Traditional toys top Christmas list
Survey shows big savings made from shopping around
OLD-STYLE prams and doll houses are challenging hi-tech toys on children's wishlists this Christmas -- but it pays to shop around before you splurge.
A survey by the Irish Independent found that some of this year's top-selling toys vary in price by as much as €18.
For example, a Mickey Mouse Dance Star figure costs €89 at Littlewoods, but can currently be bought for just over €70 at Smyths.
And a Cars Secret Finn McMissile Spy Attack from the summer hit movie 'Cars 2', which Littlewoods tips as its top-selling toy this Christmas, costs €40 from its website, compared with €29 at Smyths where it has been reduced from €37.
A Girltech Fijit interactive toy, meanwhile, retails for €69 at Littlewoods, but is currently €14 cheaper than that at Smyths.
The Littlewoods list of the top 10 toys this year includes many items that will appeal to traditionalists, such as Lego -- albeit a rather pricey 'Star Wars' model -- as well as a wooden doll house and dolls' prams.
However, there are also some more hi-tech items designed specifically for children, such as the V-Tech Kidizoom Twist Digital camera, or a V-Tech tablet offering kiddie-oriented computer games.
Giant
Though their toys came out more expensive than at Smyths in our survey, Littlewoods' prices in Ireland are generally a little lower than those charged by the retail giant in the UK.
Littlewoods does not charge for delivery within Ireland, while Smyths also advertises free delivery for many items.
However, not all items are available at both outlets, meaning that parents with a specific toy in mind would do well to shop around early to avoid being disappointed closer to the big day.
- Aideen Sheehan Consumer Correspondent
Irish Independent
