Why Toys Are Bigger Than Ever This Christmas
We’re not talking physically bigger than ever, although there are always a number of very large stuffed toys on the market at this time of year. No, we mean the sheer amount of money we’re predicted to spend on toys this Christmas. You might not think this is particularly surprising seeing as a) we always spend a lot of money on toys at Christmas and b) prices have a reputation for rising, but in the context of uncertain economic conditions, the predicted surge of toys sales to a whopping £3.3bn for the year (and that includes £1bn on Christmas alone) is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
So why such a huge increase, and if you’d rather not spend a fortune of toys this Christmas, what other options do you have? My Favourite Voucher Codes take a look at Argos to see what one of the country leading toy retailers has available this December for panicked parents…
The Return of the Must-Have Toy
Sometimes a toy emerges as un unprecedented frontrunner for kids up and down the country and this year it’s been Hatchimals. The fact that this wasn’t mentioned in many of the retailer predictions earlier on in the year shows that even the experts don’t always get it right, but unfortunately, this popularity also means that Hatchimals have almost all sold out with most of the larger suppliers. It’s retail price of £59.99 shows that parents are willing to splash out to get what their children want, and it’s reasonable to assume that many are now fetching much more than this thanks to a reduced supply.
Another toy that was highlighted a as potentially popular choice earlier in the year was the Furby Connect, an updated interactive version of the classic from several years back. This also came with a rather high retail price (£99.99), but is currently available through Argos promotional codes for £79.99. With figures showing that parents are spending an average of £105 on younger children, these two items certainly go some of the way to explaining the huge increase in toy sales.
Mid-Priced Options
The popularity of a toy isn’t always determined by its price tag (thank goodness otherwise we’d all be bankrupt) and there are still plenty of popular toys readily available that don’t cost the earth. Back in the summer, Argos predicted the SelficMic Selfie Stick Microphone (£19.99) would be a big seller along with the Silly Sausage Game (£19.99).
Stocking Fillers and Smaller Items
There’s something to be said for the saying ‘get them something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read’, especially if you’re trying to make a concerted effort to get your kids to focus on less materialistic things this Christmas. Retailers like Argos make a point of highlighting toys at a number of different price points, and this year Argos discount vouchers are offering access to a large range priced at under £10 as well those in the in their 2 for £15 deal. Noteworthy options for many a Christmas list include the Nerf Rebelle Diamondista Blaster and the Chad Valley Babies to Love Cuddly Ava Doll (£9.99 each or 2 for £15).
Argos voucher codes not only offer Christmas shoppers a wide choice of toys but also a reliable delivery service or click and collect option – something that can be essential at this time of year. So don’t despair if THE toy of choice has sold out because you can still find plenty to treat your children with if you know where to look.
By Anna Scott, 7th December 2016