23rd OCTOBER: With the Toy Retailer’s Association (TRA) launching its top toys list on Monday 26th October, shopping comparison site Kelkoo.co.uk predicts the best-selling toys this Christmas and is warning UK shoppers to buy the most sought after gifts early to avoid price increases and stock shortages.

With the UK slowly moving out of recession and a fragile retail sector in much need of a financial cash injection this Christmas, retailers have planned carefully this year. Ensuring that goods are reasonably priced, that there is a good range of merchandise to suit all requirements, and have avoided overstocking so there will be less need for discounting to clear the leftovers.

Kelkoo research reveals that the average UK family is set to spend £228 on children’s toys alone this year. Based on the latest search trends and industry analysis Kelkoo also predicts a ‘return to retro’ as it announces the top selling children’s toys to be snapped up this Christmas. A flashback to the 80’s is on the cards with Transformers, Lego and Star Wars toys topping the most wanted list.

Kelkoo calculates that shoppers could save an average of 20% on high street prices 3 by shopping online, which would help ease the pressure on parents’ Christmas budgets.

Bruce Fair, Managing Director of Kelkoo UK, comments: “Retailers have gone on record to say they’re holding less stock this year. This means consumers will find that popular gifts may be out-of-stock or their prices inflated. We’re advising parents to plan ahead and carry out their shopping early.

“This Christmas we expect to see parents choosing more traditional gifts that will give them longer lasting value, such as LEGO. Many families will be shelling out over £200 on toys this Christmas, and after being hit by a tough economic year, parents will be looking to get the most out of this year’s Christmas purchases ? both in terms of the product’s lifespan and value for money. Shopping online will be one of the best ways of finding savings on some of the most popular gifts this year.”

Kelkoo’s Top Christmas Toy List:

Transformers Bumblebee Helmet
£49.99 RRP on the high street
£43.50 via Kelkoo
Saving you £6.49 (13%)

LEGO Minotaurus
£22.99 RRP on the high street
£14.86 via Kelkoo
Saving you £8.13 (35%)  

Ben 10 Alien Force Quickshot Game
£16.99 RRP on the high street
£12.99 via Kelkoo
Saving you £4.00 (24%)

Peppa Pig Tumble and Spin Memo Game
£12.99 RRP on the high street
£9.99 via Kelkoo
Saving you £3.00 (23%)

LEGO Creative Building 5585 Pink Brick Box
£14.99 RRP on the high street
£13.99 via Kelkoo
Saving you £1.00 (7%)

Star Wars: Science Jedi Telescope
£29.99 RRP on the high street
£25.40 via Kelkoo
Saving you £4.59 (15%)

Bakugan Starter Pack
£17.99 RRP on the high street
£12.79 via Kelkoo
Saving you £5.20 (29%)

Nerf n strike raider
£34.99 RRP on the high street
£30.00 via Kelkoo
Saving you £4.99 (14%)