Parents paying £25 extra for Christmas toys due to easy mistake

Parents are paying up to 70% extra buying top Christmas toys due to an easy mistake. Mums and dads are being ripped off by up to 70% through Christmas toy “sales” put on by retailers, it has emerged, ahead of the Christmas rush.

The Sun newspaper has found some hefty discrepancies in price between the big-name brands, some as much as £25. The Hot Wheels Ultra Shark Car Wash set was 70% cheaper in one store while The Furby Galaxy Electronic Plush is another popular toy this Christmas and The Numberblocls Musical Superstar Stage set had a £15 difference.

Consumer expert Martyn James said: “Endless sales, misleading discounts, outright fibs. It’s almost impossible to know if you’re getting a bargain when shopping online. So arm yourself by being cynical about everything.” Martyn said: “As this essential research from the Sun shows, the price for some of the most ‘in-demand’ items can vary considerably between retailers.

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“So it’s vital that you shop around and don’t just stick to the big shops.” Martyn added: “Shops rely on you being loyal and making snap purchases. So, view every offer as dodgy and spend a few minutes finding the best deal.”

The newspaper checked a list of the top 10 most popular toys this year based on picks by experts at Amazon, Argos, Hamleys and Good Housekeeping. Price differences included a £9.999 difference between Hamleys and The Entertainer when it came a Moana doll, as well as £6 difference in Drop Trivia from Game to Argos. Other differences included £20 for a Furby Galaxy, £2 for a LOL Surprise Mermaid and £25 between the Hot Wheels.

The Sun found that the Hot Wheels City Ultra Car Wash set costs £60 at Asda but just £34.99 at Smyths, Amazon, and Very.co.uk, ahead of the festive rush.