B&M reveals list of affordable Christmas toys and the prices start at £2.99

BARGAIN retailer B&M has just revealed its affordable Christmas toys list - and prices start as low as £2.99.

Christmas can be an expensive time of year for cash-strapped families, especially for those looking for gifts for their kids.

This week, DreamToys released its top toys list and many of this season must-haves are pretty pricey.

The most expensive is a £135 for Tyler the Playful tiger - a cute little cub which responds to petting and talking.

Meanwhile, the Lego BB-8, inspired by the Star Wars movie, will set you back almost £85.

The Lol Surprise from Smyths toys is the only item on the list that costs under £10.

So to help bargain hunting parents, B&M has now released a list of 12 affordable top toys that it claims are cheaper version of this year's wallet busters.

Some are almost identical to this year's most popular items, including a mini Hatchimal for just £4.99.

A Worldeeze Globe, which looks very similar to a Lol Surprise, is also selling for £2.99.

Of course, it's worth noting that these toys are not exactly the same.

For example, the retailer's interactive unicorn can walk and wiggle but it won't respond to petting or roar back at you like Tyler the tiger, which has over 100 sound and motion combination.

But for parents who on a budget it is worth checking to see what B&M has on offer.

Toy store Hamleys also released its top stocking fillings and they all cost under £5.

You can also check these websites if you want to make sure what you're buying is a real bargain.

Some of these DreamToys can also be more expensive, but we've compared the cheapest prices found at rival retailers.

Here's the bargain retailer's top toy list:

Hatchimals

Hatchimals Surprise vs Hatchimal Mini Plus Toy

The Hatchimal craze swept the nation last year and is once again one of the most sought after gifts this Christmas.

The toy is essentially an egg that hatches revealing a neon coloured furry creature which will interact with you.

Unlike regular Hatchimals, the surprise edition sporns twin fuzzy animals.

The recommended retail price for a Hatchimals Surprise is £75 - although, you can currently find it for £69.99 at the Entertainer.

Still it is much more expensive than the mini version which costs just under £5 at B&M.

The fluffy bargain toy is of course smaller and the egg won't hatch like the original version.

But it's cute and certainly lovable in its own way.

Animated toys

Fur Real Roarin' Tyler vs Interactive Unicorn

Tyler the playful tiger is pretty much the robotic alternative to a cat but comes with a hefty price tag of £135. The cheapest price we found was £94.98 at Toys R Us.

B&M's interactive unicorn which costs £29.99 can walk and wiggle - but it won't be able to roar back at you like Tyler.

Still if your kid wants an animated toy this Christmas - which are notoriously expensive - it is worth having a look at this unicorn.

Star Wars

Star Wars: BB-8 vs BB-8 Action figure

B&M's BB-8 Action figure looks just like the heroic character in Stars Wars.

It is selling for about £50 and comes with authentic lights and sounds, hidden compartments and an interactive button.

The original Lego version costs about £85 - so, you could make a saving of more than £30.

Of course, if your kids like the experience of building Lego as opposed to just being Star Wars fans, this might not be the alternative you're looking for.

It's also worth noting that the original Lego version can be found for cheaper on Amazon.

Laser game

Laser X vs Spider-Man Mega Laser Set

Laser X is the ultimate high-tech game which allows you to shoot your mates with a flashing laser gun.

The two-player pack comprises a pair of long-barrelled white laser guns with flashing lights, each connected by a wire to a light-up target that straps to your chest.

The super sophisticated game can cost up to £50.

The bargain alternative is aimed at Spiderman fans and includes vests and laser guns with infra-red technology. It will cost you £30 – a saving of £20.

Car racing games

Nerf Nitro Longshot Smash vs Racing Track Shooterz

If your kid is into car racing games, it’s definitely worth checking out what the bargain retailer has on offer.

The racing Track Shooters from B&M cost £12.99 and you can also get two for £20.

The 3.6 metre long track features 360 loop and includes score card to rate your performance and compare it with friends.

It’s a nice alternative if you think the Nerf Nitro Longshot, which is selling for £19.99 at Argos, is too pricey.

Paw Patrol toys

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller vs Paw Patrol Vehicle & Pup Patroller

Paw Patrol seems to be one of the brands all kids go crazy for this year- so B&M is offering parents a great way to buy some of your children's favourite characters for a bargain price.

If money is tight then you might be interested in buying the Paw Patrol Vehicle & Pup Patroller instead of the more pricey Sea Patroller.

The bargain version is smaller but you'll get a pup and a vehicle - so it is a decent alternative to the original one.

Playsets

PJ Masks Headquarters Playset vs Paw Patrol Lookout Tower Playset

Parents will also recognise their kids' favourite film and TV characters represented by PJ Masks Headquarters Playset and Paw Patrol Tower Playset.

This time the Paw Patrol one is cheaper. If your kids aren't too fussy then you might want to downgrade.

LOL Surprise

Lol Surprise Series 2 vs Worldeez Globe

Since the Lol Surprise ball was launched in March this year, over half a million of the toys have been sold in the UK alone.

Each ball usually contains five layers of toys and becomes a key or bath playset.

The £9.99 small Lol Surprise is already a much cheaper alternative to the super-size version - the Lol Surprise Big Surprise ball - which costs a whopping £59.99 and boast 50 gifts in each ball.

Despite its hefty price and popularity a mum this week issued a scathing review of of the much-hyped toy on Facebook after being left unimpressed by the contents.

Fortunately, if you're looking for an alternative to the brand you can try our B&M's version for £2.99.

It might not have as many gadgets but it's a much cheaper alternative.

Playhouses

Enchantimals Playhouse Panda Set vs My Princess Playhouse Set

This multi-level panda playhouse, which costs £32.99 and comes with an exclusive Prue Panda doll will inspire your kids to create enchanting adventures.

But the bargain version for £12.99 also has lots of accessories and even lights and sound to bring the magic to life.

Family game

Toilet Trouble Game vs Egg Splat Game

If you're looking for a fun game enjoy with your kids both the Toilet Trouble Game and the Egg Splat Game are great options.

In Toilet Trouble, players twist the spinning toilet paper roll and the number that turns up dictates how many times each player must flush the toilet

Of course, by opting for the Egg Splat Game - in which players take turns picking plastic eggs and pressing them on their heads - you'll save more than £10 and you might have just as much fun.

Mini Figures

Fingerlings Mini Figures vs Paw Patrol Mini Figures

The Fingerlings Baby Monkeys, which cost £14.99, come to life with over 50 animations to let you know how they feel.

The sweet and silly critters make realistic monkey sounds. Their hands can grip on to your finger, spoons and the edge of your notebook.

FESTIVE FRENZY DreamToys top Christmas presents 2017 includes LOL Surprise, Paw Patrol and Star Wars lego…here’s where to buy them cheapest

That's probably why they also cost £8 more than the B&M's Paw Patrol figures - although, if your kid is a fan of the brand it might be a nice alternative.

Stretchable toys

The Original Stretch Armstrong vs The Stretch and Shout Turtle

The Original Stretch Armstrong can be twisted and tied in knots but he will always come back to his original shape and size.

But for £9 less you can get a bargain stretchable turtle and it will even scream - the harder you pull the louder it will shout.

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