.50 for their fathers, pounds 8.50 for brothers and sisters and pounds 7.80 for grandparents.

Parents, in turn, might find it somewhat difficult to fulfil the expectations of their offspring when it comes to birthday treats. Children attach great value to the idea of stars turning up to their parties. The top choice as guest among boys is Michelle Pfeiffer. Girls' first choice is Andre Agassi.

But politicians do not count as stars - only one in 100 children want John Major to turn up at their parties.

After stars, girls want treats on their birthdays, but boys prefer presents.