Irish children who made their First Communion this year received an average of €546 as gifts.

A new survey by Ulster Bank also shows parents spent roughly €836 on their child’s big day – an increase of 12% from last year.

The annual spend on children’s First Communions shows that parents are forking out a lot more for entertainment after the ceremony.

Ulster Bank’s survey shows that parents spent almost €150 on things to keep the kids happy, like bouncy castles, which is 25% more than last year.

The average spend on party celebrations and food and drink was also up by 13%, to €370.

A child’s outfit for the day cost around €176, while €56 was spent on doing girls’ hair and make-up.

More than one in five children got a whopping €800 as presents this year.