Retro toys to sell big, as UK is expected to spend £6.4bn online this Christmas

With the Christmas shopping season now in full-swing, the items that are set to be the must-have gifts this festive period are starting to rear their heads. With UK shoppers expected to spend £6.4 billion online this year according to the IMRG, it seems that old-school toys will be topping many a Christmas wish-list.

Ben Fowler, Head of Buying and Merchandising at Firebox.com, said: “Retro toys are popular once again – a mixture of big-kids and new online audiences enjoying things the second time around, mean that products such as Bigtrak is back in a big way this year and many Firebox customers are very excited about the 80’s toy.

“We expect the iconic, established brands to be a popular part of everyone’s Christmas wish-lists, so products such as Polaroid cameras and Lego licensed products will continue to sell well.”

Tech gifts are also on course to hit big sales numbers in the next few weeks, with tablets and games accessories so far proving most popular.

Ulric Jerome, MD at PIXmania, said: “Tablets are on course to be among the big hitters over the next few weeks, especially since we’ve seen a number of new models arrive, which are starting to have a slice of Apple’s pie. E-Readers are also going down a storm, proving particularly popular as presents for parents and grandparents. Topping the wish list has to be the Microsoft Kinect which is like hot cakes at the moment as it appeals to both kids and families, we expect this to be the number 1 gift this Christmas.”

Personally, I’d be happy with a new pair of slippers, but by all means get me an iPad if you loyal Tech Digest readers feel generous, I won’t complain.