Families are expected to leave it late to buy Christmas gifts this year as household budgets are squeezed by high bills and prices. Sales in the UK toy sector are down so far in 2023, and parents may decide to wait until after December pay day before taking the festive plunge. But some are likely to join a growing trend of giving an early present on Christmas Eve. Analysts say there are signs of shoppers returning to physical stores. In a partial rebound after Covid, in-store sales are up by 3% at the expense of purchases online. Brian Simpson, of the Toy Retailers Association, said customers appreciated the advice of staff such as whether toys were appropriate for certain age groups, or how quickly batteries needed changing. The association has unveiled its DreamToys list of 20 products it expects to sell well this year. The items range in price from £8.99 to £149.99, but also display the industry's reliance on old favourites and renewal of successful brands. This year's list includes a robotic dog that passes wind - virtually, Barbies and Ninja Turtles that draw on recent film releases, and a variety of slow reveal toys aimed at ensuring children play with their presents beyond Christmas morning. For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used as part of the well-established game of Pictionary, and - to the relief of exhausted parents - Hot Wheels toy cars come with their own storage vehicle so children can tidy them up.
