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Prices of top Christmas toys can vary by up to 70% – how to avoid getting ripped off

Use price comparison websites to find the best bargains

SAVVY shopping could save you an absolute fortune this festive season – as the price of some of the most popular Christmas toys can vary by a whopping 70 per cent.

Amazon and Tesco are among the most budget-friendly retailers this Christmas, selling best-selling toys cheaper than rival online stores, a report from Profitero reveals.

When purchasing kids' toys online in time for Christmas you could be paying a lot more than necessary
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When purchasing kids' toys online in time for Christmas you could be paying a lot more than necessaryCredit: Getty Images

There is a vast difference in product pricing, as compared to online sales at Toys R Us, best-selling toys are being flogged 15 per cent cheaper at Amazon and eight per cent cheaper on Tesco.com.

In one case, the price of one popular toy is a bank-busting 70 per cent higher on Toys R Us than it is on Amazon.

The Profitero analysis takes the price of products on Amazon and compares them to the retail value of the same products online at Tesco, Argos and Toys R Us.

Buying online at Toys R Us didn't prove to be the most cost-effective option
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Buying online at Toys R Us didn't prove to be the most cost-effective optionCredit: Getty Images

As eight of the 10 best sellers are available on all four sites, they are placed into a basket ready for comparison.

Amazon proved to be the best value, as the basket purchased on the online retail giant was eight per cent cheaper than the average price among all four retailers.

The same basket bought from Toys R Us proved to be seven per cent pricier.

Grabbing your gifts on Amazon could help you save some cash
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Grabbing your gifts on Amazon could help you save some cashCredit: Getty Images

In the top 10 toys, Finding Dory My Friend Dory is on average 74 per cent more expensive online at ToysRUs (£49.99) than on Amazon (£28.77).

Profitero UK strategy and insights director Andrew Pearl told : “As Christmas approaches, we’re coming in to the most important buying season for toys.

“It’s vital for brands and retailers to closely monitor their performance on the digital shelf to remain competitive.

“Savvy shoppers are increasingly researching products online to choose the best deals.”

It’s easier to make sure that you’re getting the best deal than you might think.

Searching your item of choice on price comparison website will reveal what the most budget-friendly online retailer is.

Google also offers a shopping service that gives users a run-down of all the different pricing options available.

Signing up to a free cashback service could save you money as you buy presents
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Signing up to a free cashback service could save you money as you buy presentsCredit: Getty Images

Purchasing products through cashback sites is another simple way to save money on your Christmas prezzies this year.

Sign up to a free cashback site to see what savings you can make when buying gifts online.

Two sites that could save you money this Christmas are and .

As you are drumming up the websites revenue by purchasing gifts through them, they will reward you with cashback.