Buy gifts now – don’t pay later

PARENTS are being urged to shop early for toys to avoid tears on Christmas Day.

Analyst Frederique Tutt warned stocks will be low as the festive season nears.

She added: “With anticipated supply chain shortages and resultant price increases on the cards, people need to shop early if they know what toys the children in their lives want.”

Shopkins, Fidget Pops and building sets are expected to be on most Xmas lists.

Last year, Brits heeded the shortage warning with a third starting festive shopping in September and October, an NPD Group study found.

Its figures show toy sales are already up 10 per cent on 2019 and shoppers are splashing out nine per cent more per item, paying an average of £8.52, compared with £7.81 over the same period.