A study of 1,000 mums and dads of children up to 12 years old found 50 per cent treat parenting like a competition, including sports day (34 per cent), social media likes (26 per cent) and bake sales (26 per cent).
And 53 per cent want to out-do others at Halloween specifically – by providing the best sweets for trick or treaters (34 per cent), hosting the best party (31 per cent) and even curating the creepiest playlists (27 per cent).
The research was commissioned by long-life bakery brand Baker Street and found mums and dads spend an average of £22.76 on their youngster’s fancy dress outfits and £26.02 on home-made garments.
A further £28.36 is forked out on decorations for the home and £26.04 on food or ingredients when hosting.
And 49 per cent admitted they have become more competitive about the spooky seasonal event since becoming a parent.
Chris McLaughlin, commercial director at Baker Street said: “The results show some humorous competition between parents around a celebration which is mainly for their kids.
“In the days of social media everything is more competitive because people want the most traction on content of their home, fashion and family, Halloween is clearly another time of the year to embrace this.
“Parents are also keen to impress when it comes to food and drink, including their table spread if hosting for others.
“Whether it’s home baking treats or making hot dogs look like ‘mummy’s fingers’, it’s an important time to impress the family – and indeed the competition – with food.”
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