The average child’s Christmas wish list contains toys and gadgets worth close to £900 this year, a study has revealed. Researchers found that the average youngster spends two days compiling their Christmas wish list of the goodies they want receive from Father Christmas.
The long list of toys and games, including dolls houses, bikes and tablets, adds up to an average total of £880 per child.
But the study also found there could be a few disappointed youngsters this Christmas – with the average child receiving just £207 worth of toys and gadgets on Christmas Day.
A spokesperson for Early Learning Centre, which commissioned the research, said:
“For many children, putting together their wish list is the start of the Christmas build-up.
“Many take it very seriously to make sure Father Christmas delivers the exact presents they want.
“But with the value of children’s gift lists approaching the £1,000 mark, it could mean there are a few disappointed youngsters this year.
“Young children aren’t familiar with how much things cost so are unaware they may have chosen the most expensive toys, as well as many of the cheaper ones too.
“Christmas can be an expensive time for parents and no one wants a disappointed child on Christmas Day which is why we ensure our toys are affordable, fun and great quality.”
The study of 2,000 parents found that 72% of children compile a Christmas wish list every single year in the weeks and months leading up to the big day.
However, a third said their youngster usually believes they will receive every single item on it.
More than four in ten say their son or daughter highlights their most-wanted toys, while 16% of children even rate the items on their list in order of preference.
But 37% say they have had a Christmas upset due to a child not getting what they really wanted, or even because they didn’t get absolutely everything on their list.
The study also revealed that when it comes to putting their list together, children search two catalogues, visit three shops and surf two websites over the course of two days.
57% of kids get inspiration for their wish list from TV adverts, while another 37% put down toys they see friends playing with.
And while most children start putting their wish list together in October or November, one in twenty has got it sorted as early as August.
Researchers also found that when it comes to choosing what to buy, 51% of parents simply pick the items they can afford, while 61%t go for toys their children have spoken about the most.
But almost one in twenty parents admitted to choosing the toys they could play with themselves.
