Our top tips for cutting toy costs and bagging top Christmas gifts for less — plus find out high street deals from Sun Savers
ARE you making a list and checking it twice?
The annual DreamToys list of the 12 most popular toys for Christmas was released yesterday.
But buying them all could set you back almost £580.
While some of the goodies on the must-have list are only a tenner, others are more than £100.
So what is the best way to make sure your kids can play without you having to pay too much?
Today we have teamed up with toy expert Peter Jenkinson, from , to bring you the insider tips on bagging the best buys.
Peter said: “Toys can be a wonderful way to entertain and teach your kids. But they can be expensive.
"A few savvy ideas mean you will have the magic of Christmas without the hefty cost.”
- If you have the cash, shop now rather than closer to Christmas. Retailers cut the number of really big offers as the big day approaches. But there are currently lots on, including low prices on the Dream Toys list.
- Register for email and text stock alerts which tell you when new items come in or go on offer. You do have to act quickly, but these can be a valuable part of your Christmas shopping arsenal.
- Visit an actual toy shop, especially an independent retailer, if you have one nearby. These people really know their building bricks from their elbows and they might make you a deal if you are buying toys for all your family members.
- Don’t be suckered into paying over the odds for this year’s hot toys. Find similar replacements which can be better value.
- Stocking fillers are just that — fillers. Recent data showed we are spending record amounts on what goes in the socks. Make them fun again with perhaps even a tangerine or two.
- Use your loyalty points. Check if your scheme offers a double-up day to make your cash go twice as far.
- Buy less. Don’t pad out the present pile with plastic tat. Choose quality toys which will last and give the family years of value.
- Seen something the children really want but can’t afford it? Give them an IOU and buy it in the Boxing Day sales. It will make the magic of Christmas last even longer.
Christmas bargains
- TOYS R US is offering two for £15 on selected toys plus a free £10 giftcard when you spend over £100.
See . - SMYTHS TOYS has up to 25 per cent off selected Peppa Pig toys.
See . - THE ENTERTAINER has a pre-festive clear-out with up to 60 per cent off selected items.
See
Reader's top tip of the day
JEANETTE WRIGHT, from Southport, Merseyside, says: “Don’t just look on coupon sites for discount vouchers. Join up to brand pages and deal-hunting groups on Facebook and you will find lots of extra codes all in one place.”
- Send tips to [email protected] and you will get 28 codes worth £5 if yours is used. Please include your name and town.
Don't waste money
SAVE BIG: Here’s a bright idea to save cash – this HOME 30-litre round, push-top kitchen bin in red will complete your kitchen’s Christmas look.
Was £34.99 now £17.49 at Argos.
SAVE: £17.50
SAVE SMALL: Surcare Sensitive Super Conditioner, 980ml. Was £6 now down to £4 at The Co-operative Food. Offer ends Tuesday.
SAVE: £2
Give pricey hotels a rest
BOOKING a hotel between today and November 18 can save as much as 41 per cent, the Best Time to Book report from TripAdvisor reveals.
- NEW site automatically finds discount codes for the store you are shopping at.
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