Stick to what it says in the letter to Santa

ANY savings that you make from hunting down the best online Christmas present deal will be Pyrrhic if the Christmas toy is not appreciated by picky children.

Alan Simpson, chairman of the Toy Retailers Association and owner of a 22-strong nationwide chain of Toytown shops, says: ‘I can’t think of a better way to avoid Christmas Day misery than to visit a toyshop with a child – and see their reaction to the multitude of toys before their eyes.

‘Buying via the internet can save money but the pound or two you save is nothing compared to the quality of service and joy that getting a child the gift they really want brings.’

On the horizon are Black Friday – November 27 – and Cyber Monday (three days later) when Christmas bargains will be on offer.

But Jody Baker, head of money at comparison website comparethemarket, warns: ‘Do not allow a rush of blood to go to the head – and the prospect of a bargain – to cloud your Christmas shopping plans. Maintain a clear idea of what you want to buy and stick to it.

‘Do not deviate too far from the letter the children wrote to Santa as you might end up buying presents they do not want – and you are either forced to return or quietly give to charity in the New Year.’

For those who know what gifts they want to buy on the internet, so-called ‘shopbots’ – tools that trawl the market for the best prices – will help find online bargains.

Indeed, consumer website MoneySavingExpert has a ‘MegaShopBot’ facility that finds the best deals from major ‘shopbot’ providers including Kelkoo, 123 Price Check and foundem.