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When the annual DreamToys list comes out, you know that the real countdown to Christmas can begin. For cash-strapped parents up and down the country bracing themselves for a battle to acquire the most-wanted toys in time for the big day, it is a relief to hear that eight out of the 12 toys featuring on the list this year are priced at well below £50.
Christmas is indeed an occasion when families can enjoy all kinds of fun and wonderful festive activities together, but we mustn’t forget that there are many who feel the financial strains even greater at this time of year. Parents sometimes feel guilty and under pressure to deliver what their kids have dreamt about receiving from Santa and so any way they can find to save money is going to be very welcome.
While spending on toys this Christmas is set to rise – market research company the NPD Group expect annual sales in Britain to top £3billion (up from £166million) – the average price is actually down from £7.69 to £6.95. This has been helped by a greater interest in low-priced and collectable toys.
So with many of this year’s must-have toys available to consumers at more affordable prices, it is worth taking a look at these three excellent competitively-priced Christmas gift options for your little ones to consider:
Kidizoom Smart Watch by Vtech (£39.99) – for ages five to 12
One rechargeable Lithium-Ion Polymer battery required (built-in)
The Kidizoom Smart Watch. Photograph: VTech Electronics
Smartwatches are in high demand right now, so it is no surprise that this particular kid-friendly technology is one of the coolest gadgets to own this Christmas. The multi-functional Kidizoom Smart Watch is fun to use and easy to navigate, with a built-in camera and stopwatch amongst its many impressive features.
If you can get it at the cheaper price of £23.99 at stores such as Toys R Us, you’ll be lucky though, as stock shortages have led to retailers pushing up the price to closer to its recommended retail level.
Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa (RRP £34.99) – for ages three and up
Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa. Photograph: Jakks Pacific
Three AAA batteries required
A year on since Disney released its animated musical fantasy tale about two sisters, the clamour for all things Frozen has shown little sign of abating. In fact, demand for official Disney merchandise has only really started to be met in recent weeks. So, you can imagine that top of any Elsa fan’s Christmas wish list is going to be the Snow Glow Elsa.
Kids can relive their favourite bits from the movie with a doll that comes to life with a flurry of light and sound. By touching Elsa’s necklace, the dress magically lights up and the Snow Glow Elsa talks. Raise her arm and your kids can sing along to the hit song “Let it Go”. With 15 sounds and phrases to experience, this toy is bound to be a big hit in your household.
Bop It! Beats (RRP £21.99) – for ages eight and up
Bop-It! Beats. Photograph: Hasbro
Three AA batteries required
With the prospect of spending less on Christmas present purchases this year, it is important not to offset any savings made by paying over the odds on the things that power many of them. When it comes to buying batteries, be clever and stock up on great-value products whenever you possibly can.
By doing your Christmas battery shopping with a specialist supplier like BuyaBattery, you can be extra savvy, getting a good deal on power solutions like the popular AA and AAA types to satisfy even the most power-hungry of devices and choosing from a whole host of rechargeable options to boot.
Vanessa Cameron says
There are so many offers available, we need to think about using the dark cold evenings wisely…How did we manage without the internet!!