Irish parents have been warned to buy their Christmas presents early this year before the price of children’s toys goes up.
The big day is still over three months away but Irish toy chain Smyths has confirmed that the prices are set to increase in the "next few weeks".
This comes after one mother noticed there could soon be a €75 increase on a popular Barbie Dollhouse toy.
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Jenna McCormack told RTE’s Liveline last week that the Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse was currently priced at €249.99 in Smyths stores but was advertised as €324.99 in the catalogue.
It appears that the 30% increase would be added to the toy nearer to Christmas.
Smyths confirmed to RTE that the prices are set to increase in the "next few weeks".
Shocked host Joe Duffy told listeners: “Given the pressure that people are under, if there is anyone in your house writing [to Santa] to get the Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse, today is the day to get it."
McCormack also noted that many other toys in the catalogue had similar increases or had increased in price from last year.
Smyths also advised parents to make a start on their Christmas shopping soon in case of stock issues closer to December.
A spokesperson for Smyths told the Irish Mirror: “We expect to be in good stock for the entire Christmas season but it’s difficult to assess the demand for every individual toy.
“For that reason, It is always a good idea to avoid disappointment and shop early,” the spokesperson said.
Another Irish toy store also warned about the cost of toys this year saying it has gone up “a lot”.
Supervisor at Banba Toymaster in Dublin, Wes Mulligan, told Extra.ie : "Parents won't be able to buy as much as they normally would, especially if they've got a couple of kids, they'll have to really cut back on how much they buy."
He continued: "It will take away from them. It's gone up a lot [the price]."
"We're coming into the colder months now and bills will take priority.”
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